Listing and commentary on the WAC picks

Okay, the coaches have weighed in as well as the pixel-stained wretches that constitute the media covering the WAC and both are in agreement as to who will be honored as All-WAC First Team.

It's odd that the media is not asked to offer a Second Team as the coaches are but so be it.

2012-13 Preseason Men's Basketball Coaches All-WAC Teams

First Team

* Raheem Appleby, So., G, Louisiana Tech
* Kyle Barone, Sr., C, Idaho
* Preston Medlin, Jr., G, Utah State  
* Daniel Mullings, So., G, New Mexico State
* Chris Udofia, Jr., F, Denver

Note that two sophomores are listed, plus a pair of juniors. Such would bode well for the future if the league wasn't falling apart.

Second Team

* Kevin Butler, Sr., F, UT Arlington
* Jeromie Hill, Jr., F, UTSA
* James Kinney, Sr., G, San Jose State
* Kyisean Reed, Sr., F, Utah State
* Tyrone Watson, Sr., F, New Mexico State

The most intriguing inclusion here is Butler who averaged 10.8 points and 5.9 rebounds last season while shooting 45%, 29% and 70% respectively. He had 48 assists versus 63 turnovers but a team-leading 51 steals. Sam Wasson has Butler in his First Team All WAC quintet.

Preseason Player of the Year: Preston Medlin, Jr., G, Utah State

2012-13 Preseason Men's Basketball Coaches Poll
Rank - Teams (1st-Place Votes) - Points

1   New Mexico State (5) 77
2   Utah State (5) 76
3   Denver 65
4   Louisiana Tech 54
5   UT Arlington 48
6   Idaho 45
7   UTSA 31
8   Seattle U 22
9   San Jose State 18
10 Texas State 14

Idaho is the biggest surprise here as the coaches are seeing something PTW is missing (we have a fourth place finish for the Vandals). Jason Groves has Idaho coming in third, Sam Wasson #8 so there are divergent expectations.

Denver posted an 830-943 rebounding deficit last season and it's hard to see that improving considering the Pioneer frontcourt. Will style of play and committing less turnovers do it for Coach Joe Scott's squad?

+++++ +++++ +++++

2012-13 Preseason Men's Basketball Media Poll
Rank - Teams (1st-Place Votes) - Points

1  Utah State (15) 232
2  New Mexico State (8) 223
3  Denver (1) 181
4  Louisiana Tech 162
5  Idaho 144
6  UT Arlington (1) 137
7  UTSA 104
8  Seattle U 77
9  San Jose State 61
10 Texas State 54

Which media-ites selected Denver and UT Arlington respectively to finish first? Please, please, please post your reasonings.

2012-13 Preseason Men's Basketball Media All-WAC Team

First Team

Raheem Appleby, So., G, Louisiana Tech
Kyle Barone, Sr., C, Idaho
Preston Medlin, Jr., G, Utah State
Daniel Mullings, So., G, New Mexico State
Chris Udofia, Jr., F, Denver

Preseason Player of the Year: Preston Medlin, Utah State

Sam Wasson bucked the trend and went with Chris Udofia here.

Newcomer of the Year: Jarred Shaw, Jr., F/C, Utah State

Could very well be but New Mexico State really needs K.C. Ross-Miller to come through at the point and he was the selection of PTW.