I know this current season just ended less than an hour again, but I am so excited for next season. I am most excited to see our freshman class transition into their sophomore year. The upside of next season is huge. I love our potential starting 5 next year. Joel is going to be our anchor for sure. I hope he can develop a better offensive skill sets, which I know he can. I pray that Rahe doesn't leave, and I would hope we can get him to sign a contract extension on his current one. There is no reason why we cant up attendance for next season. With BYU losing Collinsworth, I dont see why we cant beat them at home. USU is having some serious off court issues. They are acting over on aggie board that they want Stew hired, as 10 players or more will not be back for next season. I hope today is a great indication of things to come! I would appreciate if Tal or someone can give us a rundown of who they think will be starting next season, which recruits can make an impact right away for us, and who they think will be the starters. It is also interesting to note that we still have one open scholarship available, who knows who Rahe might land with that.
-
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!
WSU Basketball, 2014-2015
- Thread starter WSUfan1
- Start date
hawkssb04
Active member
I think it's safe to say we will see Bolomboy, Hill, Senglin and Gittens in the starting lineup next season. However, that fifth spot seems completely up for grabs. I also am not sure how we are going to immediately replace the scoring presence of Davion. Does Jeremiah Jefferson wow Randy and earn a starting job like Senglin did this season? I'm sure Zach Braxton will see some minutes, too. As far as Hajek and Williams go, I just don't know. Royce looked great off the bench last season, but the few minutes he normally had seemed to evaporate down the stretch this year. Can anyone offer some insight as to why? And Hajek, well, he's a a great teammate ... so I'm told. Beyond that, I don't expect him to log more than single-digit minutes next year.
next year could be a struggle for the Cats, especially early on. Weber returns 3 players from this year's team who averaged over 20 mins per game, plus Hill who averaged 17 mins a game. That means the Cats will be playing 3 or 4 players next year with little or no D1 experience.
Consider also that 55% of Weber's offensive production from this year is graduating. After last year we only lost 43% of our offensive production (and that's counting Wheelwright and Bradford).
We do have a great core of young players in Bolomboy, Senglin, Gittens, and Hill. 2015-16 could be a great year.
As for other BSC teams: I'm thinking Sac St and NAU could be at the top. Sac St returns everyone: McKinney, Garrity, Demps, Stuteville, Mills, Hornsby (and has a pretty good looking recruit coming in).
NAU does lose Jacobsen, but Dixon, Upshur, Yanku, Bewernick are all returning.
Not sure how much of a whole Jamar leaves for Montana, but pretty much everyone else is returning.
Consider also that 55% of Weber's offensive production from this year is graduating. After last year we only lost 43% of our offensive production (and that's counting Wheelwright and Bradford).
We do have a great core of young players in Bolomboy, Senglin, Gittens, and Hill. 2015-16 could be a great year.
As for other BSC teams: I'm thinking Sac St and NAU could be at the top. Sac St returns everyone: McKinney, Garrity, Demps, Stuteville, Mills, Hornsby (and has a pretty good looking recruit coming in).
NAU does lose Jacobsen, but Dixon, Upshur, Yanku, Bewernick are all returning.
Not sure how much of a whole Jamar leaves for Montana, but pretty much everyone else is returning.
SWWeatherCat
Active member
WSUProf said:
Joel's Senior year is coming way too soon!
SWWeatherCat
Active member
Don't you mean year 4 for Bolomboy and year 3 for the others?
Next year will be interesting. Yes, the Cats are returning an experienced core of young players who have a great deal of potential. Two starters are back from this years team, and it makes sense that Gittens and Hill will move in and become starters next season. However, and this is huge, Weber is losing around 40ppg and almost 60% of mins played. Those are big numbers.
Yes, Weber has some talented recruits coming in. Braxton has the potential of being a four year starter at center, but as a freshman I don't see him playing as many mins as Tres this past season. Thankfully, he won't have to. Hajek will be ready to go next fall. His knee injury from last Fall really hurt him this year and dropped his mins. Also, Van Pelt will be back from his LDS mission. He knows the system and has grown, but needs to find his legs quickly. Yet, between them, I'm thinking the Cats can get 10-15 mins on the floor to help Braxton. Also, there has been some rumors that Stone from USU is graduating early to transfer to a grad program for his final season. Possible locations are SUU, ISU, UI, and Weber. I personally think he is done but having another experienced center wouldn't be a bad addition. Who knows though. We will have to see what happens. A transfer is always a possibility.
Jeremiah Jefferson and Ryan Richardson both could make immediate impacts. Jefferson's senior season was cut short due to a hand injury and he needs to spend time in the gym to put on some bulk, he has the talent, speed, athleticism to make an immediate impact at either the PG or SG spot. He has a solid outside shot and can really get to the rack. Finally, he is an excellent passer. He will need to work hard though to get himself back into top shape. He is a gym rat and hard worker...excellent student too. Weber fans are going to love this kids personality. Extremely outgoing and a great teammate. Richardson, is a deadly outside shooter and is long. He is like Daviin Davis but is a far better shooter. He is a total workaholic and will take advantage of every opportunity to develop his game. By the end of his career he could have the 3pters made record. Might be good for him to RS this season to gain size and to become a bit quicker. He did share the MVP with BYU bound and 4-star recruit Payton Dastrup. Tells us a bit about his game.
Hayden Hunter is a solid PG. I really don't see him getting much PT.
Weber also is recruiting a handful of JUCO kids...
Yes, Weber has some talented recruits coming in. Braxton has the potential of being a four year starter at center, but as a freshman I don't see him playing as many mins as Tres this past season. Thankfully, he won't have to. Hajek will be ready to go next fall. His knee injury from last Fall really hurt him this year and dropped his mins. Also, Van Pelt will be back from his LDS mission. He knows the system and has grown, but needs to find his legs quickly. Yet, between them, I'm thinking the Cats can get 10-15 mins on the floor to help Braxton. Also, there has been some rumors that Stone from USU is graduating early to transfer to a grad program for his final season. Possible locations are SUU, ISU, UI, and Weber. I personally think he is done but having another experienced center wouldn't be a bad addition. Who knows though. We will have to see what happens. A transfer is always a possibility.
Jeremiah Jefferson and Ryan Richardson both could make immediate impacts. Jefferson's senior season was cut short due to a hand injury and he needs to spend time in the gym to put on some bulk, he has the talent, speed, athleticism to make an immediate impact at either the PG or SG spot. He has a solid outside shot and can really get to the rack. Finally, he is an excellent passer. He will need to work hard though to get himself back into top shape. He is a gym rat and hard worker...excellent student too. Weber fans are going to love this kids personality. Extremely outgoing and a great teammate. Richardson, is a deadly outside shooter and is long. He is like Daviin Davis but is a far better shooter. He is a total workaholic and will take advantage of every opportunity to develop his game. By the end of his career he could have the 3pters made record. Might be good for him to RS this season to gain size and to become a bit quicker. He did share the MVP with BYU bound and 4-star recruit Payton Dastrup. Tells us a bit about his game.
Hayden Hunter is a solid PG. I really don't see him getting much PT.
Weber also is recruiting a handful of JUCO kids...
wazzuwildcat03
Active member
Its safe to say that Hill, Bolomboy, Gittens and Senglin will start next year. That 5th sport is anyone's guess. Looking at the guys we have returning and the recruits, we do have a open spot. Also I could see Fuller or Williams not returning, but who knows? I'm not worried about defense next year at all. We have great size, speed and athleticism returning, but I do worry about scoring. I like Hajek and think he can help us next year. His injury really set him back. If he can come back healthy and in good shape next year, I can see him playing 5 -10 minutes off the bench next year. We lose about half of our scoring off this years team. I really would like to see a combo guard come in and be an impact player right away and average about 12 ppg like Upsher was at NAU and Wiggins was at PSU. If they can find someone, Weber State should be able to as well. If another spot opens up I would like to see a D1 transfer come and and redshirt like Otis and Berry did. We have had success with those players. If I had to guess how next years team will look with starters and top bench players this is what I would guess.
1. Senglin So.
2. Transfer player TBA
3. Gittens So.
4. Hill So.
5. Bolomboy Jr.
Our top 4 players coming off the bench.
Jefferson Fr.
Braxton Fr.
Williams Sr.
Hajek Sr.
Fuller, Van Pelt and Hunter could be in the mix, but I think playing time could be tough. And I would love to see Richardson redshirt and possible Hunter. Richardson looks legit but is so skinny and light. I think a year to develop could really help him.
Is the Purple and White game here yet? :rockon:
1. Senglin So.
2. Transfer player TBA
3. Gittens So.
4. Hill So.
5. Bolomboy Jr.
Our top 4 players coming off the bench.
Jefferson Fr.
Braxton Fr.
Williams Sr.
Hajek Sr.
Fuller, Van Pelt and Hunter could be in the mix, but I think playing time could be tough. And I would love to see Richardson redshirt and possible Hunter. Richardson looks legit but is so skinny and light. I think a year to develop could really help him.
Is the Purple and White game here yet? :rockon:
oldrunner
Active member
I don't think that it is safe to say that anyone will be a starter next year. The two most likely are Senglin and Bolomboy. All of the starting spots will be heavily contested.
Here are the questions that will need to be answered before next November:
1.) Can Senglin become comfortable at the point? If not, then who?
2.) Can James or any of our incoming bigs win the center spot or do we have to play small with Bolomboy?
3.) Can Hill develop his game enough to move to the three spot and allow us to play a big lineup?
4.) Which of the newcomers will be able to win playing time and how much?
5.) Where will the leadership come from?
I don't see replacing the scoring, of our outgoing seniors, as being a problem. We have capable scorers at every position. So the shots will be distributed differently than they were this year, big deal. We may be more balanced in scoring, or some players may step up dramatically. Either way, scoring is not at issue.
Defense and rebounding should remain as strengths of our team. Rebounding may be a little better if some of the incoming bigs can earn playing time.
I expect next years team to be as good, or better than this years. They will certainly be a lot of fun to watch. :thumb: :thumb:
Here are the questions that will need to be answered before next November:
1.) Can Senglin become comfortable at the point? If not, then who?
2.) Can James or any of our incoming bigs win the center spot or do we have to play small with Bolomboy?
3.) Can Hill develop his game enough to move to the three spot and allow us to play a big lineup?
4.) Which of the newcomers will be able to win playing time and how much?
5.) Where will the leadership come from?
I don't see replacing the scoring, of our outgoing seniors, as being a problem. We have capable scorers at every position. So the shots will be distributed differently than they were this year, big deal. We may be more balanced in scoring, or some players may step up dramatically. Either way, scoring is not at issue.
Defense and rebounding should remain as strengths of our team. Rebounding may be a little better if some of the incoming bigs can earn playing time.
I expect next years team to be as good, or better than this years. They will certainly be a lot of fun to watch. :thumb: :thumb:
JUCO kids Weber's looking at:
Chris Golden, Soph, SG
Jermaine Edmonds, Fresh, SG
Daniel Nwosu, Fresh, SG
Duol Mayot, Soph, SF.
To me, this looks pretty clear. Weber feels comfortable with the 1, 4, and 5 spots. Rahe and Co. Are looking for a wing. Could the Cats survive without a wing spring signee? Yes... Why? Royce Williams, Richaud Gittens, Jeremiah Jefferson, Kyndahl Hill, Ryan Richardson, and even Josh Fuller could all play either the 2 or 3 spot. Hayden Hunter is a PG, but could play the 2 if needed.
Chris Golden, Soph, SG
Jermaine Edmonds, Fresh, SG
Daniel Nwosu, Fresh, SG
Duol Mayot, Soph, SF.
To me, this looks pretty clear. Weber feels comfortable with the 1, 4, and 5 spots. Rahe and Co. Are looking for a wing. Could the Cats survive without a wing spring signee? Yes... Why? Royce Williams, Richaud Gittens, Jeremiah Jefferson, Kyndahl Hill, Ryan Richardson, and even Josh Fuller could all play either the 2 or 3 spot. Hayden Hunter is a PG, but could play the 2 if needed.
oldrunner
Active member
Tal;
I know at least two on your list are actually still active on our list. However, I also know that we have some power forwards on our list. We have one scholarship, unless someone leaves, and it will be filled with a player who the coaches feel can help us the most. I don't think our coaches even know whether that will be a combo guard, a power forward, or a big guard/small forward type player.
Before some of our incoming freshmen started showing that they might be ready to contribute significantly next year, a combo guard was tops on our list. After watching the development of our recruits in their senior seasons, that has all changed. Now, a power forward may be tops on our list. However, any of this can change based on who we can get on signing day. Also, a JC player with more than 2 years of eligibility carries more worth than one with only 2. Few transfers are able to contribute at their potential until their second year.
If we don't sign anyone, the coaches are fine with that as well. If we don't get who we want, another player could be signed and given a chance to show, in one years practice, that they are deserving of consideration of sticking around for another two years.
The juco ranks are no longer flushed with talent. It is not like it was five or ten years ago. Players who once went into the JC ranks right out of high school, are now entering prep school for a year, getting their grades and test scores up, and then getting a scholarship offer to a D1 program. Major programs are now using the prep school system like they once used the JC programs. It has left the JCs a little thin on talent.
I know at least two on your list are actually still active on our list. However, I also know that we have some power forwards on our list. We have one scholarship, unless someone leaves, and it will be filled with a player who the coaches feel can help us the most. I don't think our coaches even know whether that will be a combo guard, a power forward, or a big guard/small forward type player.
Before some of our incoming freshmen started showing that they might be ready to contribute significantly next year, a combo guard was tops on our list. After watching the development of our recruits in their senior seasons, that has all changed. Now, a power forward may be tops on our list. However, any of this can change based on who we can get on signing day. Also, a JC player with more than 2 years of eligibility carries more worth than one with only 2. Few transfers are able to contribute at their potential until their second year.
If we don't sign anyone, the coaches are fine with that as well. If we don't get who we want, another player could be signed and given a chance to show, in one years practice, that they are deserving of consideration of sticking around for another two years.
The juco ranks are no longer flushed with talent. It is not like it was five or ten years ago. Players who once went into the JC ranks right out of high school, are now entering prep school for a year, getting their grades and test scores up, and then getting a scholarship offer to a D1 program. Major programs are now using the prep school system like they once used the JC programs. It has left the JCs a little thin on talent.
Midmajor??
Active member
So is next season a rebuilding year? We are young, very young and replacing Tresnak and Berry will not be an easy task.
I agree we have a great nucleus returning, but losing our go to guys is going to be painful! I see next season as 3-4 in conference and around .500. But I think we'll be tough to beat after next season.
It's going to be a tough year for the program.
I agree we have a great nucleus returning, but losing our go to guys is going to be painful! I see next season as 3-4 in conference and around .500. But I think we'll be tough to beat after next season.
It's going to be a tough year for the program.
Webergrad02
Active member
oldrunner said:
1.) Jeremy needs to get there. I am not sure why he struggled a little towards the end of the season, but I think he will be okay.
2.) I think it will be best to see what James/Braxton can do as the 5 and leave Joel as the 4. But I do see times where he will play 5.
3.) I am not sure that Hill is a natural 3 as hard as he wants it to be. He is tanlented and it could happen he just seams more like a PF right now.
4.) My guess is Braxton gets 20 minutes and Jefferson gets 15 minutes.
5.) Before Friday I was thinking Royce or Senglin, now I think we may see Gittens take over and become the leader of this team. He has a strong energy that the other guys feed off. I hope he works super hard this Summer and comes back ready to help carry the offense.
Next year will be more of a reloading year. I am hopeful that the conference will improve next year and I am hopeful that we will contend for a Big Sky championship next year. Our defense and rebounding will be the best in the Big Sky. The major question for me is how good we will be offensively and shooting from the outside. I really like Gittens fire, confidence and determination. I think that Joel will be a force to be reckoned with even more next year. I hope we have him for two more years. Watching Gonzaga struggle against Arizona made me even more hopeful for Joel, he looked comfortable with the big boys.
The Schedule
I know that most of the schedule is already set. BYU was rewarded for playing a difficult OOC schedule. We showed that we can perform with the best, why not put these youngsters in some tough preseason games on the road and see what happens. I would rather see that than a team like St Katherines come to the DEE. We need four or five more games than we had this year. Obviously our RPI will not get much of a boost from the conference schedule. It is kind of cool to think that a team we beat last year on the road is now in the sweet 16.
WSUbball24
Active member
Next year is going to bring a young and very talented group of players to WSU. It will also bring some interesting dynamics to the way teams play us. Don't underestimate the loss of Tresnak. Virtually every team we played this year double teamed him (including Arizona) which created opportunities for the rest of the team. The teams that didn't double usually paid the price.
We have some bigs that have the potential to be as good (or better) in time. But, it is unlikely they will command the type of respect that Tresnak earned until some point down the road. It is also unfair to expect that of them immediately.
To a certain extent Berry's shoes might be easier to fill because we have experienced players with proven talent that can step forward, but even that may take time.
The team next year has more potential than this year's team but potential and freshman rarely win games, rather talent and experience are what matters. My feeling is that the June workouts are going to be crucial for the coaches to determine the best line ups and development plan for the team, not only for next year but years to come.
We have some bigs that have the potential to be as good (or better) in time. But, it is unlikely they will command the type of respect that Tresnak earned until some point down the road. It is also unfair to expect that of them immediately.
To a certain extent Berry's shoes might be easier to fill because we have experienced players with proven talent that can step forward, but even that may take time.
The team next year has more potential than this year's team but potential and freshman rarely win games, rather talent and experience are what matters. My feeling is that the June workouts are going to be crucial for the coaches to determine the best line ups and development plan for the team, not only for next year but years to come.
oldrunner
Active member
Personally, I think we are going to surprise a lot of people next year. I think we are going to be much better than any of you are thinking. Senglin and Gittens will blow up next year and when you add Jefferson to the mix, there won't be anyone who can hang with our guards. Oh, did I mention that Williams can play, Richardson can shoot the lights out, and hunter may be the best pure point guard we've recruited in a long while. Bolomboy is getting better every day, Braxton is going to be a monster, Van Pelt has good hands and quick feet, and James can bang and muscle with anybody we will face. I didn't even mention that Hill and Fuller could start on any team in our league.
Add to all of that, that we may bring in a JC player who can contribute right out of the gate.
I expect a great year!
Add to all of that, that we may bring in a JC player who can contribute right out of the gate.
I expect a great year!
WSUbball24
Active member
Don't get me wrong ... I do agree with you and think it will be a very good year. I just think it will take time and there will be some early growing pains. I hope we start off strong and never look back, but there will be a lot of young players that will need to provide solid support right out of the gate. I believe this could be the most talented team ever at WSU, but they will need some time to figure out who they are.
By my count if all the current players return from this year (which some may not) plus the incoming freshmen that will be 13 players who are freshmen or sophomores? Add to that one Junior (Bolomboy), perhaps a JC transfer, and two seniors? We have certainly seen our share of players who drop out of the program, etc. but watch out BSC once they figure it all out!!!
By my count if all the current players return from this year (which some may not) plus the incoming freshmen that will be 13 players who are freshmen or sophomores? Add to that one Junior (Bolomboy), perhaps a JC transfer, and two seniors? We have certainly seen our share of players who drop out of the program, etc. but watch out BSC once they figure it all out!!!
WSUbball24
Active member
I am soooooo glad we are in this position of youth and promising future as compared to USU ..... yikes
WSUbball24
Active member
One of the things that could make this team very unique is the versatility of so many players. Seems like most players can play multiple positions. The guards and wings can almost play any of the 1-2-3 positions, Hill could play the 4, Joel could play the 3-4-5, etc. etc. etc. James is just a 5, but it seems like Braxton and Van Pelt could easily play the 4 as well. Hill and Van Pelt have good outside shots and could play a stretch 4 if needed.
We could go big, or we could go small. We have speed, rebounding, shooting, toughness, and should be pretty good on defense?
We could go big, or we could go small. We have speed, rebounding, shooting, toughness, and should be pretty good on defense?
WSUbball24
Active member
If Collette choses also to transfer from USU perhaps he would be interested in WSU? Word is that Collette may not be sure now about USU with players jumping ship, and whatever other problems we are not hearing about. As far as BYU goes Dave supposedly felt slighted during the initial recruiting process, and if he still has a chip on his shoulder WSU might make the most sense? Not sure if he would view the U as a possibility.
If I am not mistaken wasn't Weber the first school to offer him? He was not interested in the U at the time and he stiff-armed the Cougars because of their poor recruiting efforts. He eventually chose USU because he thought they had the better program, but now that they have a fire sale going on maybe he feels differently?
If I am not mistaken wasn't Weber the first school to offer him? He was not interested in the U at the time and he stiff-armed the Cougars because of their poor recruiting efforts. He eventually chose USU because he thought they had the better program, but now that they have a fire sale going on maybe he feels differently?
