The WAC next season

Sometimes we get way ahead of ourselves but every college basketball coaching staff projects its rosters at least two or three, if not more, years out. It's necessary in order to determine what player losses will be taking place, what positions will need upgrading or reinforcing, how to keep the proportionate amount of freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors on the roster, etc.

We took a moment and drew up the following -- a projection of mainstay players departing the league at the conclusion of the 2007-2007 season. As is typical, a large number of talented players will have completed their athletic eligibility, including:

Boise State - no Matt Nelson, no Reggie Larry, no Tyler Tiedeman, no Matt Bauscher in 2008-2009 (this foursome make up four fifths of the Bronco starting five)

Fresno State - no Eddie Miller, no Kevin Bell, no Hector Hernandez, no Alex Blair in 2008-2009 (here are three, and sometimes four starters)

Hawaii - no Matt Gibson, no Jared Dillinger, no Riley Luettgerodt, no P.J. Owsley, no Bobby Nash in 2008-2009 (this is Hawaii's current starting five)

Idaho - no Michael Crowell, no Clyde Johnson, no Darin Nagle in 2008-2009 (two starters and a 20 mpg. player)

Louisiana Tech - no Keith Smith in 2008-2009 (he is a starter)

Nevada - no Marcelus Kemp, no David Ellis, no DeMarshay Johnson in 2008-2009 (plus JaVale McGee will be getting NBA overtures but should play another season)

New Mexico State - no Justin Hawkins, no Martin Iti, no Hatila Passos, no Fred Peete in 2008-2009 (there are three, sometimes four starters in this bunch)

San Jose State - no Jamon Hill, no Kevin Fleming, no Lance Holloway in 2008-2009 (no starters)

Utah State - no Jaycee Carroll, no Stephen DuCharme, no Kris Clark in 2008-2009 (three starters, including the probable league MVP)

Obviously, talent will be incoming. Nevada has a nationally-ranked recruiting class coming into Reno. LA TECH has a number of talented redshirt transfers itching to get on the court next season.

Anyway, this gives you a sense of who is on their last go around the league. But as coaches always insist, keep in mind the games are played on the court -- not in anyone's imagination.