A preview of Boise State men's basketball for 2007-2008

Here's the latest version of our Boise State preview.

Greg Graham can coach--there's no doubt about it. Greg Graham runs a clean program. Greg Graham is the type of person you would welcome to coach your son.

But when contrasted with the enormous -- some would say inexplicable to a degree -- success of the school's football program, men's hoops at Boise State inevitably suffers in comparison.

This has produced a number of Boise-atics who want changes in THEIR men's basketball squad, starting at the top.

Driven by the sports talk show callers and brew pub denizens, the complaints of 'if Dan Hawkins (now Chris Peterson) could do it, when 22 starters are required, then why can't it happen in men's basketball?' are echoing.

Even the success of Gordy Presnell with the Broncos women's basketball team -- conference co-championship, winner of the 2007 WAC tourney, 2007 Russell Athletic/Women's Basketball Coaches Association's Region 7 Coach of the Year and the Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year -- furthers the degree of pressure.

So who and what does Graham have at his disposal in PCB (Post Coby Karl) 2007-2008 to quiet the disaffected?

Here are his returnees:

Anthony Thomas -- guard 6-0 202 sophomore. Thomas was a very pleasant surprise with his numbers as a redshirt freshman and a continuation of his progress is critical for Boise to have a productive backcourt. He averaged 5.0 ppg. (but double figures in the last set of games), shooting 46% overall, 37% on threes. Thomas also compiled 50 assists to 41 turnovers, a decent ratio but especially so for a freshman. To top it off, he garnered WAC Freshman of the Year honors.

Reggie Larry -- forward 6-6 225 senior. The best athlete on the team, Larry scored 13.9 ppg., shooting 48% from the floor and 64% on his foul shots. He also nabbed 8.1 rpg. and led the Broncos with 44 shotblocks. His shooting range is limited, having nailed just 19% of his three-pointers but his physical prowess grants him the opportunities to create his own shot despite taller opposition inside. Larry won a spot on the All WAC Newcomer team.

Matt Nelson -- center 6-9 232 senior. After spending a redshirt season upon transferring from Eastern Washington, Nelson scored 13.9 ppg and grabbed 9.1 rpg., while earning All WAC Newcomer team status. He's only a 58% foul shooter and needs to upgrade that number in order to remain on the court when a close game is nearing completion. Nelson was third on the team in attempted shots, behind Karl and Larry, and should be the #1 or #2 shot taker in the upcoming season. That is, if Boise is to succeed.

Both the scoring and rebounding numbers for Nelson and Larry improved during conference play, indicative of a settling-in and blossoming. Expect more of the same.

Tyler Tiedeman -- wing 6-7 210 senior. He's a long distance, spot-up shooter who will help most in keeping defenders from packing the paint against Nelson and Larry.

Kurt Cunningham -- center 6-9 277 junior. Cunningham is a backup who rarely sees playing time.

Matt Bauscher -- shooting guard 6-2 197 senior. Bauscher is the backcourt version of Tiedeman but a better shooter. He shot 49% from the floor, 38% on 3's last season. Call him the Bronco backcourt designated shooter.

Here are last year's signees, all of whom redshirted:

Paul Noonan -- wing 6-6 200 redshirt freshman. Noonan is described thusly: "averaged 19.5 points and 6.9 rebounds as a senior. Made 54.5 percent of field goal attempts and 79.2 percent of free throw attempts."

Shawn Rouse -- wing 6-7 180 redshirt freshman. As a prep, Rouse averaged 16.3 points while making 46.4 percent of field goal attempts and 31.8 percent of 3-point attempts.

Zack Moritz -- center 6-10 230 redshirt freshman. Moritz averaged 15.5 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game as a high school senior, shooting 73% from the foul line.

None of these youngsters will play major roles in 2007-2008 for Boise.

Here's the new Graham recruits:

Aaron Garner -- combo guard 6-4 184 junior. A Yuba CC transfer, Garner displays an all-around game and should see time immediately. He averaged 16.2 ppg., shooting 43% from the floor, 42% on three pointers. He also passed for 4.1 apg. while coming up with 44 steals.

Mark Sanchez -- power forward 6-7 240 junior. Out of Pima CC (AZ), Sanchez verballed to Drake right after taking his very first recruiting visit. He then changed his mind after doing a roundtrip meet-and-greet up to Boise, leaving the Missouri Vallery Conference Bulldogs none too happy. Sanchez averaged 19.7 ppg., 8.3 rpg. and 2.0 blocked shots per game. Here's Graham on Sanchez: "Mark brings versatility to the four spot because he is a guy who can play inside and shoot the three. He is a very skilled passer who is unique because he is a 6-7, 240-pound guy who is as comfortable playing outside as inside which is ideal for our system." Sanchez will definitely be in the frontcourt rotation.

Jamar Greene -- combo guard 6-0 190 junior. Greene was a big-time scorer in the junior college ranks but also possesses some creative ability. He and Garner will battle for playing time.

Here's a somewhat fuzzy crystal ball take on Boise's starting five:

center - Matt Nelson
power forward - Reggie Larry
wing - Mark Sanchez
shooting guard - Anthony Thomas
point - Aaron Garner

Larry is but 6-6 but his lack of range predicates he play in and around the paint. Sanchez is bigger and beefier but has better range.

In losing Karl and point Eric Lane to graduation, 190 assists departed, plus Carl's point production. Neither Thomas nor Garner are pure points but, between them, should be able to satisfactorily get the job done.

How will success be defined for Boise State in 2007-2008?

That obviously depends on who is setting the bar. Graham has been successful with the program -- just not at the level some desire. The pressure will be to move the Broncos into the elite of the WAC, say one of the top two spots in the WAC. Barring injuries, with expected player development, Garner and Sanchez contributing right away, and a break or two, such is within sights.