1972 West Coast Conference Champions
Overall Record: 20-8 | WCC Record: 13-1
Head Coach: Bob Gaillard
Overall Record: 20-8 WCC Record: 13-1
All-WCC Team: Snake Jones
Top Scorer: Phil Smith (15.0) Top Rebounder: Snake Jones (14.0)
USF Hall-of-Famers: Johnny Burks, Mike Quick, Kevin Restani, Phil Smith, Bob Gaillard
In his first full season as head coach former USF standout guard Bob Gaillard led the Dons to their first West Coast Athletic Conference title in seven years and an appearance in the NCAA Western Regional. Byron “Snake” Jones was named to the WCAC all-league team averaging 14.8 points and 14 rebounds per game. Jones earned his nickname because he had a reputation for playing with the intensity and elusiveness of a King Cobra. Pepperdine learned what it was like to be “snake-bit” on February 3rd when Snake went off for 34 points and hauled down an amazing 27 rebounds in a 97-81 home win over the Waves.
The Dons roared through the WCAC with a 13-1 record with their only loss coming in overtime at the hands of their ancient rival Santa Clara on February 12th. Along the way the Dons scored 100 points or more on four occasions including a 106-72 rout of St. Mary’s on February 21st and a 113-65 blowout over Nevada-Reno on March 2nd. The Dons closed out WCAC play on March 8th gaining revenge on the Broncos with a 63-56 win as junior guard Mike Quick led USF with 17 points.
USF faced Long Beach State at the NCAA West Regional and fell 75-55 to the 49ers. The ice cold Dons shot just 30 percent from the floor in the 20 point defeat. USF bounced back to grab its 20th win in the consolation game versus Weber State 74-64. Quick again paced the Dons in the win over the Wildcats with 24 points and Phil Smith added 17 points. The Dons finished the campaign at 20-8.
Did You Know? Snake Jones was known for his affable manner and colorful personality off the court. His hat collection became his most identifiable trademark and he owned a hat for every day of the week. When USF played in El Paso he was given a sombrero and affectionately christened “Senor Snake” by admiring Texans.
They Said It: "The newest San Francisco Earthquake is being prepared by Bob Gaillard, USF’s young head basketball coach.” – Cord Communications, College Basketball Guide. Even the national publications were taking notice of the excitement that Gaillard was bringing to the Hilltop in 1972.
