Play Up. That’s the motto of the WAC and the top teams that take the court for the WAC definately know how to “play up,” so to speak. Coming off a season where two teams made the NCAA Tournament (Utah
State and Nevada) teams around the country are realizing that teams from the WAC shouldn’t be taken lightly. With WAC teams located anywhere from Hawaii to Louisiana, many miles of traveling contribute to teams showing up lethargic from jet lag. Travel fatigue contributes to teams like Idaho
and San Jose State pulling off wins that people didn’t expect. With a league that is pretty unpredictable, the WAC is always a conference where anything and everything can happen.
BOISE STATE BRONCOS:
Last Season’s Record: 14-15 (6-10 in the WAC)
Post Season Achievements: None.
Returning Starters: 4 (Eric Lane, Coby Karl, Matt Bauscher, and Seth Robinson)
Returning Players: 11
Boise State, a team known for its success on the football field, is starting to make some noise on the hardwood as well. They are making small strides, but strides nonetheless. It seemed that their star player, Coby Karl, was bound to go to the NBA draft. After working out for seven teams, he decided against it and has returned to lead the Broncos for another season. During Karl’s reign in Boise, the team has improved and is quickly becoming a team to watch for in the WAC.
Along with Karl, Eric Lane and Matt Bauscher will form one of the best backcourts in the WAC this season. The three averaged 37 PPG last season and there is little doubt they will do the same or eclipse that mark this season. As good as their backcourt is, their frontcourt is in need of some help. Matt Nelson transfered from Eastern Washington and is going to be counted on to take over in the middle. A true center is sorrily needed to give this team a presence in the paint. Kurt Cunningham and Colin Hallberg, both sophomores, will battle Zack Moritz, a freshmen, for the job. Neither of the two sophomores received significant playing time last year and they will need to get into the flow of things quickly if they want a chance to compete for the WAC title. Don’t be surprised to see various starting line ups for them this season.
FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS:
Last Season’s Record: 15-13 (8-8 in the WAC)
Post Season Achievements: None.
Returning Starters: 5 (Kevin Bell, Dwight O’Neil, Quinton Hosley, Hector Hernandez, and Ja’Vance Coleman)
Returning Players: 9
Fresno State used to be a team always in the mix for the WAC crown. Since then, they have run into problems with troubled athletes and various other NCAA violations. They are still a respectable team and are able to hang with the best that the WAC has to offer. The problem with them last year was that they only had nine players to work with due to various infractions by the previous coaching staff. They also imposed a self-ban on themselves. Things are indeed looking up for the Bulldogs though, as high scorers Ja'Vance Coleman and Quinton Hosley return. Experience is also key as three starters, all juniors, are back to join them.
Coach Cleveland put together a relatively easy non-conference schedule for Fresno and that bodes well as far as gaining confidence for the team. The teams involved in Fresno State's easy schedule are South Alabama, Montana State, and Oregon State. Their toughest game in the non-conference will be Stanford, but the rest of the non-conference is shaping up for Fresno State to build momentum heading into conference play. Confidence will take this team a long way, if they can establish the attitude needed before conference play begins.
HAWAII WARRIORS:
Last Season’s Record: 17-11 (10-6 in the WAC)
Post Season Achievements: None.
Returning Starters: 2 (Ahmet Gueye and Matt Lojeski)
Returning Players: 7
Coach Wallace looks to be in his final year in coaching and one can only guess that he will pull out all the stops for his final run with Hawaii. Wallace looks to have the tools to do some damage in the WAC with four JC transfers to help out with depth for the Warriors. The key transfer they have is center Todd Fullmer. The 7 footer could be in the starting line up early on due to the loss of frontcourt players last year. Another definite starter will be freshman Todd Lowenthal, who will play the point. Hawaii will need the newcomers to make an impact as soon as possible if they want to contend for the WAC title.
Hawaii looks as if they can make a serious run at being atop the WAC by season's end. They have invaluable home court advantage due to the extensive travel by visitors, but if they want to vie for the title they are going to need Gueye to be able to come back from his knee injury. If he isn't able to return, this team will struggle in the post. This team is on the rise, but will it be enough for Coach Wallace's final season?
IDAHO VANDALS:
Last Season’s Record: 4-25 (1-15 in the WAC)
Post Season Achievements: None.
Returning Starters: 2 (Keoni Watson and Mike Kale)
Returning Players: 4
Idaho is a team that is in a lot of trouble coming into this season. Their best player transferred and if matters couldn’t get any worse, their coach was fired. Idaho had a rough debut in the WAC last season by winning only one conference game. Sadly enough, it doesn’t seem like it is going to get any better anytime soon. The assistant coach, George Pfeifer, got promoted to the head coaching duties and will have his work cut out for him. His returning star, Keoni Watson, averaged 10 PPG last year and that is about all this team has going for it right now.
The other returners from last year’s team don’t have much experience. Idaho did pull in an 8 man recruiting class. Look for the freshmen to get significant playing time, as this team tries to find the right mix of players to win games.
LOUISIANA TECH BULLDOGS:
Last Season’s Record: 20-13 (11-5 in the WAC)
Post Season Achievements: Qualified for NIT. Lost in First Round of Bracket.
Returning Starters: 2 (Marcus Elliot and Jerome Richardson)
Returning Players: 9
The last three years have been very good for Louisiana Tech. They had the leading rebounder in the league in Paul Millsap. Sadly for La. Tech fans, Millsap left for the NBA draft and is now with the Utah Jazz. For three years, Millsap was the centerpiece to this team and they still failed to make the Big Dance. Along with Millsap, Corey Dean, Daevon Haskins and Mickael Wilds are all gone.
This is where the four man recruiting class comes in. Coach Richards has stated that the recruits will surely get playing time...and lots of it. Marcus Elliot is the only returning starter. The team is in rebuilding mode right now and it will show during the season. Without Millsap, they will more than likely finish in the bottom half of the WAC.
NEVADA WOLFPACK:
Last Season’s Record: 27-6 (13-3 in the WAC)
Post Season Achievements: Qualified for NCAA Tournament, Loss in Opening Round.
Returning Starters: 5 (Marcellus Kemp, Nick Fazekas, Kyle Shiloh, Demarshay Johnson, and Ramon Sessions)
Returning Players: 9
The reigning three time WAC champs are looking to yet again regain the crown. Nevada looked down after not only losing their first round NCAA game, but the news that star player Nick Fazekas was going to turn pro. The team looked ready to go to a three guard line up, but Fazekas had a change of heart and people in Reno rejoiced as he decided not to enter the NBA draft. Fazekas will lead a very talented offensive team into the season. Fazekas will contend for first team All-American honors this season.
Joining Fazekas will be Kyle Shiloh, one of the best defenders in the West right now. Ramon Sessions will come back and needs to return to the form he was at as a freshman. Demarshay Johnson is ineligible for the first two months of the season and might even be red shirted. That means that one of four freshmen will need to step it up, regardless if Johnson plays or not. Other than two tough games against Cal and Gonzaga on the road, everything should shape up nicely for Nevada to four peat as WAC champs and go on to make some noise in the Big Dance.
NEW MEXICO STATE AGGIES:
Last Season’s Record: 16-14 (10-6 in the WAC)
Post Season Achievements: None.
Returning Starters: 4 (David Fisher, Elijah Ingram, Ted Knauber, and Tyrone Nelson)
Returning Players: 9
If you're looking for a dark horse in the WAC look no further than New Mexico State. NMSU ended last season with a string of victories and seem to be ahead of the expectations. This team, along with Utah State, could take the WAC title away from Nevada . The big news for NMSU is they have four transfers coming in that will give them plenty of depth. The transfers (Justin Hawkins, Martin Iti, Fred Peete and Trei Steward) will join four returning starters, with Tyrone Nelson and Elijah Ingram being two of the big time returners for the team. Nelson will once again be the leader of this team. Ingram will be dishing out the assists, yet again.
Peete, Nelson and Hawkins give NMSU one of the better guard trios in the WAC. Iti and Steward will be helpful with battles against the likes of Fazekas down low. Expectations are high for the Aggies and they should not disappoint. Don’t be surprised if they do finish atop the WAC.
SAN JOSE STATE SPARTANS:
Last Season’s Record: 6-25 (2-14 in the WAC)
Post Season Achievements: None.
Returning Starters: 1 (Julian Richardson)
Returning Players: 7
Another team not looking to well is San Jose State. They did, however, play more aggressive last season than in previous years. This year may be a struggle as nine new players come into the fray. Although these guys are more than reliable at their respective positions, they will have a hard time adapting to the play of the WAC contenders.
Carlton Spencer will come back and he has his work cut out for him. He needs to carry this team throughout the year. The Spartans also have a lot of new faces on the roster. The question remains if the new players will be able to play with the elite teams of the WAC in the next few years.
UTAH STATE AGGIES:
Last Season’s Record: 23-9 (11-5 in the WAC)
Post Season Achievements: Qualified for NCAA Tournament, Lost in First Round.
Returning Starters: 2 (Durrall Peterson and Jaycee Carroll)
Returning Players: 6
The other team with a chance at taking the WAC Title from Nevada is Utah State. The Aggies showed they could play in a tougher division after moving from the Big West, and teams took notice. They received an at large berth in the NCAA tourney, but were ousted in the first round. The frontcourt is a question mark, as they will have to replace Nate Harris and Cass Matheus.
Jaycee Carroll, Durrall Peterson, and Chris Session also return along with Chaz Spicer. This will give Utah State some weapons to work with. Expect them to put up their fair share of points. Beyond that, Utah State will need to find someone to play inside. With the core they have now, they will have no problem competing for the WAC title at the end of the season.
Predicted Finish
1. Nevada
2. Utah State State
3. New Mexico State State
4. Fresno State
5. Boise State
6. Hawaii
7. Louisiana Tech
8. San Jose State
9. Idaho
Predicted All-WAC First Team
Ja'Vance Coleman- Fresno State
Nick Fazekas- Nevada
Coby Karl- Boise State
Marcelus Kemp- Nevada
Tyrone Nelson- New Mexico State
BOISE STATE BRONCOS:
Last Season’s Record: 14-15 (6-10 in the WAC)
Post Season Achievements: None.
Returning Starters: 4 (Eric Lane, Coby Karl, Matt Bauscher, and Seth Robinson)
Returning Players: 11
Boise State, a team known for its success on the football field, is starting to make some noise on the hardwood as well. They are making small strides, but strides nonetheless. It seemed that their star player, Coby Karl, was bound to go to the NBA draft. After working out for seven teams, he decided against it and has returned to lead the Broncos for another season. During Karl’s reign in Boise, the team has improved and is quickly becoming a team to watch for in the WAC.
Along with Karl, Eric Lane and Matt Bauscher will form one of the best backcourts in the WAC this season. The three averaged 37 PPG last season and there is little doubt they will do the same or eclipse that mark this season. As good as their backcourt is, their frontcourt is in need of some help. Matt Nelson transfered from Eastern Washington and is going to be counted on to take over in the middle. A true center is sorrily needed to give this team a presence in the paint. Kurt Cunningham and Colin Hallberg, both sophomores, will battle Zack Moritz, a freshmen, for the job. Neither of the two sophomores received significant playing time last year and they will need to get into the flow of things quickly if they want a chance to compete for the WAC title. Don’t be surprised to see various starting line ups for them this season.
FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS:
Last Season’s Record: 15-13 (8-8 in the WAC)
Post Season Achievements: None.
Returning Starters: 5 (Kevin Bell, Dwight O’Neil, Quinton Hosley, Hector Hernandez, and Ja’Vance Coleman)
Returning Players: 9
Fresno State used to be a team always in the mix for the WAC crown. Since then, they have run into problems with troubled athletes and various other NCAA violations. They are still a respectable team and are able to hang with the best that the WAC has to offer. The problem with them last year was that they only had nine players to work with due to various infractions by the previous coaching staff. They also imposed a self-ban on themselves. Things are indeed looking up for the Bulldogs though, as high scorers Ja'Vance Coleman and Quinton Hosley return. Experience is also key as three starters, all juniors, are back to join them.
Coach Cleveland put together a relatively easy non-conference schedule for Fresno and that bodes well as far as gaining confidence for the team. The teams involved in Fresno State's easy schedule are South Alabama, Montana State, and Oregon State. Their toughest game in the non-conference will be Stanford, but the rest of the non-conference is shaping up for Fresno State to build momentum heading into conference play. Confidence will take this team a long way, if they can establish the attitude needed before conference play begins.
HAWAII WARRIORS:
Last Season’s Record: 17-11 (10-6 in the WAC)
Post Season Achievements: None.
Returning Starters: 2 (Ahmet Gueye and Matt Lojeski)
Returning Players: 7
Coach Wallace looks to be in his final year in coaching and one can only guess that he will pull out all the stops for his final run with Hawaii. Wallace looks to have the tools to do some damage in the WAC with four JC transfers to help out with depth for the Warriors. The key transfer they have is center Todd Fullmer. The 7 footer could be in the starting line up early on due to the loss of frontcourt players last year. Another definite starter will be freshman Todd Lowenthal, who will play the point. Hawaii will need the newcomers to make an impact as soon as possible if they want to contend for the WAC title.
Hawaii looks as if they can make a serious run at being atop the WAC by season's end. They have invaluable home court advantage due to the extensive travel by visitors, but if they want to vie for the title they are going to need Gueye to be able to come back from his knee injury. If he isn't able to return, this team will struggle in the post. This team is on the rise, but will it be enough for Coach Wallace's final season?
IDAHO VANDALS:
Last Season’s Record: 4-25 (1-15 in the WAC)
Post Season Achievements: None.
Returning Starters: 2 (Keoni Watson and Mike Kale)
Returning Players: 4
Idaho is a team that is in a lot of trouble coming into this season. Their best player transferred and if matters couldn’t get any worse, their coach was fired. Idaho had a rough debut in the WAC last season by winning only one conference game. Sadly enough, it doesn’t seem like it is going to get any better anytime soon. The assistant coach, George Pfeifer, got promoted to the head coaching duties and will have his work cut out for him. His returning star, Keoni Watson, averaged 10 PPG last year and that is about all this team has going for it right now.
The other returners from last year’s team don’t have much experience. Idaho did pull in an 8 man recruiting class. Look for the freshmen to get significant playing time, as this team tries to find the right mix of players to win games.
LOUISIANA TECH BULLDOGS:
Last Season’s Record: 20-13 (11-5 in the WAC)
Post Season Achievements: Qualified for NIT. Lost in First Round of Bracket.
Returning Starters: 2 (Marcus Elliot and Jerome Richardson)
Returning Players: 9
The last three years have been very good for Louisiana Tech. They had the leading rebounder in the league in Paul Millsap. Sadly for La. Tech fans, Millsap left for the NBA draft and is now with the Utah Jazz. For three years, Millsap was the centerpiece to this team and they still failed to make the Big Dance. Along with Millsap, Corey Dean, Daevon Haskins and Mickael Wilds are all gone.
This is where the four man recruiting class comes in. Coach Richards has stated that the recruits will surely get playing time...and lots of it. Marcus Elliot is the only returning starter. The team is in rebuilding mode right now and it will show during the season. Without Millsap, they will more than likely finish in the bottom half of the WAC.
NEVADA WOLFPACK:
Last Season’s Record: 27-6 (13-3 in the WAC)
Post Season Achievements: Qualified for NCAA Tournament, Loss in Opening Round.
Returning Starters: 5 (Marcellus Kemp, Nick Fazekas, Kyle Shiloh, Demarshay Johnson, and Ramon Sessions)
Returning Players: 9
The reigning three time WAC champs are looking to yet again regain the crown. Nevada looked down after not only losing their first round NCAA game, but the news that star player Nick Fazekas was going to turn pro. The team looked ready to go to a three guard line up, but Fazekas had a change of heart and people in Reno rejoiced as he decided not to enter the NBA draft. Fazekas will lead a very talented offensive team into the season. Fazekas will contend for first team All-American honors this season.
Joining Fazekas will be Kyle Shiloh, one of the best defenders in the West right now. Ramon Sessions will come back and needs to return to the form he was at as a freshman. Demarshay Johnson is ineligible for the first two months of the season and might even be red shirted. That means that one of four freshmen will need to step it up, regardless if Johnson plays or not. Other than two tough games against Cal and Gonzaga on the road, everything should shape up nicely for Nevada to four peat as WAC champs and go on to make some noise in the Big Dance.
NEW MEXICO STATE AGGIES:
Last Season’s Record: 16-14 (10-6 in the WAC)
Post Season Achievements: None.
Returning Starters: 4 (David Fisher, Elijah Ingram, Ted Knauber, and Tyrone Nelson)
Returning Players: 9
If you're looking for a dark horse in the WAC look no further than New Mexico State. NMSU ended last season with a string of victories and seem to be ahead of the expectations. This team, along with Utah State, could take the WAC title away from Nevada . The big news for NMSU is they have four transfers coming in that will give them plenty of depth. The transfers (Justin Hawkins, Martin Iti, Fred Peete and Trei Steward) will join four returning starters, with Tyrone Nelson and Elijah Ingram being two of the big time returners for the team. Nelson will once again be the leader of this team. Ingram will be dishing out the assists, yet again.
Peete, Nelson and Hawkins give NMSU one of the better guard trios in the WAC. Iti and Steward will be helpful with battles against the likes of Fazekas down low. Expectations are high for the Aggies and they should not disappoint. Don’t be surprised if they do finish atop the WAC.
SAN JOSE STATE SPARTANS:
Last Season’s Record: 6-25 (2-14 in the WAC)
Post Season Achievements: None.
Returning Starters: 1 (Julian Richardson)
Returning Players: 7
Another team not looking to well is San Jose State. They did, however, play more aggressive last season than in previous years. This year may be a struggle as nine new players come into the fray. Although these guys are more than reliable at their respective positions, they will have a hard time adapting to the play of the WAC contenders.
Carlton Spencer will come back and he has his work cut out for him. He needs to carry this team throughout the year. The Spartans also have a lot of new faces on the roster. The question remains if the new players will be able to play with the elite teams of the WAC in the next few years.
UTAH STATE AGGIES:
Last Season’s Record: 23-9 (11-5 in the WAC)
Post Season Achievements: Qualified for NCAA Tournament, Lost in First Round.
Returning Starters: 2 (Durrall Peterson and Jaycee Carroll)
Returning Players: 6
The other team with a chance at taking the WAC Title from Nevada is Utah State. The Aggies showed they could play in a tougher division after moving from the Big West, and teams took notice. They received an at large berth in the NCAA tourney, but were ousted in the first round. The frontcourt is a question mark, as they will have to replace Nate Harris and Cass Matheus.
Jaycee Carroll, Durrall Peterson, and Chris Session also return along with Chaz Spicer. This will give Utah State some weapons to work with. Expect them to put up their fair share of points. Beyond that, Utah State will need to find someone to play inside. With the core they have now, they will have no problem competing for the WAC title at the end of the season.
Predicted Finish
1. Nevada
2. Utah State State
3. New Mexico State State
4. Fresno State
5. Boise State
6. Hawaii
7. Louisiana Tech
8. San Jose State
9. Idaho
Predicted All-WAC First Team
Ja'Vance Coleman- Fresno State
Nick Fazekas- Nevada
Coby Karl- Boise State
Marcelus Kemp- Nevada
Tyrone Nelson- New Mexico State