Team Preview: Santa Clara

As we begin a new season, its time to take a look at the state of the West Coast Conference. This will be an 8 part series looking at all of the teams as we ramp up for the beginning of the season. We begin by looking at Santa Clara.

Santa Clara

2011-12: 8-22 (0-16 in Conference)

Statistical Leaders

Points: Kevin Foster 17.8
Rebounds: Niyi Harrison 6.3
Assists: Evan Roquemore 5.3

Outgoing Players

Jordan Akwenuke
Nick Lamson
Phillip Bach
Demetri Posey

Nothing of real significance was lost.

Incoming Players

Nate Kratch 6-6 210 F (Watertown, MN)

Kratch is a good shooting power forward. Just ask Sam Dower, being left handed at the collegiate level helps to create an advantage for a good shooting big man. Nate has a tendency to run the court well and know where to be to get the transition three, but also benefits from dribble penetration kick outs. He can definitely get his shot off in pressure.

Bob Hennen, Head Coach at Watertown/Mayer High School on Nate:

"Nate is a great player. He is so versatile on offense. He can hit the three, drive to the hoop, or post up. He is a great mid-range shooter. He can shoot off the dribble or off the catch.  Defensively, Nate is a great rebounder and shot blocker. Nate is able to defend in the post or on the perimeter. He works real hard in practice and is a great leader. He is well-respected by his teammates because of his commitment to success and his high character."

Schedule

With games against Duke and Saint Louis out of conference, and Gonzaga, Saint Mary's, and BYU in conference, the schedule is tough.There are definitely several easy games to be had in the non conference against the likes of Alcorn St., Eastern Washington, Cal Poly, UC Santa Barbara, Utah Valley, and USC Upstate.

Coaching Situation

Kerry Keating, he who most zag fans love to loathe, he of the slicked back hair and slimy demeanor is at a crossroads of sorts as he begins his 6th season as head coach of the Broncos. After not winning a WCC game last year, his seat is as hot as its ever been. The question is will the Broncos be improved? Time will tell.

Expectations

I fully expect the Broncos to improve upon last seasons record, but that is not saying much. Its hard to quantify the Broncs being any worse than last year. They will win a few games in conference, but this very well may be Coach Keating's last season if he cannot get his team to rally together.The leader is Kevin Foster, and he is most certainly a talented player, but with Evan Roquemore and Niyi Harrison still here as well there is a foundation that should be able to win games. I project 13 wins, 4 in conference, probably not enough to save Coach Keating's job.