SAN MATEO, Calif. – For the first time since 2003, the Portland Pilots have been picked to finish first in the West Coast Conference in the annual WCC Preseason Coaches Poll. Portland also had two players named to WCC Preseason Team in Jake Arteaga and George Tasouris.
The Pilots earned their pole position narrowly, earning three first-place votes and 43 total points to take the top spot. They were followed closely by Santa Clara, who also had three first-place votes but just 42 points. Pacific and Loyola Marymount also each earned one first-place vote, with 38 points and 34 points respectively.