The WCC has always been known for having some incredible alums. Whether it was Steve Nash, John Stockton, or most notably Bill Russell, every team has produced elite talent throughout their program's history. That brings us to the current day, where the new age of talent is coming into the league. Let’s take a look at the projected all-freshman team in the WCC for the 2024-25 season.
Point Guard: Vincent Delano (Portland)
The 6’2 Freshman from Phoenix, AZ has been a huge part of the Pilots first 10 games. In those games, he has averaged 7.9 points per game on 44.3% from the field and 40.9% from beyond the arc. Delano’s two most notable games were against Oregon and Denver. Against the Ducks, he put up 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists while going 2-3 from three. The Pilots lost a close one in overtime to one of the best teams in the country. Delano will be a huge part of the Pilots season, especially if they win a few conference games.
Shooting Guard: Mikey Lewis (Saint Mary’s)
Lewis is a Norcal alum, graduating from Prolific Prep in 2024. He committed to Bennett and the Gaels, along with former teammate Zion Sensley. Sensley ended up decommitting from the Gaels not long after the Mahaney transfer news came out. This left Lewis with a lot on his shoulders to carry the incoming freshman class in Moraga. In nine games played, Lewis has put up 10.1 points per game, and has been one of the best scorers for the Gaels. His best performance of the season was against Nebraska, where he put up 23 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals. He went 5/7 from three against the Huskers, and led them to a 77-74 win over a Big Ten program. Lewis has been great off the bench this season, and looks to be a key piece in a potential championship caliber team in Moraga.
Small Forward: Tyrone Riley IV (San Francisco)
Riley IV has been incredible as a Freshman this season. The Freshman from Watts, CA has helped the Dons start 8-2. In nine games played, Riley IV has put up 12.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, and has been second on the Dons in scoring. His percentages are great as well, shooting 57.5 percent from the field and 40 percent from three. One of his most notable games was against Cal Poly in the opener. He put up 26 points, including 3 three-pointers to put his name on the map for Don fans. Three games later, against Chicago State, he put up 28 points, and went 5/6 from three. Even when he isn’t scoring at a high level, his game against Memphis with just two points was accompanied with 13 rebounds. This proves why Riley IV may be the best freshman in the WCC this season.
Power Forward: Ismaila Diagne (Gonzaga)
By far the weakest position in the Freshman class is at Power Forward. Diagne fits the criteria best, as an occasional rotation piece for the Zags. In three games this season, Diagne has put up 14 points this year in just 19 minutes. His potential is shown in his body, standing at 7'0, but has also proven in game what might be the future of the Zags. He has made 6 of his first 7 shots, and put up one block per game to accompany. In Gonzaga blowout wins, Diagne will be able to showcase his talent, and prove why he is the future of Gonzaga.
Center: Austin Rapp (Portland)
Rapp, a Freshman from Melbourne, Australia, has been great for the Pilots to start the season. In 10 games, the Pilots are just 3-7, but Rapp looks great. He has averaged 12.7 points per game, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. His shooting splits look good as well, shooting 41.9 percent from the field, 38.0 percent from three, and and 88.8 percent from the free throw line. Three of his best games came against Lewis and Clark, Long Beach State, and Denver. He put up 15, 18, and 20 points, respectively, while putting up 9, 4, and 6 rebounds. In each of those three games, he hit at least three three-pointers. Those three games also happened to be the Pilots’ three wins this season. This proves that if Rapp has a good game, Portland has a good chance to compete with most teams in the conference.
WCC Freshman of the Year: Tyrone Riley IV (San Francisco)
Out of the five contestants, Riley IV has proven the most. Some of the top Freshman are good for teams in the lower part of the power rankings. The players playing for the projected top teams aren’t necessarily as important to their respective teams as Riley IV. His role with one of the top teams in the conference proves that he will be the WCC Freshman of the Year.