• Hi Guest, want to participate in the discussions, keep track of read/unread posts, upgrade to remove ads and more? Create your free account and increase the benefits of your BigSkyFans.com experience today!

@ Weber, Thursday

weberwildcat3

weberwildcat3

Active member
What can we expect in Ogden from the 2 teams on Thursday?

WSU just lost a close one to UNC and PSU just smoked NAU like they were playing Sac St.
 
Hopefully, you'll see the PSU squad that blew out Sac State and NAU. However, if we play like we did in Cheyney earlier this season, anything goes.

How about for you guys? Valeika looks good in the stat sheet, but it looks like his minutes are limited at times due to foul trouble.
 
martymoose said:
Hopefully, you'll see the PSU squad that blew out Sac State and NAU. However, if we play like we did in Cheyney earlier this season, anything goes.

How about for you guys? Valeika looks good in the stat sheet, but it looks like his minutes are limited at times due to foul trouble.
Click to expand...

Valeika potentially could be a first teamer but he is screwing himself over with foul issues.

I hope the PSU team that embarrassed NAU shows up this week. I would love to see a hard fought good game at home. And finally a conf home game!
 
Question for PSU:

Is it true purple used to be one of PSU's colors? And who does PSU look forward to playing the most?

Does it depend on the sport?

In state schools? EWU? Sac?

Weber's is ISU but really we like playing SUU more in football and bball we look forward the most to the in-state schools.
 
Honestly, I don't think there's any school we particularly look forward to playing. Montana/Montana State maybe. But certainly in-state schools like UO, OSU and Portland. The longer we play Big Sky the better we get to know the schools and like them. Except Montana/MSU :-)

As long as I've followed the Vikings they've been green. That's 42 years worth. PSU barely existed before that.
 
Purple has never been a PSU color. It's always been green (now forest green) and white. The black started out as trim, but now both football and men's hoops have black uniforms. PSU doesn't really have a rival. Oregon and Oregon State are a big step up; D2 Western Oregon is a huge step down. The big rival varies from sport to sport and year to year. Montana gets everybody in the league jacked up in football, but in basketball it varies. Four years ago, EWU; three and two years ago it was Montana; last year it was Weber State. Kind of goes by the standings.
 
Purple was originally a school color but was dropped in favor of green and white.

It's been green and white since I can recall, but Google says otherwise. ;-)

Regarding who I like to see us play... I have to go with Montana since they dominate in athletics. One would think that Sac State would be a rival since they entered the BSC at the same time, and they are an 'urban' university such as PSU. However, they've struggled a bit to compete in men's basketball and football, so it hasn't been much of a rivalry. Also, the UP game is a fun one every year. Hopefully that can grow into something that the entire city of Portland can get behind.
 
Rivalries are based more on familiarity (which, naturally, breeds contempt) than similarity.

Any real rival for Portland State (which is why UP is on the list) would need to be closer than Cheney or Sacramento. That's why this doesn't work SO FAR in the Big Sky.

Is Western Washington too far away to be a rival? What if Seattle Pacific upgraded and fostered that Seattle v Portland thing? Western Washington is the school most likely to attempt to upgrade in the next few years by my estimation.

Now...

...if the general consensus of the locals on the board is to be taken to heart (wink, nudge, naughty me for stereotyping
icon_tongue.png
icon_twisted.gif
)

...you use the hatred of association with rural areas and some sense of proximity...

...Western Oregon or Oregon Tech? Maybe that crazy party school Southern Oregon?

Keep this in mind: even if Portland State actually reaches the WAC someday, the same problem exists. A rivalry is a good thing to have to ensure at least one date in the stadium or arena is sold out.
 
Defcon1 said:
The big rival varies from sport to sport and year to year. Montana gets everybody in the league jacked up in football, but in basketball it varies. Four years ago, EWU; three and two years ago it was Montana; last year it was Weber State. Kind of goes by the standings.
Click to expand...

Ya I miss EWU being good 2000-2004 i believe was when they went to 5 consecutive big sky tournament championship games. I was a studen then and we looked forward to the EWU game every year! The lost the fist 4 and one the last one went to the tourney lost to OKla St i think and then in '05 was when Giacoletti left for Utah...to bad he didn't stay, they had some awesome teams!

And we all remember '05, the year of the Viking!
 
PSU doesn't have a solid rivalry, especially since true rivalries run both ways and nobody really hates PSU. I really wish PSU had closer conference foes, because I'd love to be able to attend more road games. This is a common problems for alot of schools out west, though, because everything is so spread out.
 
http://www.bigskyfans.com/2008/01/09/psu-vs-wsu-preview

The Vikings recent success might lead fans to forget the disappointments of the early season. If they had hit the majority of their late free throws the team would be 12-4, and there would be no doubt they were the best team in the conference. Needless to say, that is not the case. A week ago most Viking fans would have been pessimistic about a tough conference game on the road. However, with the recent development of Kyle Coston, this game is once again intriguing.

Weber State is led offensively by the senior duo of Arturas Valeika, a versatile forward from Lithuania, and Dezmon Harris. The Wildcats have to be upset with the production from their veteran players. Both Harris and Juan Pablo Silveira have been less productive this year without David Patten. Unfortunately, their inability to fill that void has really hurt the team so far. The defending Big Sky champions are 5-8 thus far this year and lost their first conference game to last year’s cellar dweller, UNC. To turn things around this year Weber will have to get increased production from their veteran guys.

Match-Ups
Center
WSU: Arturas Valeika PSU: Scott Morrison
This is a game where Bone often looks to play Thomas inside. Offensively, Morrison should have no trouble scoring 10 points on Valeika. However, he isn’t mobile enough to cover Valeika if he is playing out on the wings putting up three balls. I don’t see Morrison getting more than 20 minutes in this one, but I’d be happy if he did. I think the Vikings need him in there to provide a post presence and a stronger rebounder. Because the Vikings made a big change in their offense after the first few games of the season, Morrison has less impact on the game. However, given the right system, he could be just as good as Valeika. I’ll give the edge to Valeika because the Wildcats are committed to giving him the ball and letting him go to work.
Advantage: Wildcats

Power Forward
WSU: Steve Panos PSU: Kyle Coston
To mention the word power in relation to Kyle Coston seems comical. The rail-thin shooter has the ability to rebound at times, but tends to foul quickly when matched up against more physical players, and he has no real power game offensively. It looks like he’ll continue to be the guy until he gives up the spot. Alex Tiefenthaler has done very little since becoming eligible, and Tyrell Mara has had a tough go of it since the Top of the World Classic. As long as Coston stays out of foul trouble, he should win this match-up because Panos isn’t much of an offensive guy at all. He’s averaged only 6 points per game. Other options for Weber at forward include Tyler Billings and Daviin Davis.
Advantage: Vikings

Guard/Forward
WSU: Juan Pablo Silveira PSU: Deonte Huff
Silveira had a strong 3 games against the Vikings last year. If he struggles, look for them to go to Davis who dominated the Vikings in limited time last year. Huff will look to rebound after a tough shooting game against NAU. Aside from the Akron game, it was his worst game of the year. Not bad to get 8 points and 9 rebounds from a guy in one of his worst games. There is no reason to believe the star will have any trouble getting back into form. It is possible that Silveira will get to Huff’s level by the time he is done, but this isn’t that time. I think Huff will have a big game, and he will need to if the Viks have a chance to pull this one out on the road.
Advantage: Vikings

Shooting Guard
WSU: Dezmon Harris PSU: Andre Murray
Murray has been a spark for the Vikings. When he starts the team is 5-1. As the number two scorer, the Wildcats will need more than the 9 points Harris scored against UNC if they are going to play with the Vikings. Harris has shown that ability, scoring 16 points against a tough Utah State team. If he scores 15+ points the game should stay close. If not, they will be pressed to score with Huff, Murray and Dominguez.
Advantage: Vikings

Point
WSU: Brody Van Brocklin/Kellen McCoy PSU: Jeremiah Dominguez
McCoy was the only player who was able to get into double figures for the Wildcats against UNC. He should be a good match-up for Dominguez and Mickey Polis as he is one of the few players in the country who isn’t taller than them. Van Brocklin is one of the three combo guards who starts for the Wildcats. Harris and Silveira are just as capable of running the team if they are asked to. PSU should again have the advantage here. If Dominguez can play the consistent basketball we have become accustomed to this year and Polis can knock down a couple shots, it would push the Vikings in the right direction.
Advantage: Vikings

Bench
The Viking bench has really come on since the beginning of the season. It remains to be seen whether or not they can sustain this energy, but it has led to some positive results recently. Two players who should factor in down the stretch are Tyrell Mara and Dupree Lucas. If either gets his starting spot back after his absence it would surprise me. Neither has had the kind of season expected from a starter, and that would lead me to believe that the guys in there now will finish out the season. The Wildcat bench is led by McCoy, Davis and Tyler Billings. They should all see significant time as Randy Rahe looks for an effective combination against the Vikings. Both teams have talented guys on the bench who should have an impact on the game and their production should be similar.
Advantage: Push

I am going to give the Vikings the advantage in this one, but not as big as their talent advantage would suggest. Randy Rahe is a much better coach than Ken Bone, even though he’s had a tough go of it this year. After seeing their early results, I feel that they just don’t have enough scoring to compete for the Big Sky crown this year.
Prediction: PSU 68-64
 
Thanks WiViking. We missed your updates during the last part of the holidays. :-)

Any thoughts on Lucas' feelings of coming off of the bench for the duration of the season? Players can sometimes take that as a demotion when they lose their starting position, regardless of the situation (injury, etc). If Bone & Co has drilled a 'team' concept into these guys, I don't think this will be an issue. A healthy Lucas who brings energy and doesn't force shots off the bench could be a huge spark.
 
I'm leaving to study in France on the 20th and I'll be there until June, so if I can, I'll try to do blogs there, but I can't guarantee anything.

I think Lucas might not do to well on the bench. When he's sitting he tends to be one of the few who stays interested in the game. However, not being a starter when he's healthy might bother him. If he's ready I guess we'll find out soon.
 
WiViking said:
http://www.bigskyfans.com/2008/01/09/psu-vs-wsu-preview

The Vikings recent success might lead fans to forget the disappointments of the early season. If they had hit the majority of their late free throws the team would be 12-4, and there would be no doubt they were the best team in the conference. Needless to say, that is not the case. A week ago most Viking fans would have been pessimistic about a tough conference game on the road. However, with the recent development of Kyle Coston, this game is once again intriguing.

Weber State is led offensively by the senior duo of Arturas Valeika, a versatile forward from Lithuania, and Dezmon Harris. The Wildcats have to be upset with the production from their veteran players. Both Harris and Juan Pablo Silveira have been less productive this year without David Patten. Unfortunately, their inability to fill that void has really hurt the team so far. The defending Big Sky champions are 5-8 thus far this year and lost their first conference game to last year’s cellar dweller, UNC. To turn things around this year Weber will have to get increased production from their veteran guys.

Match-Ups
Center
WSU: Arturas Valeika PSU: Scott Morrison
This is a game where Bone often looks to play Thomas inside. Offensively, Morrison should have no trouble scoring 10 points on Valeika. However, he isn’t mobile enough to cover Valeika if he is playing out on the wings putting up three balls. I don’t see Morrison getting more than 20 minutes in this one, but I’d be happy if he did. I think the Vikings need him in there to provide a post presence and a stronger rebounder. Because the Vikings made a big change in their offense after the first few games of the season, Morrison has less impact on the game. However, given the right system, he could be just as good as Valeika. I’ll give the edge to Valeika because the Wildcats are committed to giving him the ball and letting him go to work.
Advantage: Wildcats

Power Forward
WSU: Steve Panos PSU: Kyle Coston
To mention the word power in relation to Kyle Coston seems comical. The rail-thin shooter has the ability to rebound at times, but tends to foul quickly when matched up against more physical players, and he has no real power game offensively. It looks like he’ll continue to be the guy until he gives up the spot. Alex Tiefenthaler has done very little since becoming eligible, and Tyrell Mara has had a tough go of it since the Top of the World Classic. As long as Coston stays out of foul trouble, he should win this match-up because Panos isn’t much of an offensive guy at all. He’s averaged only 6 points per game. Other options for Weber at forward include Tyler Billings and Daviin Davis.
Advantage: Vikings

Guard/Forward
WSU: Juan Pablo Silveira PSU: Deonte Huff
Silveira had a strong 3 games against the Vikings last year. If he struggles, look for them to go to Davis who dominated the Vikings in limited time last year. Huff will look to rebound after a tough shooting game against NAU. Aside from the Akron game, it was his worst game of the year. Not bad to get 8 points and 9 rebounds from a guy in one of his worst games. There is no reason to believe the star will have any trouble getting back into form. It is possible that Silveira will get to Huff’s level by the time he is done, but this isn’t that time. I think Huff will have a big game, and he will need to if the Viks have a chance to pull this one out on the road.
Advantage: Vikings

Shooting Guard
WSU: Dezmon Harris PSU: Andre Murray
Murray has been a spark for the Vikings. When he starts the team is 5-1. As the number two scorer, the Wildcats will need more than the 9 points Harris scored against UNC if they are going to play with the Vikings. Harris has shown that ability, scoring 16 points against a tough Utah State team. If he scores 15+ points the game should stay close. If not, they will be pressed to score with Huff, Murray and Dominguez.
Advantage: Vikings

Point
WSU: Brody Van Brocklin/Kellen McCoy PSU: Jeremiah Dominguez
McCoy was the only player who was able to get into double figures for the Wildcats against UNC. He should be a good match-up for Dominguez and Mickey Polis as he is one of the few players in the country who isn’t taller than them. Van Brocklin is one of the three combo guards who starts for the Wildcats. Harris and Silveira are just as capable of running the team if they are asked to. PSU should again have the advantage here. If Dominguez can play the consistent basketball we have become accustomed to this year and Polis can knock down a couple shots, it would push the Vikings in the right direction.
Advantage: Vikings

Bench
The Viking bench has really come on since the beginning of the season. It remains to be seen whether or not they can sustain this energy, but it has led to some positive results recently. Two players who should factor in down the stretch are Tyrell Mara and Dupree Lucas. If either gets his starting spot back after his absence it would surprise me. Neither has had the kind of season expected from a starter, and that would lead me to believe that the guys in there now will finish out the season. The Wildcat bench is led by McCoy, Davis and Tyler Billings. They should all see significant time as Randy Rahe looks for an effective combination against the Vikings. Both teams have talented guys on the bench who should have an impact on the game and their production should be similar.
Advantage: Push

I am going to give the Vikings the advantage in this one, but not as big as their talent advantage would suggest. Randy Rahe is a much better coach than Ken Bone, even though he’s had a tough go of it this year. After seeing their early results, I feel that they just don’t have enough scoring to compete for the Big Sky crown this year.
Prediction: PSU 68-64
Click to expand...

WiViking, I liked your analysis/comparison of our teams...you know both teams pretty well.

As of late Dez Harris and JP Silveira, the last 2 games have lost their starting positions to Daviin Davis and Kellen McCoy. Honestly as WSU fans we don't know who will start against PSU. Bottom line is as u mentioned Dez & JP haven't done anything compared to last season thus far.

I'm not sure what to expect this year so far still and especially for the PSU game since Weber started off 0-1. I think however based on typical WSU home games that they will get the win but will likely lose at PSU. Rahe said this year that PSU is the best team matched up against us last year and he thinks they are the best team this year. So I would assume PSU's lone vote for 1st in the Coaches was Rahe.

WSU at home this year: 5-1
WSU at home last year: 15-2 (conf: 9-1)

The past doesn't really matter but I just think WSU has a way better chance to win based on the fact that it's at home.
 
WSU's RANDY RAHE SPEAKS....

ON PORTLAND STATE " Coach Bone has a solid line up one through ten. They have the big man in the middle, shooters on the wings and ball handlers in the back court. Northern Arizona is a really talented team and they just destroyed them last Saturday at home. They got stung in their first game at Eastern Washington but it looks like they have recovered and are ready to wreak some havoc upon the league."
 
If the Vikings were consistent with the talent he praises, they'd really wreak some of that havoc he speaks of.
 
I think they are. They've figured out not just a good starting lineup, but a new game pace. They physically ran Sac and NAU into the ground with speed and depth, which coupled with the perimeter shooting seems to be a pretty good way to approach things. It also takes the pressure off Morrison to produce down low. Now he can rebound on defense, kick out and trail the break if it doesn't work. Works for everybody. Rahe is right. And I disagree with Wi. Bone is a good game coach. He made this adjustment in midstream, and not every coach can do that.
 
Works for everybody? You really think Morrison is happy with his role? You think they spend enough time on free throw shooting in practice? You think that the team lost massive leads because Bone made good adjustments midstream? Get real.
 
Obie! I thought you weren't on this forum. Welcome. Just what is enough practice time on free throws, in your opinion? And what qualifies you to judge what's enough free throw practice time for this particular group of players? Do you know them personally? Do you have college coaching experience? Where? Does practice time on free throws automatically equal success? I've seen it both ways in college basketball; I've seen too much practice only make things worse. I'm not going to set myself up as a judge, since I'm apparently not as close to the situation as you seem to be. But what I do know about Scott Morrison is that he's willing to play any role that will get the results like they got last weekend. He seems (from his interviews) as if he just wants to win. If that means scoring and rebounding a lot, he'll give it his best shot; if it's rebounding and defense, he'll do that, too. If it varies game by game, he'll give it his best shot there, too. How am I doing so far? Your matchups are valuable to this forum, but let's not overreact to disagreements. I promise I won't either. OK?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Back
Top