2017-18, Way Too Early Predictions

[oldrunner]

Thanks for the diss....I guess that means we move up in your rankings then....

I'm still keeping my predictions of lower part of the league for Sac. Of course, a lot is riding on how the JC transfers perform at the DI level. My guess is that Sac could finish anywhere from 6th to 11th. I am still thinking that SUU and NAU will be in the bottom 3. The teams I am picking to do better than anyone thinks are ISU and UNCO. The team who will drop the farthest from last years finish is UND.

UI will be picked to win the league. However, that is like the kiss of death. They will be in the top 4, that's as far as I am willing to go. Also in that top 4 discussion, you have to include UM, MSU, WSU, and maybe UNCO.
UND drops into the bottom half of the league.

 

[n.ogdencat]

I like Katz as a coach and think he is a miracle worker with the resources he is given, but I don't like the Hornets because of our parochial poster from Lodi. Funny thing, if I ever met him, I'm sure we would get along. Maybe this year in reNo.

On another note, the biggest reason why Idaho is going to be #1 to start the season is because they are a very veteran and experienced team with, perhaps, the best back court in the league. Sanders and Callandret could become a ferocious duo to handle for opposing teams. Also, they have a experienced and above-average bigs to protect the paint. This could be Idaho's year.

Weber has some pieces coming back in Harding, Richardson, and Braxton. That are proven and if everything comes together for the Cats this threesome could become very dangerous. Yes, we have Chapman, but he hasn't played in a season and while at Utah, didn't have the greatest Sophomore season. The coaches are high on Kozak, and a couple of our other freshman, but until they hit the floor against DI competition, we don't know for sure how good they will be. Personally, I think Weber will have some growing pains (should have kept Gittens), but by conference should be fine.

Montana and State are two other teams that could end up really surprising this season. They have the pieces, but need better players in the paint. Both have recruited to their weakness and, if the pieces work out, might end up being a success. I think Eastern and UND will drop and that UNCO and ISU both will improve. UNCO is going to be tough and a defensive nightmare for teams. Offensively they still have some work to do. ISU, I just have a hunch, will be much improved. But, I've said that before and the Bengals ended up burning me. Sac is somewhat a darkhorse for me. I just like Katz and some of the pieces they have.

 

[oldrunner]

A long ways to go before November. However, what I have seen over the summer and since the guys are all on campus now, I would say that WSU will be better defensively, rebounding, and overall depth. I know that it is hard to replace a shooter like Jeremy, but as a group, I don't think that scoring will be an issue. A couple of our freshmen will contribute right out of the gates. Others of them may see some action or may be held out to preserve eligibility. I expect the rotation to be 10 deep in November and December. It may be down to 8 or 9 after that. Of course, any injuries could change things up.

It's been a great summer for the team and things are looking up for the future. I'm excited to get this thing started. Home opener against USU. This should be a great game. They should still be smarting from us beating them on their home floor last year. :rockon: :rockon: :rockon:

GO WILDCATS!!

 

[weberwildcat]

MSU looks to be quite similar to last year, but with one more year of maturity, should be a little better.

MSU will be better. They return virtually everyone plus add two solid D1 transfers. They finished 5th this season and if they aren't top 3 next season I'd be very surprised.

i am not sure if msu can make the top 10. they have really been in a long rut since after 2009.