Chris Murray with more on the Nevada - South Dakota State matchup

Here is Chris Murray with more previewing of the Wolf Pack - Jackrabbit game tonight.

The latest on Bob and Bobby Nash in Japan

Go here for the latest on the Nashes in the Japanese Basketball League.

A recruiting article with two WAC-related mentions

Damon Sayles at Texas Hoops has a recruiting article posted (a Rivals sub is required) and a pair of WAC teams are mentioned:

Mike Evans, Galveston Ball, 6-foot-5, 210 pounds (2011)

Evans' athleticism not only earned him basketball scholarship offers but also football scholarship offers. He's unsure if he wants to play small forward on the basketball court or wide receiver on the football field. He should excel either way.
Schools interested: Virginia Commonwealth, Colorado State, Wichita State, Texas Tech, Central Arkansas, Hawaii, South Alabama

Here is an ESPN evaluation with a New Mexico State mention. 

 William Knowles, San Antonio Highlands, 6-foot-2, 195 pounds (2011)

Knowles put his name on the map with an impressive summer showing. He's a strong combo guard who most likely will transition to point guard full-time in college. Knowles is a solid defender, as well.
Schools interested: Texas State, Boise, Stephen F. Austin, Bucknell, Sam Houston State

A Magnum Rolle update

Magnum Rolle got caught up in the numbers game -- specifically the contract of another player -- so Indiana waived him after a 50K buyout and he landed a spot on the roster of the Maine Red Claws. Unfortunately, he recently suffered a knee injury, is sidelined indefinitely and was also waived by his NBA Development League team. But the Red Claws will bring him back when he is healthy.

Go here for the background since he graduated from LT.

The opening paragraphs here talk about his departure from Indiana.

We couldn't find anything specific on his knee injury.

Tuesday WAC basketball world

Yes, the competition -- Northern Illinois -- wasn't the fiercest but BSU basketball keeps rolling along undefeated at 6-0. The Idaho Statesman has the details. Long Beach State comes to town this weekend and that matchup will be a very good test.

The Daily Bronco offers some recap notes.

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Gib Arnold has laid out an ambitious goal for his freshman -- Dayton Morinaga fills us in.

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Jason Groves tells us New Mexico State gets a rematch -- at home -- against UTEP tonight and follows that rivalry game with an even more heated one versus New Mexico this weekend. It's a defend-the-trey night for the Aggies. Jason also has a blog entry about the game.

He also has a post on Wendell McKines who has a December 7 doctor appointment.

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Fresno State is on the road against Utah tonight in a very interesting matchup. Can Steve Cleveland's squad put together a solid-in-all-or-most-aspects game against the Utes who are encountering their own difficulties, compounded by injuries. Go here, here and here.

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Chris Murray previews Nevada's contest tonight with South Dakota State. It's currently an invigorating 18 degrees in Brookings right now, with 19 degrees the predicted high and a low of six.

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San Jose State is in San Antone to battle future WAC member UT San Antonio this evening. Should we call it The Winchester Mystery House versus The Alamo? Or the Guadalupe River Park - San Antonio River Walk matchup?

Boise bops Northern Illinois

The Boise State Broncos easily remained undefeated in topping host Northern Illinois 80-51. La'Shard Anderson led with 17 points with Wes Perryman adding 13. Leon Rice's squad shot 57% for the game while holding NI to a woeful 30%.

Brady Jardine honored

Per Jason Erickson, the WAC Director of Media Relations

Utah State's Brady Jardine has been named the Verizon Western Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Week for the week of Nov. 22-28. The honor marks the first career WAC Player of the Week award for Jardine.

Jardine, a junior forward from Twin Falls, Idaho (Twin Falls HS), led Utah State to a pair of home wins last week against Utah (79-62) and Northeastern (56-54). Against Utah, Jardine posted his second-career double-double as he had a career-high 20 points to go along with a career-high 13 rebounds. Jardine was 6-of-7 from the field and 8-of-10 at the free throw line in the game. Against the Huskies, Jardine registered another double-double with 15 points and a career-high tying 13 rebounds as he was 5-of-10 from the field and 5-of-8 at the charity stripe. He also tied a career high with three blocks and played a career-high 34 minutes in the game.

On the week, Jardine averaged a team-high 17.5 points, 13.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. He shot 64.7 percent (11-of-17) from the field and 72.2 percent (13-of-18) at the free throw line.

Other nominees included:

* Boise State senior forward Robert Arnold

* Idaho junior guard Deremy Geiger

* Louisiana Tech senior guard DeAndre Brown

* Nevada junior forward Dario Hunt

* New Mexico State junior forward Troy Gillenwater

Monday and the world of WAC basketball

Dayton Morinaga goes inside the shoes used by the UH basketballers. He also has a post about more cheeks in the seats at games so far this season.

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Nick Jezierny writes about a record-setting opportunity facing this season's Boise State team. BSU plays Northern Illinois on the road tonight.

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There certainly are New Year's Day hangovers but Utah State may have endured a Thanksgiving one as Shawn Harrison reports.

Sunday's WAC-aroni

It apparently wasn't a contest with many style points but Utah State had the most on the scoreboard at game's end, taking down Northeastern in The Spectrum. Shawn Harrison, Tony Jones and Kraig Williams were witnesses. Tony also offers a piece on walk-on E.J. Farris.

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Boise State -- leaving the WAC --  downed Denver -- coming to the WAC -- in another not-so-pretty contest.

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Idaho bounced back and kept Saturday's streak going with a 10-point victory over host Eastern Washington. Here's one report from EW athletics and another from the Vandals perspective.

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Brian McInnis reports that Hawaii will be Salter-less on its two game road trip to San Luis Obispo and Salt Lake City.

Dayton Morinaga has the details on the Warriors' Thanksgiving get-together.

Saturday's WAC basketball compilation

Rumor has it that a football game was played last night...but we'll plug away regardless.

To those sub-humans calling to ream out every Brotzman in the Boise phone book, there are multitude of far, far more serious problems throughout this country and the world, with people genuinely suffering minus any sense of hope -- losing a game doesn't even register. As the late Joseph Welch once inquired, "Have you no sense of decency?"

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Marek Warszawski has the details on Fresno's home loss to Washington State.

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 Here's  the LT athletics report on the Bulldogs loss to ALR.

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Dayton Morinaga offers a video roster of the UH hoops squad.

Brian McInnis provides a note about Anthony Salter at Court Sense.

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Paul Noonan is featured in Nick Jezierny's latest article.

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It's Northeastern that will be getting The Spectrum Treatment tonight versus Utah State. Kraig Williams is here, Shawn Harrison here and Tony Jones here.

Fresno State falls to Washington State

The Bulldogs held a one point lead at the half (33-32), maintained a small advantage throughout much of the second half but the Cougars prevailed. Washington State led 55-49 with 6:55 remaining, 66-52 with !:30 on the clock and finished on top 66-55.

Sophomore Garret Johnson paced the Dogs with 15 points and six boards. Greg Smith contributed a close-to-a-double-double of 9/10.

Former New Mexico State recruit Faisal Aiden led WSU with 28 points and Klay Thompson was close behind with 22.

LT falls to Arkansas Little Rock

Louisiana Tech had the first half lead but eventually fell behind and lost to host Arkansas Little Rock 74-65. DeAndre Brown led the Bulldogs with 26 points and four assists. ALR shot twice the number of free throws (38) as LT did. Here's a game report.

How does a team (ALR) shoot 15% in the initial half and then 70% in the second 20 minutes? Conversely, how does a squad (LT) defend so well and the fall apart?

Tonight Fresno State hosts Washington State and...

Mr. Reggie Moore.

Unfortunately, Moore has been sidelined with a wrist injury and probably isn't making the trip, let alone playing.

Moore initially signed a national letter-of-intent with Fresno State -- a great get. This took place in November 2007. Then in late May of 2008, he told the Fresno State coaching staff that he wanted out of his LOI. It left Bulldog basketball in a bad situation because the point is always a tough position to fill and especially so come summer plus after the Bulldogs had long ago said 'no thanks' to any other points they were recruiting.

Vince Grippi of the Spokane Spokesman Review offered this today on Moore: "...The 6-1 sophomore signed a letter of intent with Fresno State in November of his senior season, but changed his mind and asked for a release. It was not granted and Moore spent a season at a New England prep school before enrolling at WSU..."

Plus, former Fresno Stater Mychal Ladd is now also a Cougar but is redshirting this season and won't be on the trip.

But what's most shocking about the Bulldog season to date? Greg Smith has 13 shooting attempts after three games, ranking him ninth on the team. Smith is playing a decent 27 minutes a game. That percentage of shots obviously must change for the Bulldogs to succeed so can Steve Cleveland's outside shooters open up space for maneuvering inside?

Back on Friday with a few items

Here's the beginning of 54 superb photos from the Utah State - Utah game.

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Jeff Portnoy has another column posted and let's us know he also is hosting a basketball radio show.

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LA TECH faces Arkansas Little Rock this afternoon. Can the Bulldeogs go 6-1?

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Was Friday the emergence of Brady Jardine? Shawn Harrison writes about the junior's monster game against Utah.

Utah State gets a 2012 verbal

Thanks to Cassidy Creech for discovering this item:

"Utah State got a verbal from 2012 6'1" combo Cory Calvert of Chaparral (Parker, Co). He's an aau teammate of Top 10 2013 Chris Thomas" 

The 6-foot-3, 185 Calvert was also hearing from BYU and Weber State.

The youngster racked up 107 assists and 39 steals as a sophomore last season while averaging 12.3 points per game. He shot 40% overall (88 of 221), 31% (34 of 109) from three-point range and 81% (74 of 91) at the foul line. Calvert also averaged 5.2 rebounds a game.

Here's an evaluation from the Colorado Fall Shootout which we believe is from a year ago:

CLASS OF 2012 (SOPHOMORES)

"The Class of 2012 also made an impressive showing in the event as well. Cory Calvert (6’1” PG Chaparral) was outstanding all day long and was named Top Sophomore and Co-Most Outstanding Player in the camp. He worked very hard in the drill sessions and was virtually unstoppable in the games. Calvert is a tremendous lead guard who plays very hard and creates a ton of opportunities for his teammates. He attacks the rim using a quick first step and great footwork and finishes well in traffic. He is also shooting the ball better than ever. His exceptional performance in the event solidifies him as a top five prospect in his class."

The Refraction is back

We looked too early yesterday and should have checked back especially since it was based on a rivalry game. Head here.

P.S. PTW has always been in the Matt Sonnenberg = manliness camp. CBS missed the boat when they declined to air "Sonnenberg PI" and we always thought it should have been "Sonnenberg and Hutch" rather than that Starsky guy. Who better to star in the next "Ironman" film?

Turkey or tofurkey, it's the T-Day edition of WAC basketball news and notes

Gotta lead with Utah State's whupping of rival Utah. Shawn Harrison tells us about Brady getting a bunch. Here's another game report from the Deseret News, plus Kraig Williams reports the Aggie frontcourters outplayed their counterparts. Tony Jones checks in with his take on the matchup and Lya Wodraska makes note of the disparity in free throws attempt.

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Cal State Bakersfield's Stephon Carter enjoyed a career night as he and the rest of the Roadrunners topped San Jose State University 82-77.

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Nick Jezierny writes that it was defensive effort that led to the 83-54 Bronco smashing of Eastern Washington.

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Despite the absence of Bill Amis, Hawaii took the measure of Arkansas Pine Bluff and now sports a 5-0 record -- Jason Kaneshiro fills us in. Vander Joaquim was Chairman of the Boards last night per Ferd Lewis. Dayton Morinaga/Warrior Insider has posted his game report.

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Not to be missed is Matt James' column -- a walk down memory lane about the Chicago-to-Fresno State basketball connection.

Boise State clobbers Eastern Washington 83-54

Boise State clobbered visiting Eastern Washington 83-54 behind Reggie Arnold's 26 points (8-9 shooting, 4-4 from long distance) and a surprising 18 from Zack Moritz (8-10 shooting). Each grabbed seven rebounds. BSU shot 53% on the night.

Utah State wins big over Utah

The Utah State versus Utah hoops rivalry appears to be concluded -- at least for now -- but Ute Coach Jim Boylen wishes it had ended last year as his squad fell 79-62 in Logan. Any chance PAC-10 Commish Larry Scott is wishing he could substitute USU hoops for the Salt Lake City counterparts?

Tai Wesley led the Aggies with 21 points. Brady Jardine was right behind with 20 and earned a double-double with 13 boards.

USU was supreme on in the battle of the boards at 44-30. Utah committed 26 fouls to 17 for the Aggies.

An early p.m. WAC edition

Bleed Crimson offers up a series of NMSU - UTEP game photos.

AggieVision provides 2+ minutes of game video.

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Jeff Portnoy blogs UH hoops and more.

Just askin'

Okay, who is going to stand up and say he/she predicted Boise State, Hawaii and San Jose State -- of the WAC basketball teams -- would be undefeated at this point?

Regardless of calibrating the caliber of opponents, who saw this happening?

And while we are at it, how about Louisiana Tech's 5-1 record?

New Mexico State and Louisiana Tech recruiting prospects

6-foot-3, 225 small forward Brendan Pineda (Arizona) has been offered by Marvin Menzies. He is also a track participant (shot, discus) and looks like a smaller version of Wendell McKines.
 
Ron Coleman/Arizona Varsity (Rivals) offered this in September on Pineda: "Brendan Pineda is a very impressive basketball player. He has huge strength and goes extremely hard to the basketball, and has a solid all-around game..."

Plus, also came across this: "Devon Walker (Winter Haven HS) Winter Haven, FL, 6-4, G, is hearing from Cornell, Stanford, Davidson, Boston College, Clemson, Liberty, Florida Atlantic, and Louisiana Tech. He is a member of the class of 2012."

Here's an article on Walker. Here's another.

Wednesday's WAC-itude

Sam Wasson reports on NMSU's fall to UTEP.

Jason Groves offers a game story and a blog entry.

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It's Arkansas Pine Bluff right after Central Arkansas as Hawaii is expected to continue kicking the basketball fanny of The Natural State -- go here.

Ferd Lewis writes about what the absence of Bill Amis means to UH hoops. 

Brian McInnis features Joston Thomas and his swagger wagon addition to Warrior basketball.

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Fresno State has announced a pair of basketball signings.

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The storyline of Utah State's matchup with Utah is Morgan Grim returning to face his former coach. Shawn Harrison has the details and Mike Sorenson also covers it,

Just asking: will Nate Bendall make a Willis Reed-like appearance, circa 1970? 

Lya Wodraska is going to miss the USU - Utah basketball battles.

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Nick Jezierny introduces newcomer Ryan Watkins to Boise and WAC basketball fans.

Tuesday's p.m. edition of WAC news and notes

On the road again (just try and get that lyric out of your head now that it's planted), Nevada fell to Boston University 66-57 in D.C. -- Chris Murray has the early coverage.  

Here's a game report from Terrier athletics.

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Dayton Morinaga covers the UH basketball team giving thanks.

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2012 Canadian big Keanu Post, frequently mentioned in association with Utah State (offered) also is generating interest from New Mexico State, per ESPN's Dave Telep.

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Jason Groves has been thinking about UTEP, tonight's opponent for New Mexico State in the I-10 series.

How did the game end up? The Miners took a decent lead, extended it late and ended up winning 73-56. Details tomorrow but it's worth noting Troy Gillenwater topped the Aggies with 18 points (6-15 shooting) and the team shot 36%.

Tony Jones has good news on Nate Bendall

At Aggieville, Tony Jones has some positive news about the status of Nate Bendall's foot.

Utah State and Utah discontinuing?

Shawn Harrison has an article up on Utah apparently no longer willing to come to Logan for a basketball matchup. The piece also contains information that Weber State can come to Salt Lake City but that the Utes won't reciprocate in Ogden.

Jon Wilner/Mercury News on the WAC

Here's Jon Wilner with the latest on the WAC:

WAC not on verge of collapse, commissioner says
Jon Wilner
Mercury News
11/22/2010

Western Athletic Conference commissioner Karl Benson on Monday sought to reassure fans and recruits that the conference will survive if Hawaii departs after the 2011-12 school year.

Hawaii is expected to join the more prestigious Mountain West Conference in football and place its other teams in the cost-saving Big West Conference.

Speaking on a teleconference, Benson disputed reports that Hawaii's departure could cause the WAC to collapse because of precariously low membership. (Boise State, Fresno State and Nevada already announced they will join the Mountain West.)

Go here for the remainder.

A little bit more on Renado Parker

PTW contacted North Idaho College Coach Jared Phay a few days back to see if he had an update on Renado Parker, his former player. Coach Phay offered this: "Renado quit the team at Idaho but is still in school. He is going to transfer some place else at semester. He doesn't know where yet but we will see." 

By the way, College of Southern Idaho gets a lot of attention in national circles which is deserving but it's worth noting that Phay is a three-time Region 18 Coach of the year (in just seven seasons) and his NIC squad has won back-to-back conference championships along with consecutive 27-win seasons. Coach Phay is an Idaho graduate, having earned a B.A. and an M.A. in Moscow.

His current team is 8-0 and sports a number of players who will move on, including:

* Michael Hale 5-foot-9 sophomore (a stats sheet stuffer)

* Tyrone White 6-foot-6 sophomore (a Utah State transfer who is scoring and boarding well)

* Anthony DeLoretto 7-foot-1 freshman (another Utah State transfer)

Tuesday's a.m WAC roundup

We should do a poll -- will Coach Don Verlin burn or flush the tape of last night's game? Here's a brief report from the Spokane Spokesman-Review. Here's hoping the Vandal practice gym is soundproof.

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Bill Amis will miss at least a month, per Dayton Morinaga at Warrior Insider.Jason Kaneshiro is here with his report.

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Neil Henderson at Silver and Blue Sports offers a game report and analysis on Nevada's close loss to GW. Here's an article from George Washington athletics.

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Stew Morrill went Green before it was fashionable (and critical) when a lot of other coaches took a look and chose not to, and it's paying off bigtime.

The Monday WAC evening edition

It helps not to have a life so...

Nevada had the lead but ended up losing by two at George Washington tonight. Chris Murray offers an early report. Dario Hunt led in points with 16 and Devonte Elliot grabbed 14 boards. Deonte Burton shot 0-11 (0-5 from long range) but did manage a team-leading 7 assists.

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Montana is blasting Idaho tonight in Missoula, leading 73-29 with 3:30 to play. It was over early as the Grizzly led at the half 47-12.

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Dayton Morinaga has the details on Bill Amis' latest injury -- let's hope it's minor for the senior.

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Sam Wasson writes about on-court Aggie basketball issues.

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gcheck2181 at the Scout Go Vandals basketball message board provides the information being sought on Renado Parker's status -- he has left the team. The quotes make it sound like there were classroom concerns and a not-working-as-hard-as-necessary view of Parker by Don Verlin.

Hopefully, Renado Parker will resurface somewhere

So Idaho's most heralded 2009-2010 recruit Renado Parker is apparently no longer a Vandal -- here's wishing he resurfaces successfully somewhere soon whether it be D-1 or lower and also that he offers some background for his moving on.

In talking with one community college coach familiar with Parker, he was impressed by the young man's offensive effort but also looked at Parker as the player to attack defensively. But who knows if this was a factor in the decision to depart. Such might have played into Parker's playing time, practice success and his station in the frontcourt pecking order but all is nothing but pure speculation at this point.

DeAndre Brown is honored as WAC POW

From Jason Erickson, the WAC Director of Media Relations:

Louisiana Tech's DeAndre Brown has been named the Verizon Western Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Week for the week of Nov. 15-21. The honor marks the first career WAC Player of the Week award for Brown.

Brown, a senior guard from Fort Worth, Texas (Navarro JC), led Louisiana Tech to four wins last week, scoring double-digits in all four games. He scored 10 points in a 60-54 win over Houston, 18 in an 85-72 win over Seattle, 15 points with a career-high five three-pointers in an 80-65 win against Navy and a career-high 26 points in a 76-72 win over UC Irvine. For his performance over the weekend, he was named MVP of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer Irvine subregional.

Over the four games, Brown averaged a team-high 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He also shot 42.6 percent (26-of-61) from the field, including nine makes from three-point range.

Other nominees included: 

* Boise State senior guard La'Shard Anderson  
* Hawai'i senior forward Bill Amis 
*Idaho senior forward Luiz Toledo 
* Nevada junior forward Dario Hunt 
* San Jose State senior guard Justin Graham 
* Utah State senior guard Brian Green

Monday morning's WAC-apalooza coming at you

PTW hasn't a clue to what the issue(s) is/are but we will give credit to Coach Marvin Menzies for delivering a message to Troy Gillenwater -- sitting him the second half -- even though such more than likely meant another loss added to the Aggie record. A team's best talent has to be a leader, verbal and/or non-verbal, in order for a team to play to its potential and Menzies obviously saw something he didn't like nor would support/allow to continue. We still recall Gillenwater not going to the locker room but instead shooting baskets at halftime during a New Mexico State game hosted by San Jose State a couple of years back.

Here's a Las Cruces Sun-News game report of the NMSU loss to USC.

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The Idaho Statesman serves up a game report of the Broncos romp past UC Davis.

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Dayton Morinaga introduces us to UH newcomer at the point Anthony Salter.

Jeff Portnoy blogs his take on Friday's Hawaii victory over Central Arkansas along with some other observations.

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Here's a brief history of Fresno State basketball as written by Daniel Allen, a Yahoo contributor.

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Nevada heads to D.C. to take on one of the 'founding fathers' of our country -- let's hope GW has some younger talent so that John Adams and Ben Franklin can play the role ofAnthony benchwarmers. Chris Murray also breaks down the matchup with this report.

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Randy Hollis says a Beehive Classic is just what the college basketball fans in Utah want and deserve.

Are the Aggies 'struggling' offensively? Shawn Harrison covers that topic here.

Tech beats Irvine

Despite being away from Ruston, Louisiana Tech has been enjoying the sights and sounds and the basketball hospitality of Orange. The Bulldogs battled host Irvine Sunday and again came out on top 76-72.

DeAndre Brown paced the way with 26 points and Olu Ashaolu contributed 16. The latter just missed a double-double with his nine rebounds.

LT is now 5-1 on the season.

The Anteaters led 34-30 at the half but were outscored by eight in the second 20 minutes.

New Mexico State falls to USC

With two western teams back east and opposing each other on a neutral basketball court, it was the Trojans preventing the Aggies from succeeding by a 19-point margin, 80-61.

Here's an early game report from NMSU athletics. Here's the box score.

Two quick notes: Troy Gillenwater played just eight minutes and New Mexico State shot 36%.

Jason Groves has a blog post up about the game including Gillenwater's limited PT.

Boise State tops UC Davis on Sunday afternoon

So if it's Broncos battling against Mustangs in an intra-familial matchup, who should come out on top?

In this particular instance, it's the former as Boise State beat UC Davis 67-47 this afternoon. A blowout second half secured the victory.

Here's the Daily Bronco on the game.

Here's the game report from the UC Davis athletic site, plus the box score.

"Play Their Hearts Out" -- a great holiday gift

If there was such an authority, George Dohrmann's book "Play Their Hearts Out" should be required reading for all parents and college basketball prospects. It's the story of Demetrious Young, now redshirting at New Mexico, chronicling his life from middle school onward. He was once the highest-rated-in-his-age-group prospect in the country (yes, there are some adults who stoop to such a level of rankings) and his fall, along with many others, including a number of adults, from grace is starkly depicted. The book contains a lot of good, bad and ugly but ultimately is extremely informative and a great read.

Here is an excerpt from Dohrmann's book.

Here is another lengthy excerpt.

Here is one Q-and-A with Dohrmann.

Here is a second one.

Here is a strong endorsement of the book with the last line reading "It'll make you sick."

Here is another related article.

No, PTW is not related to Mr. Dohrmann nor will we in any way profit from sales of his book.

He's back, no wait, he never left

Maybe it PTW's fault but we would like the Star Advertiser to feature this particular blog a bit more prominently.

Who and what are we talking about?

Hoops Talk and Jeff Portnoy

It's all about UH basketball and we believed it was a goner with the two-into-one newspaper morphing some months back. Do bookmark it.

Sunday's WAC report

Here is SJSU athletics on the Spartan 75-72 victory in Eugene against Oregon.

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In Irvine, Louisiana Tech most unpatriotically sunk Navy -- LT athletics provides the background.

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Bill Oram reports on Utah State's win against on the road against Southern Utah. Shawn Harrison is here with his take.

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In the Patriot State, New Mexico State had scoring difficulties and fell to Massachusetts.

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Vandal Nation offers a photo gallery of Idaho's fall at home to Portland. Here's the story from Portland athletics and then Idaho athletics.

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Fresno State took to the Thunderdome court against host UC Santa Barbara and fell 69-54. Here's the story from Bulldog athletics.

Another note from a longtime UH basketball fan

We won't quote it directly but a longtime UH hoops fan sent us a note with several important points:

* Freshman Jordan Coleman played in the win over Central Arkansas thereby concluding the possibility of him redshirting this season

* Also, Dom Brumfield got back on the court. He's still recovering from a knee injury and slowly edging his way into the rotation.

Sam Orchard and Utah State

Salt Lake City senior point Sam Orchard is getting warm and fuzzy with Utah State. Rivals' Adam Gorney has a story up today (go here and a Rivals sub is required).

But try this link which seems like no sub is needed.

Here's a YouTube video on Orchard.

WAC basketball on Saturday morning

Boise State -- away from Taco Bell Arena -- ran for the border in California and downed San Diego 65-60. The court firm of Anderson and Arnold paved the way.

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Louisiana Tech topped Seattle in a tourney in Irvine, CA -- LT athletics offers the details.

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Dayton Morinaga reports on UH going to 4-0 with a home victory over Central Arkansas.

Brian McInnis offers his game report here.

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Per Jason Groves, New Mexico State is in Springfield, MA for a Basketball Hall of Fame matchup with Massachusetts (we'll never forget seeing Bob Lanier's size 22 white Chuck Taylor Converse shoes in the museum).

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Kraig Williams writes about the USU contest with SUU, as does Shawn Harrison.

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Ron Bellamy has an article on host Oregon's battle today with San Jose State and specifically Adrian Oliver.

LT takes down Seattle

Louisiana Tech best Seattle 85-72 tonight as part of the 2K Sports Classic in Irvine, CA. The Chieftains had no answer for Olu Ashaolu who posted a double-double of 22/11. The junior was also credited with three assists against just one turnover.

DeAndre Brown poured in 18 points but with seven turnovers while Brandon Gibson and Kenyon McNeaill scored 13 apiece.

Ashaolou, Brown, Gibson, McNeaill and J.L. Lewis made up the Bulldog starting five.

Mark McLaughlin, a former Nevada commit now at Seattle, scored 10 points in 24 minutes, going 5-14 from the floor.

Taking you into the weekend humor

Click on the link to get an easier-to-see-and-read photo 

An extreme geek? Exercise issues?

Betty's doctor recommended she take the baby for walks to get more exercise

Taking you into the weekend humor

Click on the link to get an easier-to-see-and-read photo 

This Is News By Today's Standards

Taking you into the weekend humor

Click on the link to get an easier-to-see-and-read photo

MapQuest 1.0

Top CA prep guard with a NMSU mention

Jerry Meyer at Rivals is reporting that southern CA prep backcourter Cezar Guerrero has re-opened his recruitment -- he had verbaled to Western Kentucky but didn't sign a letter of intent during the open period -- and Meyer lists New Mexico State as a possibility. Go here and a Rivals sub is required.

Here is an ESPN evaluation of Guerrero.

Here's a four minute YouTube video.

Friday's WAC news and notes

Dave Reardon leads PTW off with his report on Hawaii departing the WAC for the Mountain West Conference. Stephen Tsai also has his take.

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We got your NMSU - Arizona game reports right here: Sam Wasson/Bleed Crimson and Jason Groves/Las Cruces Sun-News.

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Here's a fascinating article on the it-ain't-over-til-the-LOI-is-signed (and maybe not even then) world of college sports recruiting. San Diego State has inked DeShawn Stephens who initially committed to Utah State (for a few days) and Kevin Young who 'supposedly' was a lock for Fresno State and attending Fresno City College. A tip of the hat to OldFigBBJ2 for locating and posting this at the Bark Board Save Mar6t Center MB.

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Here's a report on Bob Nash's season so far in Japan:

"...With a league-worst 2-8 record entering this weekend, the Saitama Broncos face an uphill battle to qualify for the bj-league playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

Coach Bob Nash, in his first season at the helm, recognizes this challenge, but is keeping a positive attitude as he tries to inspire the team to a dramatic turnaround.

"I think our guys have worked awful hard," Nash said by telephone on Tuesday. "The results may not have showed that, but they have worked awful hard."

This is Nash's first coaching job in the professional ranks after two-plus decades at the University of Hawaii, where he served as a longtime assistant coach and for the previous three seasons as the bench boss.

"We are learning," the ex-NBA player said. "This is obviously new for me with this level of play and being in a foreign country. I'm trying to learn the players and learn the system.

"It's been a little bit slower than I have anticipated. But the players have been very open and receptive to teaching and learning and that has been a real positive. They are working really hard and that's a positive. . ."

With the addition of ex-Indiana center George Leach, a standout with the Takamatsu Five Arrows and Ryukyu Golden Kings in recent seasons, the Broncos have solidified their frontcourt. The All-Star veteran is slated to make his season debut this weekend against Toyama.

Nash said Bruce Brown and Gordon Klaiber, Saitama's center and power forward, have not been as effective as the team had hoped from the get-go.

Their adjustment to this league has been a work in progress, he added.

"As a result, our post play has been inconsistent on offense and defense. That has been the biggest negative for us," Nash said.

Now it's back to square one with Leach expecting to make a major impact in the middle.

"There are brighter days ahead," Nash said. "We rededicated ourselves yesterday to getting this thing turned around."

What was his message to the team?

"We can't afford to take any more time off," Nash said. "We've got to get better in a hurry and just get back to work.

"I told the players that there's no elevator or escalator to success. It's just one step, one game, and our guys understand that."

He added: "We are losing by an average of 12 points per game, or three points per quarter. We need to be a little better on defense and a little better on offense.

"We've had 10 games to analyze where we are, who we are and what were are capable of doing, and now it's time to sharpen the focus on what were are capable of doing individually and collectively."

Bobby Nash, the coach's son, is the Broncos' leading scorer (13.0 ppg)..."

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Dayton Morinaga introduces readers to Trevor Wiseman. Dayton's preview on tonight's UH - Central Arkansas matchup includes a two-minute video interview with Assistant Coach Walter Roese.

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Leon Rice and Bill Grier will again be on the same court tonight but on opposite sides as Boise State travels to San Diego for a game. It's a homecoming for La'Shard Anderson.

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The BYU Jumbotron operator added end-of-the-game combustible material to the Cougar - USU rivalry. Check it out here.

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At the Go Vandals Vandal Basketball MB, Tron 13 confirms that now former Vandal backcourt recruit Gary Winston's new home will be Portland State.

The where-in-the-world-is-Renado-Parker search continues. We found Waldo. Renado, hopefully you're next.

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Louisiana Tech athletics writes that Justin Raqke has left the team after 1+ seasons, Stojan Gjuroski will redshirt and Romario Souza will be sitting for four games due to professional situation in Brazil.

Arizona downs New Mexico State

The Wildcats hosted the Aggies tonight and Coach Sean Miller's club won 83-57.

Troy Gillenwater scored 25 points and Bandja Sy added 10 for NMSU.

One stat jumped out: Arizona outboarded New Mexico State 40-20.

Here's a game report from the Arizona Daily Star.

A few more items

There is speculation at the Go Vandals site basketball forum over the status of Idaho's Renado Parker, the frontcourt transfer from North Idaho College. He remains listed on the official Vandal roster but his name isn't included in the pre-game look at the upcoming match with Portland. Parker played in the exhibition against Northwest Christian, then very briefly against Lewis & Clark but not against Eastern Oregon and Washington State.

Is he redshirting?

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A New Mexico State basketball recruit has died from cancer -- go here for the story from the Brampton Guardian. The Flagrant Fouls site also has the story. Thanks to NMSU2dCORE for posting this new at the Aggie Alert Sports Trough.

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The Cache Valley Daily also covered the Utah State - BYU game. Here's a game report,

Thursday's lengthy WAC report

 Jim Rayburn leads us off with coverage of Utah State falling short to BYU. Kraig Williams is here. Dick Harmon concludes the Deseret News coverage.

PTW loves the headline atop Shawn Harrison's game report. Go here for Jeff Hunter's feature on Tai Wesley returning 'home'

The headline for Jay Drew's story labels the contest a classic. Free throws and rebounding lead Tony Jones' game article. At Aggieville, Tony writes that he wasn't a fan of the refereeing.
  
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Jason Pugh/Shreveport Times has the details on LT's home victory over Houston.

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San Jose State athletics serves up the game report on SJSU's victory over visiting USF

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Mark Warszawski reports it was the newbies coming through for Fresno State in its drubbing of Vanguard. PTW has often written that mutual fund investment companies are the perfect opponent during a bear market.

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Jason Groves offers notes on a number of aspects involving the upcoming New Mexico State - Arizona matchup.

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Brian McInnis fills us in on new Rainbow Warrior Gerry Blake. Brian has two posts -- here and here -- at his Court Sense blog.

LA Tech downs Houston, Idaho falls to WSU

Led by Brandon Gibson's 13 points and Olu Ashaolu's 10 points and eight boards, LA Tech hosted and beat Houston 60-54.

The latter went just 6-14 from the foul line

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Washington State topped Idaho 88-71 in Pullman. Former New Mexico State backcourt recruit Faisel Aden led the hosts with 26 points. Vandal Jeff Ledbetter won the scoring column for Idaho with 18, a result of nailing six three-pointers.

Utah State falls short

Utah State led late -- 71-69 at the 3:40 mark -- but Brigham Young ultimately pulled it out, winning 78-72 at home.

The Aggies shot 49% overall, 58% on 12 trey attempts but just 57% from the foul line, 15-26.

Tai Wesley led in scoring with 19 and Brian Green contributed 17, shooting 9-11 and 6-7 from the floor respectively. Brockeith Pane went 2-12.

Jimmer Fredette topped BYU with 21 points, shooting 8-21 (5-14 from long range). The Cougars went 7-27 on threes.

Tyler Newbold fouled out but we're not sure when.

It was tied at 33 after the first 20 minutes.

A WAC Wednesday p.m. edition

Dayton Morinaga reports that UH backcourt recruit Gerry Blakes is signed, sealed and delivered.

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Sam Wasson serves up his weekly interview with Coach Marvin Menzies.

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With a tip of the hat to Sam for directing us, here is a Bruce Pascoe interview of Marvin Menzies.

Rush The Court to cover the Utah State - BYU game

Rush The Court (which is a MUST daily visit) won't be allowed to blog it due to BYU policy but will still cover the contest -- go here for the details.

By the way, anyone know what was the thinking at BYU when Tai Wesley was coming out of high school? Were the Cougars loaded with frontcourters? Was Wesley's LDS mission timing an issue? Was Steve Cleveland the coach then? Information preferred over opinion. Thanks.

From a longtime UH hoops fan

Received this from a longtime UH hoops fan:

While thus far, by the numbers it appears that Hiram, Bo, and Amis are the key members of this squad, I say, this entire team has done really well.

Thomas and Johnson are both capable of huge nights at any given time. ^Thomas has been a rock down low, consistent, and is such a fiery guy who leads by example. Johnson we know will have many a twenty point game this year no doubt in my mind, but, as of now a key role for him has been to play the 3 when Thomas goes to the 4 and sometimes 5 positions.

It is their ability to swing back and forth that has been a key point in our early success. 

Our bench has been amazing, all ten active players have risen to the task thus far. A lot of potential for a good season. 

Just a word of caution to all, this is early in the season and yes, we have looked pretty good for a new team. However, we haven't played any good or great teams yet. That test is on the horizon in holiday tournament yet to come  

But, I do like our chances and potential. 

Once our centers get active and involved in the game, we will be much better. Also, when Brumfield is back on the horse it will be interesting. 

Gibber, true to his word, has played the available personnel keeping us fresh and strong for the final run of the game. Whereas last year, we would be so gassed it was as if we went belly up every game in the last five minutes. 

Save for Jordan Coleman, who will apparently redshirt this year, our freshmen have exceeded our expectations.

Good times are on the horizon as we've already restocked the shelves with two early commits and whether or not the last scholie is the brazilian or not, this staff has proven that they will bring some legit talent to manoa. i.e. Ronnie Stevens, Gerry Blakes.

No one can deny what the Gibber has done. It was nice to see papa Frank Arnold beaming with pride this past weekend. It is too bad the cameras did not have the wherewithal to capture that moment on Friday when father congratulated son. 

It is a feel good story in itself. Although Frank did have a tough time here, he also came here with the cupboard very bare and if memory serves me well, I believe he left very graciously and gentlemanly. 

As this could be a "Lifetime movie" someday, “The Frank and Gibber Story”. a real feel good story no doubt.

The WAC on Wednesday

Why don't more teams do this? From the LA TECH athletics site: "Just like last season, Louisiana Tech men's basketball fans will get a chance to enhance their gameday experience with Bulldog Scoop. LA Tech director of basketball operations Cody Fueger will conduct a preview of that day's opponent 30 minutes before every home game in the Waggoner Room located on the lower level of the Thomas Assembly Center. It is open to anyone and is free to attend with paid admission to the game."

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AW Prince serves up the story and photos of Nevada falling just short to Pepperdine.

The Reno Gazette-Journal was all over the game: here's Dan Hinxman with a look back at the Wolf Pack sojourn to southern California plus a short post game video interview with Jordan Burris and another with Coach David Carter. Chris Murray posts the game report and notes from the contest.

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Brian McInnis reports that a Wise-man didn't play a lot against Central Michigan but contributed some key plays. Brian also provides a second Hawaii basketball feature.

Dayton Morinaga has a batch of photos from UH's win over Central Michigan.

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USU athletics has posted a just short of four minute video interview with Tai Wesley.

Shawn Harrison offers a report on tonight's Aggie visit to Salt Lake City. The whole world may not be watching, as the phrase goes, but most of the Beehive State will.

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Matt James' column today is all about this season's Bulldog squad and how the FSU fans will react.

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There was "Raising Arizona" and now Jason Groves offers "Scouting Arizona" -- the next New Mexico State opponent.

We missed this one

Here's Brian McInnis with his report on Hawaii's trifecta victory in the Rainbow Classic. A win, winsome or uncomely, always remains a feather in the cap in the official record book. That is, unless you are coached by John Calipari.

Tuesday's a.m. WAC report

UH takes the Rainbow Classic, defeating Central Michigan 65-62 -- Dayton Morinaga has the game report.

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The Wolf Pack wasn't in the zone but rather was facing it and Dan Hinxman writes that such will be a steady diet all season long. Chris Murray does the same here. Dan offers David Carter on after-the-game video. Chris has a piece on Malik Story here.

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Jason Groves spills the details on the Aggie romp over Western New Mexico. Jason also talked with Hernst Laroche and Marvin Menzies along with providing some analysis and opinion here.

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Shawn Harrison serves up a story on USU's signing of JStone and KReed, additions to the Aggie frontcourt next season.

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Vandal Nation provides a photo gallery of the game against Eastern Oregon.

Late Monday night WAC report

 Pacific took down Nevada 64-53. AW Prince was there and offers this game report.

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 Sam Wasson/Bleed Crimson provides the game report for New Mexico State's whupping of Western New mexico.

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Tony Jones has blogged confirmation of the USU signings of JUCO player Kyisean Reed and mission returnee Jordan Stone.

Head here.

Hiram Thompson honored

From the WAC's Jason Erickson:

Hawai'i's Hiram Thompson has been named the Verizon Western Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Week for the week of Nov. 8-14. The honor marks the first career WAC Player of the Week award for Thompson.

Thompson, a senior guard from Sacramento, Calif. (Oak Ridge HS), led Hawai'i to a pair of wins against Montana State and Cal State Fullerton. Thompson scored a career-high 21 points and added six rebounds with four assists in 24 minutes of action in the 77-59 win over Montana State. He connected on 8-of-9 field goals, including all three of his three-point attempts. Thompson tallied 18 points and seven assists against Cal State Fullerton. He scored 17 of his 18 points in the second half, including nine during the decisive 14-0 game-ending run that gave UH the 84-70 victory.

On the week, Thompson averaged a team-high 19.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. He also shot 66.7 percent (12-of-18) from the field, including a 5-of-7 clip from three-point range.

Other nominees included: 

* Boise State senior guard La'Shard Anderson
* Fresno State senior forward Nedeljko Golubovic
* Idaho junior forward Djim Bandoumel
* Louisiana Tech junior forward Olu Ashaolu
* Nevada freshman guard Deonte Burton
* New Mexico State junior forward Troy Gillenwater
* San Jose State senior guard Adrian Oliver
* Utah State junior guard Brockeith Pane.

A quick piece of humor

Brilliantly pairing the recent news about cruise ship floating aimlessly off Mexico for a few days and a sea-going menace that remains a major problem, Andy Borowitz writes:

"Somali Pirates Refuse to Board Carnival Cruise Ships" -- In yet another public relations setback for the beleaguered cruise ship company, Somali pirates today said they would no longer board Carnival Cruise ships, citing “unsafe working conditions.”

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A note about Damiene Cain

We can't vouch for this and any author's name is absent from the heading but the CalHiSports site recently posted this:

"...Privately [Damiene] Cain told friends that it was between Hawaii and Colorado and that Hawaii was definitely higher on his list then Oregon State, Boston College and San Diego State. If Cain hadn't been forced to cancel his visit at the last minute due to a family conflict who knows if the big man would have eventually chosen the Warriors..".

Monday and the world of WAC basketball

Utah State turned to Mr. T to slow down Weber State star backcourter Damian Lillard and the move paid off. Shawn Harrison has the details.

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Dayton Morinaga offers 25 photos from Hawaii's victory over Fullerton.

Brian McInnis serves up a game preview of 2-0 Hawaii facing Central Michigan. ESPN will televise it. Dave Reardon has posted a column looking at UH hoops to date.

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Jason Groves reports Coach Marvin Menzies wants more fannies in the seats this season and it starts tonight with a ring ceremony for the Aggies.

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AW Prince is all over tonight's Nevada-Pacific contest (at Pauley Pavilion), providing print, video and some extra crisp photos.

Chris Murray has game preview details here. Dan Hinxman shares some PP video and also that Coach David Carter wants to witness a mid-tempo style of play -- not death metal nor a dirge.

Chris Murray previews Nevada versus Pacific

Chris Murray has a thorough preview of the Monday night matchup between Nevada and Pacific -- go here.

Pacific Coach Bob Thomason should be considered among the coaching greats -- never a blue chipper let alone a handful or yearly ones but he wins, and wins and wins...

Some former and soon-to-be WAC players and their current rankings and residences

The Juco Junction site  has posted it National Top 150 JUCO Pre-Season players list and several WAC-related players make an appearance:

* Fresno State recruit Kevin Foster, now at Central Florida, comes in at #16.

* Former Idaho Vandal Corey Stern checks in at #30 -- he's at Howard JC in Texas

* #50 is Kadeem Coleby at Daytona State College -- Coleby was a Louisiana Tech commit who played 273 minutes in 30 games last season at Odessa College

* Kyisean Reed, a Utah State signee, holds the 81st spot

* Saddleback CC's Wendell Faines is right behind at #82

* DeShawn Stephens, a former USU commit, is at #91

* #144 is Tyrone White, formerly of Utah State, now at North Idaho CC and listed at 6-foot-7

Jack Nixon predicts

Jack Nixon, the veteran New Mexico State sports announcer, has written an order-of-finish column of sorts in the Las Cruces Bulletin:

Bold WAC predictions

We’ll know how much Jack knows when March comes rolling around

With the NCAA going into basketball mode this weekend, I will give you my thoughts on how the WAC will turn out in March. New Mexico State and Utah State are the favorites by most observers, but who are the dark horses to provide sur­prises as we wind our way through the first quarter of the year?

Go here and click on Aggie Insider for the remainder. Jack's post will appear on the left, click on it.

Sunday and the WAC

Gotta love this headline from USU athletics: "Utah State Inflicts Some Pane On Weber State In 77-65 Win"

Kraig Williams has more on the newcomer at the point. 
 
Andrew Aragon provides this game report. 

Shawn Harrison is here and  Tony Jones is here.

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Hawaii took down visiting Cal State Fullerton. Dayton Morinaga offers his game report and Brian McInnis goes with this while Dave Reardon features Bill Amis, the star of the game.

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Idaho athletics reports on the Vandal victory over Eastern Oregon. 

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Nevada took down Montana at the Lawlor Events Center -- Chris Gabel is here with his account of the game. 

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Nick Jezierny has the details on Boise State's win over Western State and also notes that Coach Leon Rice has finalized his active roster.

Saturday's WAC-aroo

It's back! Of course, it never left us, just going on a summer and fall hiatus when the season concluded. Yes, we are talking about The Refraction. The guys are also seeking their successors who will need strong constitutions (and no we are not talking about Second Amendment remedies), a unique sense of humor and way too much available time. We don't wish to make next season harder for the newbies but filling the shoes of Kraig and Matt will be like replacing Willie Mays in center field and Willie McCovey at first (yep, demonstrating once again just how old PTW is as we count the decades on our abacus).

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San Jose State went up to Cheney, Washington last night and escaped getting pelleted by a wild-eyed 'sharpshooter' hunting for Spartans rather than doves. Here's the game report from Spartan athletics. Here's the story from the Spokane Spokesman-Review.

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Hawaii took down Montana State 77-59. Here's the report from Dayton Morinaga. Brian McInnis is here and Ferd Lewis here.

By the way, Damiene Cain did commit to Colorado.

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New Mexico State had no trouble with Louisiana Lafayette, winning 92-76 last night. Sam Wasson/Bleed Crimson has a report here. Jason Groves is here.

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BYU acted as an ungracious host in beating Fresno State 83-56. Here's the story from the Salt lake City Tribune.

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There is no patience listed on the Wolf Pack roster but Dan Hinxman writes here that such will be a virtue for Nevada hoops this season.

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Utah State hosts Weber State tonight -- Andrew Aragon writes about the matchup here. Roy Burton here. Kraig Williams here. Shawn Harrison here. Tony Jones offers the keys to the game here.

Three offerings from Chris Murray

Chris Murray has again been typing out the Nevada basketball stories so here goes:

* a preview of the matchup against Montana, which starts a pair of big bigs

* newbies and diaper dandies predominate on the roster

* a rundown of each Wolf Pack squad member

A snippet on Kevin Foster

Kevin Foster, a 6-foot-8 frontcourter at Central Florida College and a George Mason transfer, has committed to Fresno State and a signing announcement should be forthcoming soon. PTW stumbled across some notes on one of his recent games:

"...Kevin Foster had 24 points and 11 rebounds as the College of Central Florida outlasted Casper (Wyo.) College 86-77 in overtime on Thursday. Foster tied the game at 71-71 with a bucket with 1.7 seconds remaining. He was fouled on the shot and missed the potential game-winning free throw, but the Patriots (4-1) quickly pulled away in overtime..."

Here is the article and it requires some scrolling down.

The Draft Express guys on Troy Gillenwater

Joseph Treutlein at the Draft Express site offers an updated assessment of New Mexico State's Troy Gillenwater:

Top NBA Draft Prospects in Non-BCS Conferences, Part Five (#26-30)
Joseph Treutlein
Draft Express
November 11, 2010

After missing the first 21 games of his sophomore season due to academic suspension, Troy Gillenwater finished off strong, averaging a very potent 14.6 points in just 22.8 minutes per game for the Aggies, while scoring at a high efficiency as well. Despite dealing with ankle injuries in the offseason, Gillenwater should be fully healthy to start his junior year, where he'll look to expand his production with a larger role.

On the offensive end, Gillenwater does the majority of his damage operating with his back to the basket, something he's very well suited for in mid-major NCAA, though likely far less than ideal from an NBA perspective. Possessing good base strength and a nice arsenal of hook shots and turnaround jumpers, Gillenwater finishes very well around the basket, showing good touch and instincts in the post. The problem, however, is that from an athletic standpoint he is not particularly impressive, and he struggles to get great separation on his moves, which makes it tougher for him to finish against bigger, more athletic opponents...

Go here for the remainder.

Callin' it WAC Friday

Tony Jones has posted a feature on the state of the Aggies.

Drew Cannon at the Basketball Prospectus has fallen head over heels for USU hoops and expects the bandwagon to get full as the season progresses.  

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Brian McInnis reports on Zane Johnson's diversifying his offensive game.

Dayton Morinaga previews UH's initial Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic.opponent Montana State. He has also added a forum to his Warrior Insider site.

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Jason Groves writes about the 2010-2012 edition of the Aggies and the upcoming game against Louisiana-Lafayette.

Sam Wasson at his Bleed Crimson site goes long in his impressive look at this season's Aggies.

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The Denver Post's Mike Chambers details the hometown school's move into the WAC.

Colin Gruber to Northern Arizona

6-foot-3 backcourter Colin Gruber, out of Harbor High in Santa Cruz, CA, has signed a letter of intent with Northern Arizona. Gruber was involved with Utah State -- his father and Stew Morrill were teammates at Gonzaga -- as well as a number of others but felt he fit best at NAU. Here's a previous writeup on Gruber.

Kyisean Reed stars

Melvin Grussing reports on the latest game for Utah State recruit Kyisean Reed and his Antelope Valley College team. It was a turnaround from the previous game for AVC.

Welcome Seattle

Montana has taken a pass -- at least for a while -- so it's welcome to the land of Starbucks -- hey, doesn't that mean just about every corner now?

Go here.

Here's Jon Wilner of the mercury News with a bit of an SJSU perspective.

Thursday's items continue

Boise State athletics has a feature on Coach Leon Rice's five signings -- four guards and a big.

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Jason Franchuk at the Cougar Blue site talked with Coach Steve Cleveland and has written a good read.

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Chris Murray has a piece on Dario Hunt, another on Deonte Burton and a third on the Wolf Pack starting lineup for Saturday's game against Montana. Keep 'em coming Chris.

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Brian McInnis provides the UH starting lineup for Friday's opener versus Montana State. Plus, Ronnie Stevens made it official.

A Phillip Jackson update

Phillip Jackson was a senior at Hyde Park in Chicago last season but academics forced him to detour to the junior college ranks and now he must earn an AA before he can land in D-1 -- he is a freshman at San Diego City College this season. How he got there is anyone's guess. Nevada had interest in him at one point -- who knows if that will sustain until the 2012-2013 season or be re-kindled? Anyone know if the Wolf Pack staff had a hand in re-locating Jackson?

Here's ESPN's Reggie Rankins in September 2009 on the young man:

Phillip Jackson PF 6-8, 205
2010, Chicago/Hyde Park

Jackson is a long and lean power forward who runs the floor like a deer. He finishes above the rim in transition and from drop-off passes created by dribble penetration. Jackson is active and aggressive, and you never have to look for him when he is on the floor because he seems to always be near the ball. In the low post, Jackson loves the right low block, and although he is still very raw, he has a nice jump hook over his left shoulder and turn shot. He simply elevates over defenders with his quickness and athletic ability. Jackson is a good rebounder on both ends, and he is a terrific shot-blocker with great timing on the ball or coming from the weak side. Most of the time, Jackson does a good job of keeping the ball in play once he makes a block. Jackson competes, plays with passion and has great upside.

Damiene Cain to Colorado?

Jack Pollon/LA Daily News is reporting that UH recruiting target Damiene Cain is going to announce for Colorado -- go here.

It's Thursday and we're loaded

No, no, no, not in the way you immediately think, certainly not the virtuous PTW. We have standards and one of them is waiting until noon until we meet Sam Adams. Now where were we...

On to a bevy of links.

Jason Groves leads us off with an almost-straight-out-of-Johannesburg Tshilidz i"Chili" Nephawe feature.

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Louisiana Tech traveled to Austin last night and fell 89-58. Here's a report from the Austin American. This is from the LA TECH athletics site. Olu Ashaolu led with a double-double of 13 and 11. Rebounding was close at 47-41 but the Bulldogs passed for just four assists.

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Idaho athletics fills us in on the three Vandal signees and, yes, Anthony Jones, is the son of the former Laker who played college ball at Oral Roberts.

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Frosh Bobby Miles receives an introduction via Dayton Morinaga at DM's Warrior Insider site.

Brian McInnis previews the upcoming UH - Montana State encounter.

If you haven't already done so -- warning you that we do check on these things -- do get to the all-things-Hawaii-basketball offering published by the Star Advertiser sports staff. It's the best individual team coverage we've read so far anywhere. Go here.

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The Idaho Statesman offers a bit of coverage on basketball signees plus those expected at Idaho and Boise State.

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Kraig Williams at the Deseret New has posted his WAC team preview, including rankings and reasons for hope.

Shawn Harrison writes about a teleconference with Stew Morrill in which the latter reaches back to one of his classes at Gonzaga. It wasn't quite Spinoza or William James and thankfully Freud was left out altogether.