West Coast Convo WCC Preseason Poll
By Josh Horton
March 6, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Portland Pilots guard Kevin Bailey (00) during player introductions against the Loyola Marymount Lions before the game of the WCC Basketball Championships at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
8. Portland
Record Last Season: 11-21 (4-12)
Key Loses: Derrick Rodgers
Key Returners: Ryan Nicholas, Thomas Van Der Mars, Kevin Bailey, Korey Thieleke, Bryce Pressley
Key Additions: Alec Wintering, Volodymyr Gerun
Coming off two very forgettable seasons where the pilots went a combined 18-45, head coach Eric Reveno and a very seasoned Portland squad are looking to surprise people throughout the West Coast.
Where the pilots really struggled last year was in taking care of the ball. With only one true point guard available they struggled to find an offensive rhythm all year. With the addition of true freshman Alec Wintering along with a healthy David Carr the pilots should be much improved from the point.
Portland also added sharp-shooter Bobby Sharp and versatile big man Voldy Gerun. Both should contribute to a deep bench.
In the end though if a few key players (Kevin Baily, Thomas van der Mars, and Bryce Pressely) can join the always steady Ryan Nicholas as consistent performers, the pilots should be much improved.
By David Thompson (@Davidvthompson)