West Coast Convo’s WCC Individual Awards

Dec 28, 2013; Spokane, WA, USA; Santa Clara Broncos guard Jared Brownridge (23) warms up before a game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Freshman of the Year – Jared Brownridge (Guard, Santa Clara)

With freshman phenom Jared Brownridge, it is like Kevin Foster reincarnated into a different, more improved form.

Foster, who is the Santa Clara’s all-time leading scorer and the West Coast Conference’s second all-time leading scorer, was transcendent as a freshman. The Katy, Tex. product averaged 14.7 points during the 2008-2009 season and was co-newcomer of the year in the WCC.

Much like Foster, Brownridge was also named the WCC’s newcomer of the year as a freshman, but his stats are a tad more impressive.

The Aurora, Ill. native averaged 17.2 points this season, and shot a much better percentage than Foster ever did at Santa Clara. Foster’s best field goal percentage during his five years at Santa Clara was .412, which was posted during his freshman season. Brownridge’s field goal percentage this season? .454.

Long story short, Brownridge is on pace to do some pretty special things at Santa Clara. If I was a betting man, I would put money on Brownridge winning West Coast Conference player of the year before his time in Santa Clara is done. That’s how special he is.

Our Pick for preseason freshman of the year: Eric Mika