The West Coast Conference Men’s Basketball Media Day took place at Resorts World in Las Vegas, and one of the biggest news of the morning was that Saint Mary’s had displaced Gonzaga as the top team in the preseason coaches poll. However, both teams are aware that this is just the beginning of a long season, and being picked to win doesn’t guarantee any wins.
Senior Alex Ducas of Saint Mary’s recognizes the honor of being chosen as the top team in the conference but emphasizes the need to block out the external noise and focus on the tasks ahead. Ducas, who played a crucial role in helping the Gaels earn a share of the crown with Gonzaga in 2023, knows that the team has to put in the work to prove themselves on the court.
Center Mitchell Saxen echoes Ducas’ sentiment, highlighting that league games don’t start until January, so there is still a lot of work to be done before then. Saint Mary’s understands that they have to continue working hard and improving as a team in order to stay competitive in the conference.
While being picked as the top team may bring attention and expectations, both Saint Mary’s and Gonzaga are focused on the long-term goal of success throughout the season. They understand that preseason rankings are just a reflection of expectations and that they have to earn their wins on the court.
For Saint Mary’s, displacing Gonzaga as the top team in the preseason poll is a significant achievement. Gonzaga has been a powerhouse in the conference for years, consistently dominating and earning national attention. By surpassing them in the polls, Saint Mary’s has set high expectations for themselves. However, they are well aware that the road to success will not be easy.
The Gaels understand the importance of focusing on their own game and not getting caught up in the external pressures and expectations. They are determined to keep the outside noise out and work diligently to improve as a team. Despite the preseason rankings, they know that every game will be a battle and that they must bring their best effort to every matchup.
Gonzaga, on the other hand, finds themselves in an unusual position of not being the preseason favorites. However, this is a team that thrives under pressure and has proven themselves time and time again. They understand that preseason rankings don’t define their season and that they have the talent and ability to compete with any team in the conference.
Both Saint Mary’s and Gonzaga are well aware that the West Coast Conference is a highly competitive league, with several teams capable of making a run for the title. They know that they have to bring their best every game and that there are no guarantees of success.
As the season progresses, the battle between these two teams will likely be intense. Saint Mary’s will try to hold onto their top spot and prove that they are deserving of the preseason honor, while Gonzaga will be motivated to reclaim their position as the team to beat in the conference.
Overall, the news of Saint Mary’s displacing Gonzaga atop the preseason coaches poll at the West Coast Conference Men’s Basketball Media Day signals the start of an exciting and competitive season. Both teams are well aware that preseason rankings mean little once the games begin, and they are focused on putting in the work and proving themselves on the court. The battle for conference supremacy will be fierce, and fans can expect an exhilarating season ahead.
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