Seattle University will open 2026–27 with two of its frontcourt leaders already recognized around the West Coast Conference. Forward Will Heimbrodt and forward Junseok Yeo were placed on the 10-player Preseason All-WCC Men’s Basketball Team, giving the Redhawks two selections. Seattle U was one of three programs with multiple honorees.

That is meaningful early validation for a team that finished 21–14 and fifth in its first season back in the WCC. It is still preseason recognition, not a measure of how the standings or individual awards will ultimately turn out. But the selections reflect the ways Seattle U can expect to win: rim protection and experienced, versatile scoring.

Heimbrodt’s defense is the defining credential

Heimbrodt enters his fourth Redhawk season after being voted WCC Defensive Player of the Year. Seattle U said the 6-foot-7 forward averaged 12.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.65 blocks in 2025–26. His 90 blocks set a Seattle U single-season record and ranked third nationally, an unusually strong indicator of the game-changing defense he supplied.

Yeo gives the frontcourt a different but complementary threat. The 6-foot-8 forward returns for his final college season after averaging 12.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists. Seattle U said he made 52 three-pointers, second on the team, scored in double figures 21 times and recorded a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double at Santa Clara.

Fourth in the coaches’ poll is a starting point

Seattle U collected 54 points in the coaches’ preseason poll, placing fourth behind Santa Clara, Saint Mary’s and San Francisco. The Redhawks finished one point ahead of Pacific.

Fourth is neither a guaranteed tournament position nor a final season result. It is a credible external benchmark for a roster returning two decorated forwards. The practical task is to convert that respect into results, beginning with the Nov. 2 opener at Hawaii and continuing when WCC play starts Jan. 2 against Loyola Marymount.

For the confirmed 2026–27 league framework around those games, readers can also review Seattle U’s finalized WCC schedule.