Men's college basketball in the West Coast Conference (WCC) is witnessing an unprecedented resurgence with the No. 24 Gonzaga Bulldogs leading the pack. Coach Mark Few's squad is determined to reclaim their dominance over the conference and etch their names in the annals of West Coast basketball history.

The Bulldogs have been a powerhouse in the WCC for over two decades, with 23 regular season conference championships under their belt. Their success stems from their relentless defense and potent offense, spearheaded by All-American Drew Timme and dominant big man Chet Holmgren.

However, this season, the WCC presents a unique challenge. Traditional rivals, such as Saint Mary's and BYU, are fielding talented and experienced teams. Saint Mary's, in particular, led by senior guard Tommy Kuhse, poses a significant threat to Gonzaga's supremacy.

Last season, Gonzaga fell short of their ultimate goal of a national championship, losing in the Final Four to Baylor. This year, they are determined to avenge that loss and prove themselves as the top team in the country. The Bulldogs have started the season with a 7-1 record, including an impressive victory over No. 14 UCLA.

Timme is averaging 19.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, while Holmgren is contributing 15.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks per game. Their dominance in the paint and exceptional defense have been instrumental in Gonzaga's early success.

Saint Mary's is not the only team looking to challenge Gonzaga's reign. BYU, under the leadership of first-year coach Mark Pope, has emerged as a legitimate contender. The Cougars have a deep and talented roster, featuring forward Caleb Lohner and guard Alex Barcello.

In addition to the traditional powers, up-and-coming programs like Santa Clara and Loyola Marymount are making waves in the WCC. Santa Clara, led by senior guard Brandin Podziemski, is off to a 6-2 start, while Loyola Marymount, under the guidance of coach Stan Johnson, is seeking their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1990.

The 2022-23 WCC season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and unpredictable in recent memory. Gonzaga faces a daunting challenge in defending their conference title, while their rivals are hungry to dethrone them.

The battle for West Coast supremacy will have national implications. A strong WCC conference tournament will likely send multiple teams to the NCAA Tournament, where they will represent the West Coast with pride.

The West Coast Conference is experiencing a resurgence, with Gonzaga leading the charge. However, the Bulldogs will face a formidable challenge from their rivals, who are determined to end their dominance. The 2022-23 season promises to be filled with intense competition, dramatic moments, and memorable performances.

The success of the West Coast Conference teams not only elevates the profile of the conference but also showcases the depth of talent in the region. As the conference continues to grow and improve, it will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the national college basketball landscape.

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