How PTW sees the WAC playing out

Again in the interest of transparency, here is PTW's order of predicted finish of the respective WAC teams in the 2010-2011 season.

1. Utah State

Four seniors, a touted new point, The Spectrum and Stew Morrill's 'system' doesn't allow any other squad to land in the top spot.

2. New Mexico State

The offense shifts from the backcourt to the frontline this go-around with the firm of Gillenwater, McKines and Rahman probably at 50 points along with 30 boards a game. Hernst Laroche needs to step up with his shot and Gordo Castillo is going to be the very happy recipient of kickout passes galore.

3. San Jose State

Can "less' upfront be more overall? Other than Wil Carter, the Spartans have role players in the frontcourt and PTW has a hunch that such a combination will ultimately be more overall effective in succeeding at their assignments in the approaching season than last year's crew of bigs.

4. Nevada

There's more talent and especially potential on the Wolf Pack roster than any other WAC team but where's the experience and the proven scoring/shooting?

5. Fresno State

Coach Steve Cleveland is hoping his trusty [Tim] Steed will solidify the Bulldog backcourt -- he and Jonathan Willis are the keys to Fresno State's steadiness of play and hopefully the reasons for Greg Smith not being surrounded by a quintet of defenders.

6. Boise State

There is talent and promise here -- how soon will it mesh and offer consistent play are the questions surrounding the Bronco finish.

7. Louisiana Tech

In the past, Coach Kerry Rupp has provided the eggs that have landed on many a face who predicted a rough season for the Ruston-ites but it sure seems like a rebuilding year for LT.

8. Hawai`i

Some proven talent and a bunch of promise is the UH label this season. What will be interesting is seeing who steps forward as the team leader(s) and top producer(s).

9. Idaho

Don Verlin needs a bustout backcourter and go-to guy (possibly the same player) plus Kyle Barone to be packing 25 additional pounds. When does that happen?