The most productive newcomers to the WAC

In a way, this is a silly exercise since we haven't seen most of the names we will feature here in action on the court. So call this article one based on vibes, tips from others, glimpses of videotape and good old fashioned fan-dom.

So having completely destroyed any credibility we may have enjoyed, here are our choices for the most productive 2009-2010 newcomers for each WAC team:

Boise State: It's a choice between Westly Perryman, Robert Arnold and Daequon Montreal and we are going with Perryman. Why? There's a need for a scorer in the Bronco backcourt and that appears to play to Perryman's strength. Arnold is also a good scorer and will have benefited from a greater period of time to adjust to the D-1 level but he'll be splitting time with Paul Noonan. Montreal will be behind Okoye and also sharing time.

Fresno State: This one is an easy call -- 6-10 Greg Smith. There's a hole in the middle of the Bulldog lineup and it's Smith's to fill. He should be on the court for 25-30 minutes a game so there will be plenty of opportunity. Point Steven Shepp will also enjoy a solid initial season but he'll play a secondary role in getting the ball to the shooters on Steve Cleveland's squad.

Hawaii: Guard Dwain Williams is our choice here. Incoming backcourter Jeremy Lay will also help in the backcourt but Williams' ability to produce points, shoot from long distance and force less defensive attention on Roderick Flemings wins our vote.

Idaho: Even with eyes wide shut, Steffan Johnson is the easy selection. Steals, assists, scoring, long-range shooting -- what's not to like? We envision Mac Hopson putting up lesser numbers this season but fans will need to dig below the surface before simplistically critiquing that one of the prime contenders for the most valuable player in the WAC is having less of a season than in 2008-2009. Less for Hopson will be more for the Vandals because the 'H' man won't HAVE to do so much in order for Idaho to win.

Louisiana Tech: It doesn't take a weatherman to know which way the wind blows for this pick - DeAndre Brown. The community college transfer will certainly face a lot of pressure to step in and perform from the get-go but running with Kyle Gibson, Magnum Rolle and Jamel Guyton will make the transition a great deal easier.

Nevada: There's not many choices here but 'big' Marko Cukic is who we feel will play the most among the newcomers and therefore should produce the best numbers.

New Mexico State: It's hard to know who will even be eligible although it seems like all the newcomers will eventually be cleared. However, we see freshman forward B.J. West as playing a lot during the absence of Wendell McKines and Troy Gillenwater and, if he rebounds, he'll keep setting foot on the court once WAC play begins.

San Jose State: The Spartans need defense, both inside and out on the floor and we see Chris Jones as their best 'D' man even as a freshman.

Utah State: Call this the most difficult pick in the litter because our heart wants to go with Brian Green, the spunky over-achiever in the backcourt but 6-foot-9 Nate Bendall -- Gary Wilkinson's replacement -- is the one getting the obvious nod.

Your selections?