News & notes around the WAC

Coach Steve Cleveland is quoted in the Fresno Bee today that suspended forward Rekalin Sims will be back on the team next week. That certainly helps the Bulldogs as Fresno cannot afford any projected starter on its so-so frontline to be unavailable.

Two New Mexico State University players still awaiting the NCAA go-ahead to practice with the team. Both Herb Pope and Jahmar Young remain sidelined and did not accompany the team on a two-game weekend road trip. A ruling is apparently expected on Young fairly soon but Pope's status remains up in the air. The 6-9 Pope is the gem of the Aggie recruiting class, a nationally ranked prepster. It will be interesting to see if Pope starts looking towards the pros if/after he is forced to sit out this season. He's a talent but isn't ready for the NBA -- something that hasn't previously stopped a number of other kids. We don't know his birthdate but if he turns 19...

D.J. Wright, the most heralded recruit of the Kerry Rupp era to date, remains sidelined. He isn't listed on the current Louisiana Tech roster and one report has him taking the SAT test this month. A 6-7 perimeter player from Sault St. Marie, Ontario, Canada, Wright averaged 22.5 points and 12.5 rebounds in high school at Toronto Academy Prep. His absence, if it continues, will delay the Tech basketball rebound in the WAC. But Rupp has a bountiful group already sitting out this season and two or three new starters will be in the opening night lineup next season.

Fresno fans are highlighting a "soft verbal commitment" -- anyone care to define that oxymoronic description? -- from 6-8 240 Joey Camerson out of junior college power Chipola JC in Florida. In 2005, he was rated a four-star prospect and the #21-rated prep power forward in the country. But his history of committing and then de-committing is the kicker -- first he pledged to Clemson, then Auburn, only to announce for Seton Hall before he landed in the junior college ranks. Bulldog fans are really wanting a power recruit upfront -- as is Coach Cleveland -- but history obviously indicates this young man may or may not be matriculating in Fresno next season.