Western Kentucky was picked as the preseason favorite to win Conference USA. Its returning talent included one of the top professional prospects in the league in center Charles Bassey.
What the Hilltoppers have done instead is found ways to win in the midst of that adjustment. Even without the 6-foot-11 Bassey standing guard on defense or serving as an automatic bucket in the paint on offense, WKU is making up for that absence and winning in the process.
WKU’s new identity meant finding ways to make up for Bassey’s 15.3 points and 9.2 rebounds he had in 10 games.