Nov 25: WSU @ Utah State

[weberwildcat]

USU update:

Aggie Men Picked To Finish Second In WAC Preseason Polls, While Gary Wilkinson Named Preseason Player Of The Year

USU returns three starters and six letterwinners from last year's 24-11 WAC Championship team.


2008-09 WAC Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Nevada (7) 63
2. UTAH STATE (2) 57
3. New Mexico State 48
4. San Jose State 43
5. Boise State 30
6. Louisiana Tech 29
7. Hawai'i 25
8. Fresno State 20
9. Idaho 9

2008-09 WAC Preseason Media Poll
1. Nevada (20) 255
2. UTAH STATE (4) 220
3. New Mexico State (2) 201
4. Louisiana Tech 149
5. Boise State (3) 142
6. San Jose State (1) 132
7. Fresno State 114
8. Hawai'i 103
9. Idaho 34

2008-09 Preseason Coaches All-WAC Teams
First-Team
Armon Johnson, So., G, Nevada - Preseason Player of the Year
Jonathan Gibson, Jr., G, New Mexico State
Kyle Gibson, Jr., G, Louisiana Tech
C.J. Webster, Jr., C, San Jose State
Gary Wilkinson, Sr., F, Utah State

Second-Team
Luke Babbitt, Fr., F, Nevada - Preseason Newcomer of the Year
Brandon Fields, Jr., G, Nevada
Anthony Thomas, Jr., G, Boise State
Tai Wesley, So, F, Utah State
Jahmar Young, So, G, New Mexico State

2008-09 Preseason Media All-WAC Team
First-Team
Gary Wilkinson, Sr., F, Utah State - Preseason Player of the Year
Jonathan Gibson, Jr., G, New Mexico State
Kyle Gibson, Jr., G, Louisiana Tech
Armon Johnson, So., G, Nevada
C.J. Webster, Jr., C, San Jose State

 

[weberwildcat]

WSU/USU - The Stats

Last year we got 3rd place in the Big Sky and we beat the WAC champs by 7. Can we do it again this year? Game is in Logan, and no Jaycee Carroll!! Finally!!

WSU is 8-19 in Logan all-time
WSU's last win in Logan was 1993.
We've had a lot of close ones since then

WSU vs USU all-time: 25-34
WSU vs USU in Ogden: 15-13
Neutral court, WSU is 2-1 all-time vs USU
(2-0 at the Delta Center, 0-1 in Alaska - 2006)

WSU and USU have played each other every year since 1971 except for 1995

Our last trip to Logan was November 2006. We had a half-time lead and blew the game missing lots of free-throws. Even in thew newspaper the next day Stew said the Aggies only won because of poor WSU free-throw shooting - meaning his team didn't show up for the game.

 

[weberwildcat]

20 days to game...

Who's going. Some of us are driving up, we should drive up as a group.

 

[n.ogdencat]

We need to make sure that we can all get tickets... I'm most definitely in! I don't even have to go to Hawaii for my Bro's wedding, LOL.. I'd love to see the Cats beat the Ag's in the Spectrum.

 

[weberwildcat]

Men's Basketball vs. Weber State
Event Date:
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
7:00 pm

Onsale Date:
Friday, November 14, 2008
10:00 pm


Tickets are $17 but for the Weber game they are $22.

 

[JimmyDfor31]

USU update:

Aggie Men Picked To Finish Second In WAC Preseason Polls, While Gary Wilkinson Named Preseason Player Of The Year

Whoa, a Wilkinson named preseason player of the year. It doesn't hurt that he's a freakishly tall white guy from Utah with red hair. He also has a sweet shooting stroke. The similarities are almost creepy.

 

[ajwildcat]

JimmyD, isnt Gary your brother from another mother, or just another branch on the good old family tree?

 

[talhadfoursteals]

You are right Jimmy D. The similarities are uncanny! I never really thought about that. Does he, also, have a younger brother that is a complete spazz on the hardwood?

 

[JimmyDfor31]

Although I can't substantiate the Gary Wilkinson relation for sure, I'm sure if you chopped away at my family tree long enough you'd find some sort of familial bond there.

My dad and uncle both played college ball, but the genes seem to have dried up once they got to me, and even more so when they got to my younger "spazz" brother. He did make the freshman basketball team in high school but served as the team's 14th man, hardly something cousin Gary would be proud of.

 

[n.ogdencat]

Hey Jimmy, where did Dale play at? Was he also a Cat like your paps? Don't feel to bad... I'm pretty sure that the line dried up on Dale's side also... LOL don't tell your cousins...

Tickets to the game go on sale tomorrow Nov. 14...

 

[JimmyDfor31]

I know Dale played at least one season at the College of Eastern Utah. It's not a huge name, but simply playing anywhere at the next level is an accomplishment. I think he might have played a few years after his mission somewhere, but I'd have to find out.

I think Dale and my dad were both recruited to play semi-professionally in South America, since they'd both lived there courtesy of the LDS church. My dad was asked to help out on the Uruguayan national team in some capacity, as a coach or something. Remember, this was back in the early-to-mid 70's when those South American teams weren't even a shadow of what they are now, so I'm sure it was easy to say no. But my dad walked away from basketball all together to get married, and here I am. Sad, sad story.

 

[n.ogdencat]

8 Days.... Who is going?? I think we should all meet at the UV community center at 5:00 to car pool up to the game...

 

[weberwildcat]

Two very young teams this year, USU has 1 senior on the roster and Weber has 2.


Probable Starters
5 - Steve Panos (Jr) vs Gary Wilkinson (Sr)
Advantage USU

Wilkinson is the leader of this young Aggie team. He will need a big game to get a W against Weber. Having the game is Logan is a big helper. Panos is still learning, still getting better. He will need to win the rebounding war to give WSU a chance for a win.

4 - Kyle Bullinger (Fr) vs Tai Wesley (So)
Advantage USU

Wesley is the future of USU basketball and came on strong shortly after the loss last year to Weber. He will finish as a 4 year starter. He is very good but he hasn't played against Bull and didn't see much of Morris either last year.

3 - Daviin Davis (Sr) vs Pooh Williams (So)
Advantage Weber

Team leader and potentially the best player on the court in the game, most athletic that is for sure. Davis should dominate his opponent and hopefully get a few highlight reel plays - blocks and dunks.

2 - Nick Hansen (Jr) vs Tyler Newbold (So)
Toss up

Both can shoot the 3, Hansen has more experience though Newbold has more Div I experience. So could go either way.

1 - Kellen McCoy (Sr) vs Jaxson Myaer (Fr)
Advantage Weber

McCoy is a senior and will lead the team along with Davis. McCoy can do it all even though he is just 5'6". FT shooting is his biggest advantage. If USU fouls McCoy a lot that will give us a great chance to win because he is money from the line.

USU's biggest advantage is that we haven't won in Logan since 1993-94.

Turnovers could be the diff maker. Both teams have rebounded well thus far but poorly in the TO field.

 

[talhadfoursteals]

Two very young teams this year, USU has 1 senior on the roster and Weber has 2.


Probable Starters
5 - Steve Panos (Jr) vs Gary Wilkinson (Sr)
Advantage USU

Wilkinson is the leader of this young Aggie team. He will need a big game to get a W against Weber. Having the game is Logan is a big helper. Panos is still learning, still getting better. He will need to win the rebounding war to give WSU a chance for a win.

4 - Kyle Bullinger (Fr) vs Tai Wesley (So)
Advantage USU

Wesley is the future of USU basketball and came on strong shortly after the loss last year to Weber. He will finish as a 4 year starter. He is very good but he hasn't played against Bull and didn't see much of Morris either last year.

3 - Daviin Davis (Sr) vs Pooh Williams (So)
Advantage Weber

Team leader and potentially the best player on the court in the game, most athletic that is for sure. Davis should dominate his opponent and hopefully get a few highlight reel plays - blocks and dunks.

2 - Nick Hansen (Jr) vs Tyler Newbold (So)
Toss up

Both can shoot the 3, Hansen has more experience though Newbold has more Div I experience. So could go either way.

1 - Kellen McCoy (Sr) vs Jaxson Myaer (Fr)
Advantage Weber

McCoy is a senior and will lead the team along with Davis. McCoy can do it all even though he is just 5'6". FT shooting is his biggest advantage. If USU fouls McCoy a lot that will give us a great chance to win because he is money from the line.

USU's biggest advantage is that we haven't won in Logan since 1993-94.

Turnovers could be the diff maker. Both teams have rebounded well thus far but poorly in the TO field.

Catcat nice analysis... I agree with you for the most part, but I think that the Bullinger/Wesley battle should be a tie... Bullinger is only a freshmen, but is more agile and quick than Wesley. Also, Bullinger has a nice jump/outside shot. Wesley is a much better post player, but hasn't shown himself to be dominating. Wilkinson limits Wesley's inside chances. Both shoot FT's about the same, and both can rebound.

I think the Bench Play is pretty much a tie; both teams are deep. I'll be honest, I really don't know much about Utah State's bench, but I do know that there are a lot of players on their bench that could be a game changing factor for the Ag's. The Cats will use Lillard, Mahoney, and Carson a great deal. With Ramos and Benson possibly getting some mins. These five, especially the first 3, could be major factors in the game. Lillard has the potential to put up a lot of points, Mahoney can shut down the middle and score, while Carson can put speed and leadership on the floor. Should be an interesting battle.

Playing in Logan is a huge advantage for USU. Last time in Logan, Rahe's Wildcats took a slim lead into the locker room at half, but due to TO's and poor FT shooting the Ag's were able to come from behind and hold off a furious Wildcat charge at the end. If Weber can limit TO's and stop the Ag's inside game, Weber should be able to pull it out. I think Weber has better chemistry, which could be a tie breaker, but weird things have happened in Logan. In Dec 2002, under the guise of Supa-Man Weber held an advantage throughout the entire game until some phantom like calls transpired and little home cooking was orchestrated by the men in strips. An example occurred at the end of the game when Weber was trying to hold a lead. Brad Barton rebounded a missed Aggie shot only to be virtually ganged raped by the Ag's, which resulted in a jump ball rather than an evident foul. Such is the case of playing games on the road.

 

[weberwildcat]

Two very young teams this year, USU has 1 senior on the roster and Weber has 2.


Probable Starters
5 - Steve Panos (Jr) vs Gary Wilkinson (Sr)
Advantage USU

Wilkinson is the leader of this young Aggie team. He will need a big game to get a W against Weber. Having the game is Logan is a big helper. Panos is still learning, still getting better. He will need to win the rebounding war to give WSU a chance for a win.

4 - Kyle Bullinger (Fr) vs Tai Wesley (So)
Advantage USU

Wesley is the future of USU basketball and came on strong shortly after the loss last year to Weber. He will finish as a 4 year starter. He is very good but he hasn't played against Bull and didn't see much of Morris either last year.

3 - Daviin Davis (Sr) vs Pooh Williams (So)
Advantage Weber

Team leader and potentially the best player on the court in the game, most athletic that is for sure. Davis should dominate his opponent and hopefully get a few highlight reel plays - blocks and dunks.

2 - Nick Hansen (Jr) vs Tyler Newbold (So)
Toss up

Both can shoot the 3, Hansen has more experience though Newbold has more Div I experience. So could go either way.

1 - Kellen McCoy (Sr) vs Jaxson Myaer (Fr)
Advantage Weber

McCoy is a senior and will lead the team along with Davis. McCoy can do it all even though he is just 5'6". FT shooting is his biggest advantage. If USU fouls McCoy a lot that will give us a great chance to win because he is money from the line.

USU's biggest advantage is that we haven't won in Logan since 1993-94.

Turnovers could be the diff maker. Both teams have rebounded well thus far but poorly in the TO field.

Catcat nice analysis... I agree with you for the most part, but I think that the Bullinger/Wesley battle should be a tie... Bullinger is only a freshmen, but is more agile and quick than Wesley. Also, Bullinger has a nice jump/outside shot. Wesley is a much better post player, but hasn't shown himself to be dominating. Wilkinson limits Wesley's inside chances. Both shoot FT's about the same, and both can rebound.

I think the Bench Play is pretty much a tie; both teams are deep. I'll be honest, I really don't know much about Utah State's bench, but I do know that there are a lot of players on their bench that could be a game changing factor for the Ag's. The Cats will use Lillard, Mahoney, and Carson a great deal. With Ramos and Benson possibly getting some mins. These five, especially the first 3, could be major factors in the game. Lillard has the potential to put up a lot of points, Mahoney can shut down the middle and score, while Carson can put speed and leadership on the floor. Should be an interesting battle.

Playing in Logan is a huge advantage for USU. Last time in Logan, Rahe's Wildcats took a slim lead into the locker room at half, but due to TO's and poor FT shooting the Ag's were able to come from behind and hold off a furious Wildcat charge at the end. If Weber can limit TO's and stop the Ag's inside game, Weber should be able to pull it out. I think Weber has better chemistry, which could be a tie breaker, but weird things have happened in Logan. In Dec 2002, under the guise of Supa-Man Weber held an advantage throughout the entire game until some phantom like calls transpired and little home cooking was orchestrated by the men in strips. An example occurred at the end of the game when Weber was trying to hold a lead. Brad Barton rebounded a missed Aggie shot only to be virtually ganged raped by the Ag's, which resulted in a jump ball rather than an evident foul. Such is the case of playing games on the road.

I think you are talking about 2001. 2002 we beat them in Ogden. Now 2003 was similar to 2001, misteriously they had some clock issues in Logan at the end of the game which just so happened to help USU win the game by 2. This aslo was the same game Slobodan came straight to after a 24 flight from Serbia.

I've seen more than one Aggie game with clock issues...sadly, but the 2003 was the only one that was against Weber.

 

[talhadfoursteals]

Yeah...December 2002. Supa-Man's senior season (2002-2003 season). I still contend that there are 2.5 seconds left on the clock. The clock issue was by far the worst thing about that game. The Spectrum staff didn't reset the shot clock so it went off 2.5 seconds before the game clock, and the officials, most likely Big Sky, didn't take the time to look at the official game clock so thought that the game was over. They probably assumed that a facilities staff would be intelligent enough to turn off the shot when there is only 12.5 seconds left to play, but they should have known that the Spectrum is in Logan, and you can't assume anything up there. The funny thing about that game is that Brad Barton, the previous years hero, shot a three at the, supposed, buzzer only to barely miss with the ball falling into Pat Danely's hands. Pat put the ball back up before the game ended. He made the shot and was fouled, but the refs said the game was over when the game clock said that there were 2.5 seconds left. WEIRD SHIZ happens in Logan!

 

[weberwildcat]

2-0 USU vs 1-2 Weber

USU beat NAIA MSU-Northern and on the road at UCSanta Barbara

WSU lost to Miami OH and Long Beach, win over Prairie View A&M

 

[pattenjr]

Yeah...December 2002. Supa-Man's senior season (2002-2003 season). I still contend that there are 2.5 seconds left on the clock. The clock issue was by far the worst thing about that game. The Spectrum staff didn't reset the shot clock so it went off 2.5 seconds before the game clock, and the officials, most likely Big Sky, didn't take the time to look at the official game clock so thought that the game was over. They probably assumed that a facilities staff would be intelligent enough to turn off the shot when there is only 12.5 seconds left to play, but they should have known that the Spectrum is in Logan, and you can't assume anything up there. The funny thing about that game is that Brad Barton, the previous years hero, shot a three at the, supposed, buzzer only to barely miss with the ball falling into Pat Danely's hands. Pat put the ball back up before the game ended. He made the shot and was fouled, but the refs said the game was over when the game clock said that there were 2.5 seconds left. WEIRD SHIZ happens in Logan!

Sounds like it might have been one of Buz Cuts first games

 

[weberwildcat]

"This time of year," Morrill said, "to find out where you are at, you need some games. So we're excited to be playing again."

Of course, tempering Morrill's enthusiasm is the fact the Aggies will be playing against one of his closest friends in the coaching business — Randy Rahe.

To help Rahe out with a scheduling quirk, Morrill agreed to move"This time of year," Morrill said, "to find out where you are at, you need some games. So we're excited to be playing again."

Of course, tempering Morrill's enthusiasm is the fact the Aggies will be playing against one of his closest friends in the coaching business — Randy Rahe.

To help Rahe out with a scheduling quirk, Morrill agreed to move the WSU game to tonight instead of last weekend.

"If he beats our butt, I'll never do him a favor again," Morrill joked.

Niceties aside, Morrill said he's worried about the athletic Wildcats. the WSU game to tonight instead of last weekend.

"If he beats our butt, I'll never do him a favor again," Morrill joked.

Niceties aside, Morrill said he's worried about the athletic Wildcats.

 

[n.ogdencat]

This should be a great game. Both teams seem to be evenly matched. Each have their own particular strengths and weaknesses (both tend to commit a lot of TO's). I'm really excited to watch this game. Three things are needed for the Cats to be successful:

1. Rebounding: the cats need to hold an advantage on the glass. This is going to be difficult with Wilkinson and Wesley crashing the boards, but I think Morris, Panos, Mahoney, Bullinger, and Ramos are up to the challenge. The Cats have won the rebounding battle against each of their opponents. However, one element that hurt the Cats against Long Beach was their intensity wanned after they got a huge lead, which lead to the 49ers being able to get a lot of offensive boards and second chance points. Weber needs to limit the Ag's to one shot and get those defensive boards. If it comes down to shooting percentage the Cats have got this one. Weber needs to limit the Ag's shots.

2. Turnovers: This is something that has plagued both teams so far this year. A key characteristics contributing to Weber's victory over USU last year, was that Weber only committed 12 TO's. Weber had a season low TO's against Long Beach, but most of the TO's occurred during the last 10mins of the game after Weber had extended their lead over the 49ers to 23 pts. Weber needs to go for the Jugular! Weber can't allow itself to become complacent. Complacency directly leads to sloppy ball handling and poor defensive execution, which allows an opposing team to get confidence and swing the momentum. At home Weber has the "Sixth Man" there for support, but on the road...Weber cannot let up, no matter what the score is.

3. Defense: Weber has looked solid on defense this season. However, there have been moments in each game where the defense has slacked. For Weber to have a chance at beating the Ag's in Logan, Weber needs to play the Ag's tough on every possession. Personally, I think that this is going to be a battle of the defenses, and whoever does a better job defensively will win the game.

Granted, Weber has had to deal with some obscene referring so far this season (at the Pyramid on Sat. Weber had 12 fouls to Long Beachs 4 with 5 mins remaining in the second half; definitely a possible contributor to the 49ers comeback); however, that is part of the game. Weber needs to take full advantage of their opportunities and do their best to limit the Ag's FT attempts. So far this season Weber has shoot tolerably from the foul line, they need to improve their FT shooting... Two seasons ago FT shooting doomed the Cats and vitrually gave the game to the Ag's. Weber needs to shoot from the line better.