Gonzaga Bulldog guards Rasir Bolton and Malachi Smith were both named as preseason Jerry West Award candidates. The award goes to the best shooting guard in the nation.
Bolton transferred to Gonzaga last season, providing an instant spark in the rotation, averaging 11.2 points and shooting a team best 46 percent from long range. Ultimately, Bolton flirted a bit with the NBA Draft process before returning for his final year of college basketball.
Smith transferred to Gonzaga from Chattanooga this season. The guard averaged 19.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists last season for the Mocs.