WCC prognostications

Sam Vecenie run downs what to expect in the West Coast Conference in the 2015-16 season. Two excerpted items:

"Saint Mary's loses quite a bit of talent from last year's team

Coach Randy Bennett is legitimately a wizard. He's one of the top coaches in the country, in my opinion, and this team won't be as bad as the roster currently looks. But he really has his work cut out for him right now. Saint Mary's lost five seniors off of last year's team, including Waldow, Carter, Aaron Bright, Desmond Simmons, and Garrett Jackson -- all of whom played significant minutes on last season's roster. Plus, the team only will have 11 scholarship players next season due to sanctions from international recruiting practices. They will get transfer Joe Rahon into the mix, but I'm not sure it'll be enough to make this anything better than a rebuilding season."

and

EARLY GUESS AT LEAGUE STANDINGS

4. Saint Mary's: This is still a talented group, but it doesn't have a lot of depth unless freshmen step up. Still, Bennett is good enough to where I think they'll be fine.

6. Santa Clara: Jared Brownridge is also a terrific guard, plus maybe transfer Brendyn Taylor can come in and make an impact from USC. Still, it'll be tough to replace Brandon Clark.

7. San Francisco: The Dons lose both Tollefson and Kruize Pinkins from what was a really strong frontcourt last year. Devin Watson came on late during the team's solid stretch to end the season.

9. Pacific: A young group from last year could mature and push for a top-eight spot in the league. Coach Ron Verlin will likely want to see progress on last year, too.