Countdown 9/1/13

 69 days remain...

Today we'll get into some rebounding numbers for the first five teams, alphabetically, in the WCC.

BYU: Last season the Cougars were 1st in the WCC with 35.5 RPG but were just 3rd in rebound rate, due in part to their fast pace (72.5 possessions/40 minutes, 1st WCC). The Cougars are losing the players responsible for 52.04% of last season's rebounds.

Gonzaga: Last season the Zags were 3rd in the WCC with 34.1 RPG but ranked 1st in rebound rate. This discrepancy can be explained by the Zags' fantastic shooting percentage of 49.7%, 1st WCC/3rd nationally, which generated less offensive rebounding opportunities. The Zags are losing the players responsible for 57.74% of last season's rebounds.

Loyola Marymount: Last season the Lions were 5th in the WCC with 32.1 RPG and ranked 6th in rebound rate. The Lions are losing the players responsible for 32.17% of last season's rebounds (Ashley Hamilton accounted for 22.12% on his own). Incoming freshman Patson Siame, with his 7'2" wingspan, should help make up for Hamilton's absence.

Pacific: Last season the Tigers would have been tied, with San Diego, for 8th in the WCC with 29.7 RPG. They would have been seventh in rebound rate. While the Tigers are losing seven players to graduation, though none over 6'6", they will be returning the players responsible for most of their rebounds last season. The Tigers are losing the players responsible for 46.6% of last season's rebounds.

Pepperdine: Last season the Waves were 7th in the WCC with 31.0 RPG, but the Waves were unable to pull down over 50% of available rebounds leaving them to 8th in the WCC in rebound rate. The Waves will be losing the players responsible for 38.02% of last season's rebounds.