As of right now...
Eastern Washington: For some the Eagles might be shockingly improved, but with the talent the Eagles have brought back and added, during the offseason (Chiverton and Hickert), the Eagles are doing exactly what I thought they would be doing. Competing and improving. Eastern is quickly becoming a very dangerous team. The Eagles, in my opinion, were robbed, like Weber was last March in the CBI, in Eugene by the men in stripes. Nonetheless, many believed that the Eagles would be down this year, with a new coach, and a poor past resume. However, we need to remember that Eastern won two big games to finish out the season last year, and added perhaps the best incoming player in the Sky in Collin Chiverton. With Forbes, Colimon, Ederain, and Johnson...not to mention that their bench is deep (Winford, Griffin, Hankins and Hickert), the Eagles are where they need to be. Easterns next four games are going to tell us a lot about how good this team has become. The Eagles could very easily win 3 or their next four; as long as the refs play fair.
NEXT FOUR: Nov 22 @Hawaii, Nov 27 UC Davis, Nov 30 @Idaho, and Dec 3 @Washington State
Idaho State: Well, the Bengals started the season out on a very surprising note. In their opener, they played Big 12 (can we even call it that still?) U. Oklahoma tough, leading for most of the game, before finally being beaten by the Sooners. Was this a sign of things to come? Has OB finally resurrected his winning ways or was that a complete aberration? After their close battle with Oklahoma, the Bengals visited Grand Forks ND and were thoroughly beaten by the Fighting Sioux (yes, I'm still using it). At this point, it is to early to say anything, but the Bengals do look slightly improved. Are they playing for their coach, who is virtually a lame duck, or for pride? At this point the Bengals have placed a lot of hope in the play of McGowen, Hatchett, 7-4 Kusmeriuk, and Grabau (Morgan hasn't lived up to the hype yet). This is a team that was down last year, but has brought back a number of last years players. Experience, a more relaxed setting (OB knows he is done), and improved team chemistry could equal better results. Who knows...three of their next four are in Poky at the tator barn (or are they playing in the wannabe Ogden High gym again?)
NEXT FOUR: Nov 23 Loyola Marymount, Nov 26 Utah State, Nov 30 @New Mexico, and Dec 3 North Dakota (1-3)...for our Conference RPI lets hope for (2-2)
Montana: The Grizz started the season in-between a rock and a hard place when their 7-0 PG :lol: Selvig went down with an ankle injury. Selvig is now back, and the time off, might have helped the other UM bigs find some confidence in their play. Tinkle has, perhaps, the second best backcourt in the Sky with Cherry, Jamar, Stockton and Steward, but it is the front court that leaves us guessing. Can the UM bigs replace Qvale? As of right now, there is still a huge question mark over whether or not they can. The 6-9 Billy Reader has looked good (he is a red-shirt freshman), but really none of the other UM Bigs have done much. Mathia Ward, Eric Hutchinson, and Mike Wiesner have been somewhat lackluster for the Grizz. For the Grizz to live up to their Hype, one of those three have to show up. The Grizz freshmen, for the most part, have done fairly well. Henderson, Gregory, and DeSheilds each have talent, but only Henderson will consistently see a lot of time. The Grizz depend upon Selvig, Jamar, and especially Cherry for their offensive production.
NEXT FOUR: Nov 23 @North Dakota, Nov 26 Long Beach, Dec 1 San Fran, Dec 3 @ Oregon State. (2-2 maybe 3-1)
Montana State: As of right now, the team I am most surprised with is in Bozeman. You never know how good a team will be when you bring in a bunch of JC transfers, but for the most part, Huse has found a way to get his team to mesh, somewhat, and get some surprising results out of his Bobcats. The folks in Bozeman should be somewhat excited about this group. This is a fairly young group, that has some potential. If Huse can keep them playing together and learning, this team has the chance to contend for the conference title behind the play of a couple of sophmores (Eric Reid and Tre Johnson), some JC transfers (Stewart, Moon, Fall, Blount), and two solid senior leaders (Singleton and Allou). What makes state dangerous is that they are able to create a number of different looks from their depth. They can run on teams or play half-court ball. They have the size and speed to compete with anyone. Their win over Utah, was a great sign, even though Utah is perhaps one of the worst teams in America, but they are still Pac-12 and it was at the Huntsman Center. Their next four will also say a lot about who they are.
NEXT FOUR: Nov 22 Seattle, Nov 26 @Idaho, Nov 28 @San Jose, Dec 3 Bakersfield (3-1 or 4-0)
Northern Arizona: So far the season hasn't been kind to NAU. Adras lost his top player in Gabe Rogers, before the season started, and has had to depend on new, untried, players to keep his team together. So far the play of his two freshmen has been phenomenal, even if they haven't won games. Danny Cheek and James Douglas have both impressed me with their play and will only get better. These two guys are true freshmen, and along with Saldivar (their assist leader) the Lumberjacks will only get better. However, they really aren't the most talented after those three. The Lumberjack front court is suffering and Adras has his hands full trying to figure out how to replace the production of Cameron Jones. This season might be a bit painful for NAU fans, but it will be great for the evolution of their team.
NEXT FOUR: Nov 22 Northern New Mexico, Nov 26 @Loyola Marymount, Nov 30 BYU (Prescot AZ) , Dec 3 @Arizona (2-2; good chance of 1-3)
Northern Colorado: The Cubs have lived up to their expectations. So far the youth and inexperience has been evident in their play. Garnica has impressed, but really nobody else. I figured that Huskisson would get a lot of playing time, and for a true freshman he has looked solid, but none of the others have matched up. I expected more production from Llyod and Proctor, but so far we haven't seen it. Osbourne has picked up where he left off. The loss of four SR starters is, and 75% of your offensive production, isn't something you can easily replace. Especially if there wasn't a lot of depth on the bench. Cubbie fans shouldn't worry to much though. They will get Western Carolina soon, which will give them a great chance to get a W, and some much needed confidence. This team will be good, but it won't happen this year.
NEXT FOUR: Nov 22 @Iowa State, Nov 25 Western Carolina, Nov 26 TBA, Dec 1 Westminster (could beat them) (2-2; maybe 3-1 or 1-3)
Portland State: Interesting team. They have talent, but not a lot of depth. There is potential that the Vikings can be dangerous, but will they be consistent. Already you can see the same issues that have afflicted past Viking teams, the lack of consistent play, leadership, and togetherness. Yes, this team can run on you, and play well agaisnt tall teams, but they lose focus so quick and turn into individuals very fast on the court. Greving has got to get a handle on this team and help them mesh, or another talented group of athletes at PSU will be wasted again. Right now, I don't see how this team will end up with more than 15wins. Yes, they will make it to the post-season tourny, but their lack of team play will kill them. It depends on how well the coaching staff can guide these guys. Big man Nate Lozeau, guards Charles Odum and Lateef McMullan, and SF Chehales Tapscott lead the Vikings.
NEXT FOUR: Nov 25 @Wyoming, Nov 26 vs. La Tech, Nov 27 vs. Mid-Eastern Shore, Dec 3 Walla Walla (2-2; I'm hoping for 3-1)
Sacramento State: Okay, so I can't believe that I'm saying this, but what the Hell!! Sac actually has a competitive team. Dickson, Garrity (True Fresh), Eberhard (JC Trans), Veteto (Transfer) and Jackson might be the best hope for the Sacramento State fans chances of seeing a winning season. What is more suprising is that there is some depth on their bench that can help them too. I really think that Sac has a chance to come out of OOC with a winning record, and could make some noise in the Sky. I have always thought highly of Katz (lets face it, he is in a bad situation at Sac, no facilities, little administrative support, and poor community support) and I think he has finally assembled a good team. Right now I think they have a decent shot to make the conference tourny.
NEXT FOUR: Nov 22 @UC Davis, Nov 26 McNeese State, Nov 30 @Cal Poly, Dec 3 @Oklahoma. Sac could go 2-2; maybe 3-1; but also, could end up at 0-4 and I'd be eating crow.
Eastern Washington: For some the Eagles might be shockingly improved, but with the talent the Eagles have brought back and added, during the offseason (Chiverton and Hickert), the Eagles are doing exactly what I thought they would be doing. Competing and improving. Eastern is quickly becoming a very dangerous team. The Eagles, in my opinion, were robbed, like Weber was last March in the CBI, in Eugene by the men in stripes. Nonetheless, many believed that the Eagles would be down this year, with a new coach, and a poor past resume. However, we need to remember that Eastern won two big games to finish out the season last year, and added perhaps the best incoming player in the Sky in Collin Chiverton. With Forbes, Colimon, Ederain, and Johnson...not to mention that their bench is deep (Winford, Griffin, Hankins and Hickert), the Eagles are where they need to be. Easterns next four games are going to tell us a lot about how good this team has become. The Eagles could very easily win 3 or their next four; as long as the refs play fair.
NEXT FOUR: Nov 22 @Hawaii, Nov 27 UC Davis, Nov 30 @Idaho, and Dec 3 @Washington State
Idaho State: Well, the Bengals started the season out on a very surprising note. In their opener, they played Big 12 (can we even call it that still?) U. Oklahoma tough, leading for most of the game, before finally being beaten by the Sooners. Was this a sign of things to come? Has OB finally resurrected his winning ways or was that a complete aberration? After their close battle with Oklahoma, the Bengals visited Grand Forks ND and were thoroughly beaten by the Fighting Sioux (yes, I'm still using it). At this point, it is to early to say anything, but the Bengals do look slightly improved. Are they playing for their coach, who is virtually a lame duck, or for pride? At this point the Bengals have placed a lot of hope in the play of McGowen, Hatchett, 7-4 Kusmeriuk, and Grabau (Morgan hasn't lived up to the hype yet). This is a team that was down last year, but has brought back a number of last years players. Experience, a more relaxed setting (OB knows he is done), and improved team chemistry could equal better results. Who knows...three of their next four are in Poky at the tator barn (or are they playing in the wannabe Ogden High gym again?)
NEXT FOUR: Nov 23 Loyola Marymount, Nov 26 Utah State, Nov 30 @New Mexico, and Dec 3 North Dakota (1-3)...for our Conference RPI lets hope for (2-2)
Montana: The Grizz started the season in-between a rock and a hard place when their 7-0 PG :lol: Selvig went down with an ankle injury. Selvig is now back, and the time off, might have helped the other UM bigs find some confidence in their play. Tinkle has, perhaps, the second best backcourt in the Sky with Cherry, Jamar, Stockton and Steward, but it is the front court that leaves us guessing. Can the UM bigs replace Qvale? As of right now, there is still a huge question mark over whether or not they can. The 6-9 Billy Reader has looked good (he is a red-shirt freshman), but really none of the other UM Bigs have done much. Mathia Ward, Eric Hutchinson, and Mike Wiesner have been somewhat lackluster for the Grizz. For the Grizz to live up to their Hype, one of those three have to show up. The Grizz freshmen, for the most part, have done fairly well. Henderson, Gregory, and DeSheilds each have talent, but only Henderson will consistently see a lot of time. The Grizz depend upon Selvig, Jamar, and especially Cherry for their offensive production.
NEXT FOUR: Nov 23 @North Dakota, Nov 26 Long Beach, Dec 1 San Fran, Dec 3 @ Oregon State. (2-2 maybe 3-1)
Montana State: As of right now, the team I am most surprised with is in Bozeman. You never know how good a team will be when you bring in a bunch of JC transfers, but for the most part, Huse has found a way to get his team to mesh, somewhat, and get some surprising results out of his Bobcats. The folks in Bozeman should be somewhat excited about this group. This is a fairly young group, that has some potential. If Huse can keep them playing together and learning, this team has the chance to contend for the conference title behind the play of a couple of sophmores (Eric Reid and Tre Johnson), some JC transfers (Stewart, Moon, Fall, Blount), and two solid senior leaders (Singleton and Allou). What makes state dangerous is that they are able to create a number of different looks from their depth. They can run on teams or play half-court ball. They have the size and speed to compete with anyone. Their win over Utah, was a great sign, even though Utah is perhaps one of the worst teams in America, but they are still Pac-12 and it was at the Huntsman Center. Their next four will also say a lot about who they are.
NEXT FOUR: Nov 22 Seattle, Nov 26 @Idaho, Nov 28 @San Jose, Dec 3 Bakersfield (3-1 or 4-0)
Northern Arizona: So far the season hasn't been kind to NAU. Adras lost his top player in Gabe Rogers, before the season started, and has had to depend on new, untried, players to keep his team together. So far the play of his two freshmen has been phenomenal, even if they haven't won games. Danny Cheek and James Douglas have both impressed me with their play and will only get better. These two guys are true freshmen, and along with Saldivar (their assist leader) the Lumberjacks will only get better. However, they really aren't the most talented after those three. The Lumberjack front court is suffering and Adras has his hands full trying to figure out how to replace the production of Cameron Jones. This season might be a bit painful for NAU fans, but it will be great for the evolution of their team.
NEXT FOUR: Nov 22 Northern New Mexico, Nov 26 @Loyola Marymount, Nov 30 BYU (Prescot AZ) , Dec 3 @Arizona (2-2; good chance of 1-3)
Northern Colorado: The Cubs have lived up to their expectations. So far the youth and inexperience has been evident in their play. Garnica has impressed, but really nobody else. I figured that Huskisson would get a lot of playing time, and for a true freshman he has looked solid, but none of the others have matched up. I expected more production from Llyod and Proctor, but so far we haven't seen it. Osbourne has picked up where he left off. The loss of four SR starters is, and 75% of your offensive production, isn't something you can easily replace. Especially if there wasn't a lot of depth on the bench. Cubbie fans shouldn't worry to much though. They will get Western Carolina soon, which will give them a great chance to get a W, and some much needed confidence. This team will be good, but it won't happen this year.
NEXT FOUR: Nov 22 @Iowa State, Nov 25 Western Carolina, Nov 26 TBA, Dec 1 Westminster (could beat them) (2-2; maybe 3-1 or 1-3)
Portland State: Interesting team. They have talent, but not a lot of depth. There is potential that the Vikings can be dangerous, but will they be consistent. Already you can see the same issues that have afflicted past Viking teams, the lack of consistent play, leadership, and togetherness. Yes, this team can run on you, and play well agaisnt tall teams, but they lose focus so quick and turn into individuals very fast on the court. Greving has got to get a handle on this team and help them mesh, or another talented group of athletes at PSU will be wasted again. Right now, I don't see how this team will end up with more than 15wins. Yes, they will make it to the post-season tourny, but their lack of team play will kill them. It depends on how well the coaching staff can guide these guys. Big man Nate Lozeau, guards Charles Odum and Lateef McMullan, and SF Chehales Tapscott lead the Vikings.
NEXT FOUR: Nov 25 @Wyoming, Nov 26 vs. La Tech, Nov 27 vs. Mid-Eastern Shore, Dec 3 Walla Walla (2-2; I'm hoping for 3-1)
Sacramento State: Okay, so I can't believe that I'm saying this, but what the Hell!! Sac actually has a competitive team. Dickson, Garrity (True Fresh), Eberhard (JC Trans), Veteto (Transfer) and Jackson might be the best hope for the Sacramento State fans chances of seeing a winning season. What is more suprising is that there is some depth on their bench that can help them too. I really think that Sac has a chance to come out of OOC with a winning record, and could make some noise in the Sky. I have always thought highly of Katz (lets face it, he is in a bad situation at Sac, no facilities, little administrative support, and poor community support) and I think he has finally assembled a good team. Right now I think they have a decent shot to make the conference tourny.
NEXT FOUR: Nov 22 @UC Davis, Nov 26 McNeese State, Nov 30 @Cal Poly, Dec 3 @Oklahoma. Sac could go 2-2; maybe 3-1; but also, could end up at 0-4 and I'd be eating crow.
