Sacramento State, Northern Colorado, and Northern Arizona all have one thing in common, they are done playing basketball for the year. These three programs each failed to qualify for the Big Sky Tournament, and now will spend the next 8 months waiting to play again. For most of us, we were shocked that NAU went 1-15 in conference and a dysmal 5-24 overall. After close to a decade of being a conference contender under the auspices of Ben Howland and his faithful assistance Mike Adras the Lumberjacks were once again, poised to compete for a conference tourny spot, but then things fell apart on the Jacks and their season did too. Adras is long gone, and a unlikely, but painful rebuilding starts in earnest. The Jacks cupboards are not bare, with James Douglas, Stallion Salvidar, and Gabe Rogers all coming back next year. However, unless, the Jacks can find some bigs the Jacks troubles will continue. First things first though, the Jacks need to find a coach who can stablilize the program in Flagstaff. Also, from what we are hearing, the Jacks need an AD who can take a hold of the reigns of the chaos that has engulfed NAU athletics and get the Jacks back on track. But, I don't see the Jacks making the jump as quickly as Jack fans expect. Yes, there is potential and a possibility that the Jacks could get back to the tourny. In reality all they need is a big.
As for Sacramento State and Northern Colorado both teams struggled mightily at times during the season. However, both of them had exceptional moments as well. UNCO, as a lot of fans on this site tried to tell the Cubbies, were expected to struggle this season. Personally, I thought the Bears did better than expected. Regardless, the Bears are definitely in a position to improve. They could challenge for a top three spot next season, and the season after that, I would expect them to challenge for the conference title. The Bears really don't need any help. A JC wing would be good, but they really don't need it. They have all the components to excel. As for Sac State, it isn't to surprising that the Hornets didn't make the tourny, also, it wasn't too surprising that the Hornets were 0-8 at one point in the conference season. However, like the Bears, they are young, and could make a move next season. A run at the conference championship?? Most likely not, but they are a dark horse. They return an experienced team. Once that has a legitimate PG, Wings, and Bigs. Joe Eberhard and Dylan Garrity are a very dynamic duo. Not like Lillard and Bamforth or Cherry and Jamarr, but a solid due who will make huge strides next season for the Hornets. Too bad Eberhard will be a SR. Those two really play well together.
JUST FOR KICKS might as well round out the Sky.
Unfortunately, for Bengal fans, I feel that ISU may dip back down again next season. They have three decent players who they are losing to graduation. They have played with a lot of heart this season, but there isn't any talent in the wings to replace them, and to be honest, they have really overachieved. Yes, they have Morgan back, and yes, Baldwin and Mason have potential, but then again, Baldwin has had potential for three years now. Unless, the new coach (Martin or Evans) can find some diamonds in the rough, in the JCs, it might be another long and agonizing year for the ISU faithful. This same epiteth can be said for PSU.
Of course Weber and UM stay loaded, MSU, has talent, but the captain of the ship is driving the program backwards and Eastern...well, its a wildcard once again. There are two transfers sitting on the bench who can make an immediate impact on the Sky, but the Eagles will need a lot more than that losing almost 8 players. UND and SUU will be joining the Sky and both could shock and surprise. UND has some players who overachieved as Fresh, but have experienced a slight sophmore slump and SUU, has a couple of strong players returning, Jackson Stevenet will be back for the T-Birds. One thing is for sure, it'll be a better year in the Sky. Let's be honest, after this one, anything would be except for #1 and #2.
As for Sacramento State and Northern Colorado both teams struggled mightily at times during the season. However, both of them had exceptional moments as well. UNCO, as a lot of fans on this site tried to tell the Cubbies, were expected to struggle this season. Personally, I thought the Bears did better than expected. Regardless, the Bears are definitely in a position to improve. They could challenge for a top three spot next season, and the season after that, I would expect them to challenge for the conference title. The Bears really don't need any help. A JC wing would be good, but they really don't need it. They have all the components to excel. As for Sac State, it isn't to surprising that the Hornets didn't make the tourny, also, it wasn't too surprising that the Hornets were 0-8 at one point in the conference season. However, like the Bears, they are young, and could make a move next season. A run at the conference championship?? Most likely not, but they are a dark horse. They return an experienced team. Once that has a legitimate PG, Wings, and Bigs. Joe Eberhard and Dylan Garrity are a very dynamic duo. Not like Lillard and Bamforth or Cherry and Jamarr, but a solid due who will make huge strides next season for the Hornets. Too bad Eberhard will be a SR. Those two really play well together.
JUST FOR KICKS might as well round out the Sky.
Unfortunately, for Bengal fans, I feel that ISU may dip back down again next season. They have three decent players who they are losing to graduation. They have played with a lot of heart this season, but there isn't any talent in the wings to replace them, and to be honest, they have really overachieved. Yes, they have Morgan back, and yes, Baldwin and Mason have potential, but then again, Baldwin has had potential for three years now. Unless, the new coach (Martin or Evans) can find some diamonds in the rough, in the JCs, it might be another long and agonizing year for the ISU faithful. This same epiteth can be said for PSU.
Of course Weber and UM stay loaded, MSU, has talent, but the captain of the ship is driving the program backwards and Eastern...well, its a wildcard once again. There are two transfers sitting on the bench who can make an immediate impact on the Sky, but the Eagles will need a lot more than that losing almost 8 players. UND and SUU will be joining the Sky and both could shock and surprise. UND has some players who overachieved as Fresh, but have experienced a slight sophmore slump and SUU, has a couple of strong players returning, Jackson Stevenet will be back for the T-Birds. One thing is for sure, it'll be a better year in the Sky. Let's be honest, after this one, anything would be except for #1 and #2.
