Crawford picks Eagles 2nd

[Screamin_Eagle174]

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Big Sky----How will the Big Sky Conference shake out this year? There is a movement that everyone needs to watch. I think the "Big Four" power teams in the Conference for many years to come will be Montana, Weber State, Eastern Washington and Portland State. Here is my rank of those four for this year.

4. Weber State---There is never going to be a bad team in Weber State and for sure the fan base is solid. This could be a year where the team finishes the lowest it will for several years down the road, but I do not see the Wildcats finishing higher than fourth.

3. Portland State---Tyler Geving gets as much out of his team as any coach in the Big Sky. With a new arena coming onboard at Portland State in the next five years, Geving could make the Big Sky really scary, it gives him a chance to recruit at least one super star, something this year's team does not have.

2. Eastern Washington---As I remind everyone often, college basketball is all about coaching. Remember this name, Jim Hayford, the head coach at Eastern Washington. He will build a basketball power in Cheney and the start of that will take place this year. Hayford gets it, he has a great history of winning on the court, but he also is a tremendous fundraiser and popular with boosters, something you need to be in smaller D-1 schools.

1. Montana---Best team in the league and they might equal him, but no one is going to out coach Wayne Tinkle. Tinkle is as good as it gets in college basketball at making halftime adjustments, a point lost on many. It also does not hurt to have a super-star in Will Cherry, plus a good supporting cast and a big fan base, all make for a great mix.

Big Sky tournament winner: Montana over Weber State. Montana will make it again to the NCAA tournament, where last year they were a 13th seed. For some reason, Tinkle has Randy Rahe's number in big games as well.

As well during league play, watch out for these teams, could be really special at home, Northern Colorado, Northern Arizona and North Dakota and it is not a North theme in the least.

 

[oldtimeewualum]

2nd seems a little optimistic to me considering how much we lost with Colimon, Griffin, and Ederaine, but I sure am anxious to see the new guys. I heard we had an intrasquad game - anybody know details, who played well, etc?

I know that I am in the minority (as most Eag fans are wrapped up in football) but I cant wait for college hoops!

 

[AussieFan]

We got the teaser coming on the 4th and then the real fun begins on the 10th! I am with you - can't wait for the basketball season to start!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[EWURanger]

Yep, it's about time to start talking some basketball. There are so many new additions, that honestly I know very little about this team save the few returning players. I do think Hayford has the program going in the right direction, but I think some of the questions on his recruiting abilities will be answered this season since last year's team (save Chiverton and a couple others) consisted largely of Earlwine's guys.

Should be a lot of fun and I'm hoping for a return of the days when Reese was getting large crowds....early 2000's.