The Hilltoppers are a very talented team coming off of a 27-11 season, under veteran head coach Rick Stansbury. WKU shot 49% from the field last season, 35% from three, and a solid team average 71.7% from the free throw line. The Hilltoppers have lost 3 seniors that averaged over 11 ppg last season, but are bringing back 2 very skilled guards in senior Lamonte (Monte) Bearden, and sophomore Taveion Hollingsworth. WKU has also added the #6 recruit in the country, 5 star center Charles Bassey.This will be Stansbury's 3rd season as WKU's head coach, who improved dramatically over his first 2 season. Going from 15 wins in 2016/2017 to 27 wins in 2017/2018. He also has a ton of experience coaching Mississippi State from 1998 to 2012, taking the Bulldogs to 6 NCAA tournaments.is a 6'2 sophomore coming off of a freshman season where he averaged 13.3 points per game in 34.5 minutes per game. It is clear Hollingsworth will be a focal point in this offense, having 24 points in 25 minutes in WKU's exhibition. His highlights show very skilled guard who loves to spot up from three or mid-range, and doesn't hesitate to take it in for a tough layup or floater. Taveion shot 48% last season and 37.8% from the three, had multiple games over 20 points, and even had 30 against North Texas and Oklahoma State in the NIT. Hollingsworth will be a tough test for the Dawgs with him coming into his second season. Take a look at this 2017-2018 highlights here. is a 6'3 senior coming off of a junior season averaging 11.8 points per game on 27.7 minutes per game. Bearden is a very skilled, very smooth guard with fantastic handles and passing ability. He shot 47.6% from the field, 31% from three, and a very impressive 82.5% from the free throw line. Highlights show a smooth operator that does not hesitate to attack the basket. With multiple 20+ point games last season, Monte has the possibility of being a terror this season. Check out his 2017-2018 highlights here. is a monster 6'11, 245lb true freshman. Ranked the #6 player in the country last year, Charles averaged 19.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks. All while shooting 56.5% from the field and 42.2% from three. His highlights show an athletic dunker, blocker, and rebounder, who has the ability to pull up from mid-range. Bassey is truly a beast, and we'll see how Noah can work against him in the post after dropping 30 pounds. Here are some highlights from last year. and here are some highlights from their exhibition. Some other players to be on the lookout for arewho scored 17 points in 35 minutes, while shooting 5 of 13 from the 3 point line; and, who played 37 minutes with 9 points and 10 rebounds.The Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers are a promising tournament team coming off of a tremendous 2017-2018 season. They have some very solid returning players in Hollingsworth and Bearden, as well as a freak of a freshman in Bassey. It will be a tough test for the Huskies, but if they can keep WKU off the boards and keep the ball out of the paint (WKU was 8 of 31 from three in their exhibition), they should be able get the W.Go Dawgs!