Links for Thursday

Jason Groves writes about Terrel de Rouen and his crash course on Aggie pointillism.

Jason and James Staley offer more on Tyrone Watson's situation.

It certainly sounds like out-of-character but the attack happened and there really is no way Watson can play tomorrow or this weekend. That the beating happened happened is bad enough as New Mexico State searches for a better conference affiliation but compounding what took place with a poor personnel decision would truly give Aggies athletics a self-inflicted black eye (absolutely no pun intended) with possible alignment consequences.

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Jonathan Ford video interviews Raheem Appleby. Jason Pugh and Matt Vines provide print features on Appleby. Hey, it's a great day in the Ruston neighborhood.


Ryan Darcy offers some much-deserved press to LA TECH basketball.

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Picoso at the Crimson To The Core Cantina MB has an update on a commit to NMSU.

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A Left Coast Recruiting tweet: "San Jose State offered 2013 Dezmyn Trent"

Here is a January 15 feature on the young man. Seattle is also obviously very interested.

Thursday: four game previews

Texas State has the unenviable task of putting out the welcome mat to New Mexico State. Can the three-game win streak be elongated?


Bobcat athletics and Aggie athletics preview.

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Texas San Antonio does likewise with Denver.

Pioneer athletics and Roadrunner athletics preview.

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Idaho gets Utah State up in Moscow.

Vandal athletics plus Shawn Harrison, Kyle Goon and Kraig Williams preview.

Kyle also talked with Idaho Coach Don Verlin, who knows a thing or two about Logan hoops.

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Seattle plays host to San Jose State University.

Redhawk athletics and Spartan athletics preview.

Whither Seattle

What's up with Seattle, 1-8 in conference play and 0-5 at home?

As in most anything, it's multiple factors.

In no particular order:

* There's a pattern of one Seahawk (sorry about this mess up, one Hawk is not just like another) Redhawk producing well but too often a second or third teammate isn't right behind to back him up and 'him' is often a different player each time -- consistency is missing. It will be Clarence Trent but then Deshaun Sunderhaus the next game and Chad Rasmussen after that or possibly Prince Obasi or D'Vonne Pickett. Plus, unlike Louisiana Tech, there has been very little non-starter pick-the-team-up assistance except for Luiz Bidart.

* The Redhawks have lost some close games and, while it's near impossible to pinpoint the reasons for this without witnessing each contest, Coach Cameron Dollar's roster lacks a go-to guy who can more often than not generate a good look in clutch moments.

* Shooting an overall 42% to 41% for opponents, a tied 33% on treys and being a +7 in rebounding average is being negated by a 58% foul line shooting which both puts any team behind in games and halts comeback attempts. Pickett's 46% at the charity stripe and Obasi at 54% just gives away too many points and these are the starting guards with the second and third most attempts on the squad.

* Seattle is also underwater in turnovers (-68) which is remarkable for a smallish team.

* Also having fouled 65 more times than their opponents (some of that certainly due to lack of size), the Redhawks are a -17 in steals so there is no 'making up for it' by 'going small.'

* Additionally, Trent shouldn't be at 42% overall shooting, Rasmussen needs to be higher than 34% on three-point attempts (with a ratio of 38 two-point shots versus 122 treys) plus backcourter Obasi can't stay at 38% if the team is ever going to win more than they lose.

* All of these factors add up to recent three-point homecourt losses to Texas State and Texas San Antonio plus a one-point loss at home to New Mexico State, a five-point defeat at San Jose State University, a seven-point loss at home to Idaho. Some free throws made here, not a turnover there and Seattle's W-L record would be quite different.

* Sunderhaus being a redshirt freshman is a positive as he has the highest level of potential of anyone on the roster. Getting redshirt transfer backcourters Emerson Murray and Isiah Umipig playing next season will reduce a lot of the backcourt woes the Redhawks are currently experiencing. But a real center is desperately needed, hopefully a well-rounded one who can rebound, defend and do some scoring -- consistently. 6-foot-9, 235-pound Shore Adenekan, a 2013 JUCO signee out of Colorado's Lamar Community College, looks like he will help but he's not a dominator.

Wednesday: another bunch o' links

 It's press day for Louisiana Tech with Jason Pugh and Matt Vines weighing in on the Techsters and Jonathan Ford serving up a seven-minute Coach Mike White video.

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There are a myriad of so-called formulas to win games as Kyle Goon writes but each team, including Utah State, has specific different strengths and weaknesses to pull from and to minimize, respectively.

Kyle also notes that USU wants more net and less rim.

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Jason Groves has the news that Chili is back on the New Mexico State basketball menu. Will Coach Marvin Menzies put in an order for each game here on out?

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Tyler Mayforth writes that Texas State is on a three-game winning streak.

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Seattle U Hoops looks at what's holding back the Redhawks (hey, great minds think alike).

Joel Wright named WAC POW

Texas State’s Joel Wright has been named the Western Athletic Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week for the week of Jan. 21-27.

Wright, a junior forward from Brooklyn, N.Y. (Thomas Jefferson HS), led Texas State to a weekend road sweep over Idaho and Seattle U. In the 78-73 win at Idaho, Wright came off the bench to score a WAC season-high 37 points, 24 of which he scored in the second half. He hit 12 of his 20 shots from the field and went 12-of-15 from the free throw line. Wright also tallied six rebounds, five assists and five steals in the 17-point comeback victory. Wright scored 15 of Texas State’s final 22 points to lift the Bobcats to the win
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Wright backed up his career night with a 19-point, nine-rebound effort in an 86-83 win at Seattle U. He also collected three steals in the 12-point comeback win. He made a pair of free throws to score Texas State’s final two points to help secure the win. The win gave Texas State its third straight win after breaking a nine-game losing streak.

On the week, Wright averaged 28.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.0 steals and 2.5 assists per game. He shot 48.6 percent (18-of-37) from the field and 81.0 percent (17-of-21) from the free throw line. Olson recorded eight steals, five assists and one block over the two games.

Other nominees:

* Idaho senior center Kyle Barone averaged 26.0 points and 16.0 rebounds as Idaho went 1-1

* Louisiana Tech sophomore guard Kenneth Smith tallied 10 assists with six rebounds in a win at Utah State

* New Mexico State senior forward Tyrone Watson scored 12 points with six rebounds in a win over Denver

* Seattle U freshman forward Deshaun Sunderhaus averaged 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds over two games

* UTSA senior guard Michael Hale III scored a career-high 35 points in a win at Seattle U

* Utah State junior guard/forward Spencer Butterfield averaged a double-double with 19.5 points and 13.0 rebounds over two games last week.

LT is here to stay

Alex Hamilton is a freshman. Raheem Appleby, Kenneth Smith and Michale Kyser are sophomores. Translation: Louisiana Tech isn't dropping back anytime soon and, in fact, looks to only get better in the next few years.

That's because these youngsters will be improving and displaying greater consistency plus more and more recruiting doors, previously closed, will be opening to Coach Mike White and his staff.

Few people remember that the Bulldogs damn near got to the Big Dance in White's initial season at the helm, taking down Utah State (72-70) and then Nevada (78-73) before falling to New Mexico State. Winning close games in the conference tournament with kids? That isn't luck and happenstance.

So how did White and Company do it in Ruston when Kerry Rupp and Keith Richard couldn't? Plus, how did this transformation take place so quickly? That would probably take a dissertation length post but let's focus in on these concepts and decisions:

* Instilling a modern dribble-drive offensive style, alongside a pressing and man defense -- those are elements that recruits find attractive and approaches they can pick up and add value to early on.

* White certainly hasn't nabbed any blue-chip recruits but rightly focused on landing athletic prospects with at least one, if not more, right-away plus skills

* Another key is White's so-called bench players -- let's use the term non-starters instead -- being ready to assume critical roles in picking matters up offensively and defensively when some members of the opening five are not producing. The how of such a development can only come from White and his players but it's a critical component for successful teams.

* Also, how White and his coaching staff instilled a tough-as-nails approach in finishing games is impossible to quantify but Tech has definitely been winning more than its share of close ones since he landed the position, this despite LT's youthfulness.

By the way, LT has made it into Matt Norlander's Mid Major Power Pyramid with this inscription: "WAC's best is still secret to the nation"

The down side to all these achievements is that some SEC team is going to tap White sooner rather than later -- that's just the nature of the system. But it's going to be difficult for anyone else to top the metamorphosis White instigated so quickly at Louisiana Tech.

Tuesday: a few links for ya

Kyle Goon takes the pulse of Utah State hoops mid-way through conference play.

Shawn Harrison writes that  USU just might not be an afterthought this season (cue up David Soul's "Don't Give Up On Us Baby")

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Forbes has Texas Arlington Coach Scott Cross in it's "Best College Basketball Coaches For The Money" list.

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The Sun-News reports that a New Mexico State basketball player is a suspect in a beating. Here are photos.

Monday: a handful of links

Sean Kramer looks back at Idaho's Saturday performance and at what is looming for the Vandals.

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Jason Groves looks at New Mexico State's present standing and what the second half of the WAC schedule holds for the Aggies.

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Doesn't everyone want dunkin' in the morning? Courtesy of Bandja Sy and NMSU athletics. Wow!

The Week That Wasn't for Utah State

Landon Helmsley looks at Saturday's USU - LA TECH game and retains some optimism.

Matt Sonnenberg's penchant for outstanding headlines should be sparking a bidding war for his services in Utah media circles. PTW will take Matt over the New York Post despite its "headless body in topless bar" infamy of years ago.

Kurt Kragthorpe chimes in on Saturday's matchup.

Hey, maybe, just maybe there is a variation of the SI cover hex coming into play here. First, we pre-season ordained K.C. Ross-Miller as the WAC Newcomer of the year. But he never gained any traction and then recently pulled his hamstring. Then as we also previously wrote, Jarred Shaw's fast start had him running away with the honor.
However, Shaw's output slowed to the proverbial crawl in January. He was back playing energetically last Saturday. Will that version be on display from here on out or is this post going to jinx him?

Bottom line: don't gamble the mortgage money on our predictions.

Sunday: four game reports

Call it an odd night as the home team won but one of four contests.   

Louisiana Tech  hit Logan to see what Utah State is made of at this point and jumped to a 35-22 advantage after the first period. But the Aggies came back to make it a one possession game only to see the Bulldogs take a low-scoring 51-48 victory. Brandon Gibson came off the bench for LT to lead his team with 20 points (six treys!!) while Jarred Shaw imposed his will going for 21 points plus 14 boards and four shotblocks. USU's Spencer Butterfield didn't have a particularly good shooting night but finished with 16 points and an astounding 15 rebounds. The three standout game stats: 33% shooting for Tech, 27% for USU and a 48-29 rebounding advantage for the hosts.

If there is an Appleby's franchise in Logan, chances are good a boycott is being organized right now (you'll have to read the game reports)

Kyle Goon and Kraig Williams live-tweeted the contest.

KyleG, Kyle Heywood, Shawn Harrison, Kraig Williams and Bulldog athletics game report.

Curtis Ripplinger has posted 33 game photos.

Kyle also writes about Shaw's strong performance.

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San Jose State University was home challenged by Texas Arlington and a 38-19 initial half ended up securing the game for the Mavericks with the final score 66-47. Getting another start, forward Greg Gainey led Coach Scott's Cross' guys with 17 points with fellow frontcourter Kevin Butler posting a 13/10 double-double. Chris Cunningham paced the Spartans with his own 13/10 double-double but 22% overall shooting and going 4-25 on long distance sunk SJSU's chances.

Spartan athletics and Maverick athletics game report.

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Seattle welcomed Texas State and enjoyed a 42-35 halftime lead. But the Bobcats came back and end up victorious, 86-83. Coming off the bench, Reid Koenen scored 26 points, with Joel Wright posting 19 points and nine boards for Coach Doug Davalos. Corey Stern contributed a 10/11 double-double. For the Redhawks, Clarence Trent scored 22 posts and added eight rebounds while fellow frontcourter Deshaun Sunderhaus double-doubled with 17 and 12. Coach Cameron Dollar's crew was credited with 25 assists on 37 baskets.

Bobcat athletics and Redhawk athletics game report as does Jayda Evans.

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Texas San Antonio met Idaho in Moscow and each scored 38 points in the opening 20 minutes. It stayed close but the Vandals emerged at the final horn with a 74-70 win. Kyle Barone was a perfect 10-10 from the floor (five dunks), finishing with 26 points, 16 rebounds, three shotblocks and two assists. Backcourter Connor Hill totaled 13 points and Stephen Madison concluded with 13. Coach Don Verlin's guys shot 52% overall, with just 11 turnovers. Michael Hale III continued his surge to a First Team All-WAC spot with 21 points (5-10 from long distance) and seven assists. Fellow guard  Kannon Burrage added 16 points while frontcourter Jordan Sims just missed a double-double with nine points and 11 caroms.

Josh Wright and Vandal Nation live-tweeted the pairing.

Roadrunner athletics and Vandal athletics game report as does Josh Wright. The UI Argonaut offers Coach Don Verlin post-game.

Looking at some team numbers

* Idaho leads the WAC in shooting at 49% while holding opponents to 41%. Sounds like the necessary stats to be a conference contender? But the Vandals are also -8.2 in turnovers and that's flat out unbelievable.

* Is Seattle really at 58% free throw shooting as a team? Really?

* Speaking of Texas San Antonio, when your field goal shooting is 39% and your allowing opponents to connect at a 54% rate, well, you don't need a weatherman to tell you that means trouble.

* Denver is tops is field goal percentage defense at 38% with nary a player over 6-foot-6 (if that).

* A trio of teams are holding opponents below 30% in long distance shooting defense: Idaho 26%, Louisiana Tech 28% and Denver 29%.

* Seattle does enjoy some impressive numbers in certain categories: holding opponents to 40% overall shooting, 31% on trey attempts, +4 in rebounding margin, #1 in offensive rebounds with 14.0, fourth in blocked shots at 4.0, second in assists at 15.3 and the best in steals with 8.3.

A Texas San Antonio recruiting target

From Brad Winton/Juco Recruiting: "Dre Mathieu (5-9/PG/2013), a Morehead State transfer currently at Central Arizona,  now has offers from Tennessee Tech, UT - San Antonio, Stephen F. Austin, Northern Arizona, Albany and Northern Colorado. Mathieu is having a great year averaging 18 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists per game." 

More for Saturday

Jason Groves interviewed the two newest additions to New Mexico State basketball.

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Kyle Goon updates Danny Berger's situation.

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Louisiana Tech man-in-the-middle Michale Kyser receives some well-earned press from Jason Pugh. 

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ESPN's Jeremy Lundblad notes a WAC performance from Thursday night Numbers To Know:

Bench Player of the Night – Joel Wright, Texas State
Given that he played 34 minutes, Wright is a bench player in name only. But that shouldn’t take away from this 37-point explosion in Texas State's road win over Idaho. He also pitched in six rebounds, five assists and five steals. He’s just the third player to post those numbers in a game over the past 10 seasons, and the only in at least the past 15 seasons to do it off the bench.

Saturday: four game previews

Louisiana Tech (8-0) heads into Logan to pair off with (5-3) Utah State.

LT athletics and Timothy R. Olsen, Kyle Goon, Kraig Williams and Shawn Harrison preview.

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San Jose State University (3-5) has (4-4) Texas Arlington in for a matchup.

Spartan athletics and Maverick athletics preview.

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Seattle (1-7) faces (2-6) Texas State in the Emerald City.

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Texas San Antonio (1-7) challenges (3-5) Idaho up in Moscow.

Vandal athletics and Roadrunner athletics preview.

Nabbed this from the Idaho folks: "Saturday’s game at the Cowan Spectrum will feature four of the WAC’s top six individual scorers. League leader Kannon Burrage of UTSA averages 18.0 per game, while teammate Michael Hale III is fifth in the WAC at 16.1 points per game. For Idaho, senior center is fourth in the WAC with 16.2 points and junior guard Stephen Madison is sixth at 15.2 points per game. Idaho and UTSA are the only two teams in the WAC with multiple players averaging 15 or more points per game this season."

Friday: four games last night

Utah State had Texas Arlington coming into Logan for the most interesting game of the night simply for determining how would the depleted Aggies respond to the challenge. The final was 74-68 in favor of the Texans, this after a 33-33 tie at the half. Five Mavericks scored in double figures: Karol Gruszecki 14, Cameron Catlett and Brandon Edwards with 13, Shaquille White-Miller 11 and Greg Gainey 10. Coach Scott Cross' guys nabbed 11 steals and went 25-34 (that usually USU's total) at the foul line. For Coach Stew Morrill, Spencer Butterfield posted 23 points and 11 boards, both team-leading figures while Ben Clifford produced 12 points and Marvin Jean 11. Utah State shot 36% overall, attempted an unusual 26 treys, snagged 17 offensive boards and was credited with 17 assists on 20 baskets. However, 17 turnovers were higher than usual and Jarred Shaw fouled out with nine points (3-13 shooting) and three boards against a much smaller team.

Kyle Goon and Kraig Williams live-tweeted the contest.

Rhett Wilkinson, Kyle Goon, Kraig Williams, Kyle Heywood and Shawn Harrison all game report as does Maverick athletics and Aggie athletics. Matt Sonnenberg offers his analysis.

Here's Stew Morrill post-game:



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San Jose State University entertained WAC numero uno Louisiana Tech and it took until the second half for the latter to get their engine purring. The final: 76-54. It was a five point difference at the half but Coach Mike White's guys enjoyed a 17-point second 20 minute differential. With the starters, Raheem Appleby led with 17 points and Brandon Gibson enjoyed 13 but it was the bench again that came on strong. Freshman backcourter Alex Hamilton totaled 14 points, eight assists, six boards and four steals, all in 25 minutes of court time, with Kenyon McNeail contributing eight points. LT put up 15 more shots than the Spartans and enjoyed a +12 rebounding advantage. Guard Aalim Moor paced SJSU with both 14 points and four assists in 17 minutes of play. Louis Garrett was back from suspension for San Jose State University but his contribution was negligible in 16 minutes while James Kinney, the top Spartan scorer, remained on the sidelines.

Spartan athletics and LT athletics game report. Likewise, the Shreveport Times.

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Seattle hosted Texas San Antonio and, hold the presses, the latter nabbed its initial WAC win 78-75. Michael Hale III compiled 35 points, living at the foul line in making 16 of 17 attempts. However, he did commit six TOs. His backcourt teammate, Kannon Burrage, finished with 19 points. For the Redhawks, Deshaun Sunderhaus topped the team with 16 points. D'Vonne Pickett posted an interesting line: 14 points, seven rebounds, six assists, five steals but also five turnovers. Coach Cameron Dollar's bunch owned the boards at 40-23 but allowed the Roadrunners 32 free throws. 

Seattle U Hoops live-tweeted the matchup.

Roadrunner athletics and Redhawk athletics game report. Jerry Briggs provides his take.

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Idaho and Texas State paired off in Moscow and the mysterious Vandals enjoyed a four point lead after 20 minutes of play but eventually fell 78-73. It was an unofficial but very real Joel Wright Night as the junior forward busted out for 37 points, six rebounds, five assists and five steals. Backcourter Phil Hawkins contributed 16 points to the winning effort. Kyle Barone posted a 27-16 double-double for Idaho, with Stephen Madison scoring 14 points and Mike McChristian 13. The Verlin-ites committed 19 turnovers to eight for the Bobcats.

Vandal Nation live-tweeted the pairing.

Bobcat athletics and Vandal athletics game report alongside Texas State Sports.

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Mile High Mids goes long in looking at Denver.

The next WAC games are scheduled for Saturday.

Thursday: one game report, a handful of previews

New Mexico State hosted Denver last night, a meeting of the #3 and #2 teams in the WAC, and NMSU led 29-22 after a sluggish 20 minutes. Then the pace and scoring 's-l-o-w-e-d' down to a 53-42 finish in favor of the Aggies. Tyrone Watson led in points with 12 and nabbed six rebounds while Daniel Mullings went for 11/8 and Bandja Sy 10/8. NMSU won the battle of the boards 40-24. Nobody scored in double figures for the Pioneers who shot 3-18 from long distance and attempted but four free throws. However, Royce O'Neale came close to a double-double with nine points and 10 boards. Now it's the #2 and #3 teams.

Jason Groves live-tweeted the matchup.

Jason game reports as does Pioneer athletics. Here's Coach Marvin Menzies post-game.

Jason provided his keys to the contest plus a prediction.

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Tonight,

Utah State welcomes Texas Arlington into Logan.

Maverick athletics plus Kraig Williams, Shawn Williams, Shawn again game preview.

Kyle Goon writes about the ball entering the paint or thereabouts with USU and not being touched again by teammates.

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San Jose State University has frontrunner Louisiana Tech in town.

Bulldog athletics and Spartan athletics preview. Matt Vines also checks in.

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Seattle faces Texas San Antonio at home, which favors the Redhawks nabbing win #2 in the WAC.

Roadrunner athletics and Redhawk athletics preview.

Per Seattle U Hoops, Coach Cameron Dollar's guys are bringing in close to 3,000 fans a game at home -- not shabby for a program jumping back into the D-I ranks.

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Idaho and Texas State will go at it up in Moscow.

Vandal athletics and Bobcat athletics preview as does Samuel Rubbelke.

New Mexico State adds a Canadian for next season

An Alex Kline/The Recruit Scoop tweet: "2013 Canadian wing Matthew Taylor out of Brampton has committed to New Mexico State"

Here's an article from 2012 detailing the young man's plan to head to southern California. Here's the Future College Prep site.

He certainly is an A+ athlete -- below is some video:

More for today

A Jason Groves tweet: "Menzies said team wants to bring Nephawe back. Possibly to travel for San Antonio trip"

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Josh Wright talks with Coach Don Verlin.

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A Seattle U Hoops tweet: "Hearing Seattle U is in on 3-star Foss senior guard Dezmyn Trent" 

Hope Danny Wilson Jr. isn't his cousin. 

Here's a feature on the young man.

Wednesday: one game preview plus links

With the news of Utah State's injuries, the Denver - New Mexico State matchup in Las Cruces on Wednesday is looking like a major deal.

Pioneer athletics takes a preview as does Jason Groves. Hey, break out your best PJs.

Brendan Loy checks in on the 2012-13 Pioneers and is sensing a blast from the past.

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Matt Sonnenberg delves into how the remaining Utah State players will react to the latest personnel losses.

Kyle Goon ventures into similar territory as does Shawn Harrison.

Kyle also takes a look at Louisiana Tech, Denver and New Mexico State as contenders to the throne.

The biggest question facing the Aggies is who else can now create shots on the team when necessary? Could Marvin Jean surprise here?

Plus, Medlin and Reed were tops in trips to the foul line (77 apiece) and USU is at a +64 in overall attempts as a team. That's going to head downward.

Additionally, who will Stew Morrill pair with Jarred Shaw upfront? Ben Clifford is more fire than firepower although he offers a surprise every now and then. Jordan Stone is a deficit offensively but will bang and Matt Lopez is still getting untracked but seems to have the best offensive possibilities, albeit with minuses in other categories.

The rest of the season will also be a test of fan-dom for Logan residents. If losses start piling up, will all-the-good-will-built-up prevail in some sort of understanding or will some degree of all-the-success-has-spoiled Aggie supporters take hold? Inquiring minds will be watching.

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Jason Pugh has print and video of Coach Mike White discussing being pursued rather than being pursuers.

The latest from Sagarin

Here are the latest Sagarin WAC ratings:

* Denver - 63

* Louisiana Tech - 86

* New Mexico State - 98

* Utah State - 114

* Idaho - 142

* Texas Arlington - 191

* Seattle - 211

* San Jose State University - 221

* Texas San Antonio - 278

* Texas State - 283

The latest from Mid Major Madness

Here are the latest team rankings from Mid Major Madness:

* Louisiana Tech - 52

* Denver - 82

* Utah State - 85

* New Mexico State - 98

* Texas Arlington - 159

* Idaho 191

* San Jose State University - 206

* Seattle - 207

* Texas State - 298

* Texas San Antonio - 305

Tuesday: a bevy of links

A major condolence goes out to Kyisean Reed due to his season-ending injury and also to Preston Medlin for his shorter term ailment. Can the latter get back before the WAC tournament?

Many thanks to Garrett Wheeler for first bringing this news to our attention.

Doug Hoffman, Timothy R. Olsen, Kraig Williams and Shawn Harrison check in on the subject.

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Louisiana Tech is getting some Associated Press polling notice.

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Jaycee Carroll is living life big in Spain as Jordan Winnet details. It's doubtful he'll have to ever work again once he retires which will be a remarkable feat for a non-NBA baller.

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In Crimson To The Core's Cantina MB, New Mexico State fans are discussing the coaching and scheduling merits of Stew Morrill. That will turn up the temperature of an already incendiary rivalry.

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Jack Nixon looks back at former Aggies who brought some thrills to Las Cruces -- click on Aggie Insider.

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Well, Danny Wilson Jr. continued the trend (if we can call it that). Now, he says he was just joshing about forsaking football and playing hoops at Idaho. He got PTW to bite. Now we're wondering if Danny Wilson Jr. actually exists?

Actually, the absence of any prep basketball article about him should have been the tip off. This was bad enough but if we ever mistake Bill Russell for Morgan Freeman, well, it will be past time to call it quits.

Brett Olson named WAC POW

Denver’s Brett Olson has been named the Western Athletic Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week for the week of Jan. 14-20.

Olson, a sophomore guard from Highlands Ranch, Colo. (Highlands Ranch HS), led Denver to a weekend sweep over San Jose State and Utah State, the Pioneers’ sixth and seventh-straight wins. In the 73-37 win over San Jose State, Olson scored 15 points on 6-of-8 (75 percent) shooting from the field, including a 3-of-4 mark from long range. In the 68-57 win against Utah State, Olson scored a season-high 18 points on 7-of-8 (53.8 percent) shooting from the floor and a 4-of-8 clip from the three-point line.

On the week, Olson averaged 16.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 0.5 steals per game. He shot 61.9 percent (13-of-21) from the field and 58.3 percent (7-of-12) from three-point range. Olson did not commit a single turnover last week.

Other nominees:

* Idaho senior center Kyle Barone averaged 16.5 points and 12.5 rebounds over two games

* Louisiana Tech freshman guard Kenneth Smith scored 22 points with eight assists against Idaho

* New Mexico State senior forward Bandja Sy averaged 16.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in a pair of wins

* Seattle U junior forward Clarence Trent averaged 13.5 points and 6.0 rebounds last week

* Texas State junior forward Corey Stern scored 18 points with 13 rebounds in an overtime win against UTSA

* UTSA senior guard Michael Hale III scored a career-high 31 points and nine rebounds against Texas State

* Utah State junior forward Marvin Jean scored a career-high 14 points at Denver.

Free at last! Free at last!

This is the most appropriate read of the day.

Idaho lands a backcourter

A tweet from Vandal Nation: "RB (..point guard?) commit from Bothell, Wash. RT @Juice_Wilson49 Decided that I'm gonna play bball at Idaho next year instead of Football"

At 6-foot-0 and 185, Danny Wilson Jr. has much, much more coverage as a running back. In fact, here's a December 19, 2012 article on his commitment to the Vandal gridiron program.

Monday: a bunch o' links

KrimsonKrazy offer a Wendell McKines update at the Aggie Alert MB. Anyone up for a translation?

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kieshbecrimson noted a new New Mexico State player for the 2013-14 season, again at the Aggie Alert MB. Here's a March 2012 assessment of the young man.

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Remember Matt Bauscher? PTW believes he began as a redshirt for Greg Graham in his initial season at Boise State, worked his way into the starting lineup and now he's established himself overseas. Gino Palato provides an update.

Here's Matt's Twitter account.

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 Andy Katz  is the initial national scribe to catch on: "Michael White was an out-of-the-box hire at Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs are 7-0 in the WAC and appear ready to push Utah State and New Mexico State out of the favored status perch."

Matt Vines ventures into can-LT-get-an-at-large-Big-Dance-berth?

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Jason Groves writes about rejection, the swatting kind taking place in Las Cruces and where New Mexico State plays on the road.

Sunday: five game reports

Well, Denver did it. Granted, it was at home but 68-57, alongside a lead of 20 at one point, is a solid W. However, an asterisk will forever be applied since Utah State's  Preston Medlin and Kyisean Reed missed the game due to injuries. Four Pioneers, who shot 56% overall as a unit while committing but three turnovers, finished in double figures: Brett Olsen with 18 (4-8 on trey attempts), Chase Hallam 14, Chris Udofia 13 and Jalen Love 10. Marvin Jean led the Aggies with 14 points and Jarred Shaw just missed a double-double with 10/9. But Shaw and Lopez each committed four TOs as the Aggies totaled 15.

Kyle Goon live-tweeted the matchup.

Matt Sonnenberg, Kyle Goon plus Pioneer athletics and Irv Moss game report. Another shoutout goes to HJ management for sending Shawn Harrison to Denver.

What's that? Strains of "The king is dead" emerging from certain basketball programs.

The outcome tonight makes one feel for Texas Arlington coming into Logan next.

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It went into overtime before Texas State emerged an 81-78 victor over host Texas San Antonio, the initial WAC win for the Bobcats. A quintet of Coach Doug Davalos' crew hit double figures: Reid Koenen 23, Corey Stern 18, Joel Wright 16, Phil Hawkins 13 and Wesley Davis 10. Stern added 13 rebounds to post a double-double. For the Roadrunners, Michael Hale III totaled 31 points (plus nine rebounds and five assists) while fellow backcourter Kannon Burrage finished with 27.

Bobcat athletics and Roadrunner athletics game report as do Jerry Briggs and Tyler Mayforth.

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Visiting Seattle led by two, 35-33 at the half against Louisiana Tech but the Bulldogs won the second 20 minutes by nine points to remain undefeated in conference play, 78-71. A victory despite 36% shooting, eight turnovers from point Kenneth Smith plus a 0-9 shooting night from Raheem Appleby. The answer was three players coming off the bench and scoring in double figures: 15 points apiece from frosh Alex Hamilton and Jaron Johnson plus 12 from Kenyon McNeail. Plus, the next two high scorers also came off the bench as J.L. Lewis and Chris Anderson each totaled nine points. Not to be overlooked was Hamilton's team-leading five assists and Johnson's eight boards. Clarence Trent paced the Redhawks with 19 points.

Redhawk athletics and Bulldog basketball game report as does Jason Pugh and Matt Vines.

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It was visiting Idaho prevailing over Texas Arlington by winning both 20-minute periods and finished on top 77-64. Kyle Barone posted a 14 point/18 rebound line with backcourter Connor Hill topping the team with 19 points. Stephen Madison added 15. Kevin Butler was the top scorer for the Mavericks with 15. The Vandals shot 59% overall (37% for TA which put up 24 more shots) and won the battle of the boards 38-26.

Vandal Nation live-tweeted the game.

Vandal athletics and Maverick athletics game report as does Josh Wright.

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New Mexico State, fresh off defeating Utah State on Thursday, took to the home court against San Jose State University and a 35-18 first half powered the Aggies to a 70-53 victory. Bandja Sy led NMSU with 16 points and teammates Daniel Mullings finished with 13. LaVanne Pennington paced SJSU with 16 points plus five steals while backcourter Aalim Moor enjoyed nine points on 4-5 shooting. The southern Aggies owned the boards 42-20.

Jason Groves live-tweeted the contest. Jason provided his keys to the game plus a prediction. Jason completes the trifecta with his game report.

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No games are scheduled until Wednesday.

A bit more for Saturday

It does happen. Denver has turned around some early-season woes and currently sits in second place, 3-0 at home alongside 3-1 on the road. Yet only Chase Hallam is a senior, with Royce O'Neale and Brett Olson but sophomores and Chris Udofia a junior. Adjusting to the absence of the graduated Brian Stafford seemingly took some adjustment time but now the Pioneer wagon is rolling, rolling, rolling.

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On paper, Louisiana Tech doesn't look like a 15-3, 6-0 squad but play, not appearance, is all that matters. Some national pub should be coming Ruston-way -- hey bigtime guys, who wants to be the first?

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When is the last time Utah State was in the third spot? There might be some crocodile tears currently being spilled but an Aggie top-of-the-WAC finish still remains a justifiable WAC expectation. However, a loss to Denver will certainly up the Xanax prescription rate in Logan.

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Why is Texas Arlington 2-5 at home yet 6-2 in away contests? This obviously cuts way, way against the grain.

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Landon Hemsley writes about Sim Bhullar as much as he does the Logan Aggies.

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 Jason Groves serves up a solid 'notes and reactions' column.

Saturday: five game previews

Denver has Utah State coming in and the WAC-wide question is can the Aggies get it together or will another vulnerability peg be put in place? The Pioneers are 7-2 on their homecourt and 3-0 in the WAC. Coach Joe Scott's bunch are riding a six-game win streak. USU is 4-1 overall when roadin' it. This is also a pairing of teams that shoot-no-shot-before-its-time offensively but can Coach Stew Morrill's crew take advantage upfront? They must in order to win.

Pioneer athletics previews as do Kyle Goon, Kraig Williams and Shawn Harrison.


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Louisiana Tech welcomes Seattle to Ruston in a matchup of sprint basketball. Don't blink during this game or you'll miss at least two plays, maybe more. The Bulldogs are 6-0 in league play with the Redhawks back in action after their first victory in the WAC and it was on the road (UTA).

Bulldog athletics and Seattle U Hoops preview as do Matt Vines and Jason Pugh.

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Coming off a solid success versus USU, New Mexico State, which is undefeated at home and owns a five-game streak of success, hosts San Jose State University. 

Spartan athletics and Aggie athletics preview. Jason Groves writes that the Aggies are on target historically.

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Texas San Antonio and Texas State get together in the River Walk City with both teams in need of an initial WAC win. Each squad has lost their first six conference contests. The latter actually possesses a nine-game loss streak.

Roadrunner athletics and Bobcat athletics preview. Tyler Mayforth provides a look at the TS fan base getting more vocal on-line.

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UT Arlington and Idaho pair off in the Lone Star State. Each one needs a victory for stabilization purposes as Idaho has fallen four consecutive times and UTA is just 1-3 at home.

Maverick athletics and Vandal athletics preview. Sean Kramer offers a very good look at UI via statistics.

More for Friday

Pat Rooney highlights the play of Denver's Chris Udofia, the proprietor of many a basketball sandwich. Maybe Subway or Quizno's should sponsor Pioneer basketball.

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A Pat Lawless tweet: "Dajon Streeter, Class of 2014 G from Durango HS (NV), has received an offer from San Jose State"

Here's a brief December 2012 look at Streeter. Here's something from November 1, 2012.

Below is some video:

Friday: four game reports

Seattle went Lone Star State-ing and nabbed its initial WAC victory, 61-44, against host Texas Arlington. The Mavericks were limited to a paltry 20 and then a not much better 24 points in each half. Chad Rasmussen topped the Redhawks with 13 points, with Prince Obasi close behind at 12. Obasi tied for tops on the team with seven rebounds and four assists. 21 Seattle turnovers didn't hinder notching the win. Coach Cameron Dollar's guys shot 57% overall, a remarkable number considering the Mavericks are tops in the conference in field goal percentage defense at 36%. Greg Gainey led TA with 12 points as the team was a frigid 26% overall shooting, 2-23 on trey attempts and just 56% from the foul line.

Seattle U Hoops live-tweeted the game.

Maverick athletics and Redhawk athletics game report as does Seattle U Hoops.

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Host New Mexico State won both 20 minutes periods (23-18, 41-33) in taking down formerly unbeaten Utah State 64-51. Four southern Aggies were in double figures: 16 from Bandja Sy, 12 apiece via Tyrone Watson and Daniel Mullings and 10 compliments of K.C. Ross-Miller. Sim Bhuller produced but five points but took just a trio of shots while providing seven boards and five blocked shots. Although just 2-8 from long distance and 10-16 at the charity stripe, Coach Marvin Menzies' bunch shot a blazing 58%. Preston Medlin paced the Logan-ites with 16 but alongside one assist and zero boards while Jarred Shaw totaled 12 points. USU was out-rebounded 33-20 and enjoyed but four free throw attempts while shooting 39%. 

Jason Groves live-tweeted the matchup as did Kyle Goon and Kraig Williams.  

Shawn Harrison was in Las Cruces so major props to the HJ management for allowing that coverage. 

Jason and Kyle each game reports plus Jason offers his three keys and a prediction to look back at. Matt Sonnenberg isn't burning his Aggie card but he is, let's say, perturbed so don't cut him off in traffic anytime soon.

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Idaho led 20-25 after the initial 20 minutes but host Louisiana Tech came back to win 72-66 on point explosions from Kenneth Smith and Raheem Appleby. The former's line: 22 points (5-8 on trey attempts), eight assists and four steals. The latter produced 20 points. Factors that led to the point differential: 11 steals and six blocked shots for the Bulldogs versus one steal, one blocked shot and 22 turnovers for the Vandals. Stephen Madison paced Coach Don Verlin's squad with 21 points plus eight rebounds while Kyle Barone ended up with 19 and seven. Idaho won the battle of the boards 35-23 and overall shooting 46% to 40%. It's now a four game losing streak for the Vandals.

Vandal Nation live-tweeted the game.

Josh Wright and Vandal athletics plus Bulldog athletics game report as does Matt Vines.

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Continuing the night of who-knows-what's-gonna-happen, San Jose State University put up 37 points but that unfortunately was their total against host Denver, which managed 73. However, James Kinney and Louis Garrett, who account for 28 points a night, were not on the trip as the Spartans shot 28%. The Pioneers connected on 56% of their shot attempts and were led by Chris Udofia and Brett Olson with 15 points apiece. Royce O'Neale didn't shoot well (1-5) but produced 10 rebounds and five assists. Coach Joe Scott's offense was clicking as 22 assists were credited in Denver's 27 baskets.

Spartan athletics and Pioneer athletics plus Irv Moss game report.

Jeromie Hill confirms his injury

A January 13 Jeromie Hill tweet: "Tore my MCL last Night. Ill be out for a few weeks but Ill be back in time to win a conference tournament so all is good"

More for Thursday

At 14-1 with a 13-game winning streak, Kyle Goon writes that USU are 'the closers' -- anyone buying the 'aw shucks, we're just squeakin' by' smokescreen coming out of Logan? Nobody posts such a record relying on Lady Luck.

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The USU Fans folks have an article up by Kevin Harris on Tenale Roland.

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Irv Moss features Denver's Chris Udofia.

Thursday: four game previews

It's four games tonight as the WAC awakens from its early-in-the-week slumber:

* New Mexico State gets the opportunity to bring back it's rep as among the elite in the WAC by hosting Utah State. Hey if former Oklahoma State player Bryant Reeves was known as "Big Country" what the nickname for Sim Bhullar? "Big Continent"? "Mr Universe"? "Mr. Big" is already taken (any who gets this reference and admits it will receive a shout-out here). PTW thinks Jordan Stone will be on the court much more tonight.

Aggie athletics game previews as does Kraig Williams and Shawn Harrison. Jason Groves also checks in.

Gotta love this fuel-to-the-fire from dancinaggie @ the Aggie Alert MB.

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* Idaho is in Ruston to face Louisiana Tech so will the Vandals re-establish some degree of bona fides or will the Bulldogs prevail? Coach Mike White's squad is on a six-game W streak and also undefeated at home this season. Tongue-in-cheek question: why is Tech having a "White out" promotion when EVERYONE wants him to remain in Ruston?

Vandal athletics previews, including this snippet:

"...Both Idaho and Louisiana Tech rank among the WAC’s top defensive teams this season, but they do so in different ways. Idaho’s +5.7 rebounding margin ranks 47th nationally and its .725 defensive rebounding percentage leads the WAC. Idaho opponents are hitting just 30.7 percent of their 3-pointers overall and a league-low 24.4 percent in WAC play. Idaho ranks 344th nationally in steals and last in the WAC with a -5.07 turnover margin.  Louisiana Tech has a league-best +4.59 turnover margin and forces opponents into a WAC-high 17.0 turnovers per game. The Bulldogs are second in the WAC with 8.65 steals per game and lead the league with 5.35 blocked shots per game..." 

Bulldog athletics also previews.

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* San Jose State University and Denver face off in the Mile High City, with the latter on a five-game win streak.

Spartan athletics and Pioneer athletics preview. Whose pace will produce the W?

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* Seattle is in Big Hat Country challenging Texas Arlington. Shouldn't this be a relatively low-scoring affair?


Redhawk athletics and Maverick athletics preview.

Whither idaho?

What is it with Idaho and miscues late in games leading to losses?

After erasing a 17-point deficit against New Mexico State  a foul on a steal attempt with less than three seconds on the clock allowed Daniel Mullings to sink the game winner at the foul line.

Prior to that. the Vandals were up seven against Denver but lost as a pair of turnovers, a Pioneer offensive rebound and no shot attempts in the final minute and a half closed out the contest for Coach Don Verlin's guys.

Then there was the overtime loss in Utah State where an eight-point lead with less than four minutes remaining disappeared in an avalanche of turnovers and missed shots as Preston Medlin (who else?) tied the game in regulation with a three-pointer.

In the second game of the season, Idaho was ahead of Montana by a 15-point margin with 12+ minutes remaining. The game's outcome came down to a final shot and as Vandal athletics reported: "...Idaho stayed within two possessions for the game’s final four minutes and got back possession with 9.4 seconds left after a missed Montana free throw, but Verlin said Idaho ran the wrong play in the final seconds and the Vandals weren’t able to get off a shot before time expired..."

It's frustration on top of frustration because it's not simply a single element that has led to each of these losses.

As for the players and production:

Mike McChristian, Robert Harris Jr. and Denzel Douglas have shared time at the point with none seizing command. Sure, Landon Tatum and Deremy Geiger performed well in 2011-12 Vandal backcourt but these particular late game losses certainly are not solely due to Idaho's backcourt this season. 

McChristian stands at 42/21 in assists-to-turnover ratio with Douglas at 34/17 and these are palatable numbers.

But Idaho is deeply underwater in turnovers -- owning 201 to 123 for opponents and Stephen Madison is unfortunately tops with 34 with Kyle Barone's 31 not far behind. That HAS to change if greater success is to arrive.

Looking at another set of figures, Verlin's crew are just a +14 in points scored despite owning a 47% to 43% overall shooting advantage, 35% to 31% on three attempts.

Maybe the troubles late in games is more an issue of prime time, on-court leadership, as indefinable as such a term is.

The defeats could be simply chalked up to just bad luck but the consistency of such indicates that there are more factors at play.

Wednesday's bunch o' links

Kyle Goon quotes a national source about the Utah State non-conference schedule.

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Louisiana Tech is making sure things are lively in the upcoming matchup with Idaho. By the way, when is the local/regional press going to recognize what Coach White and his staff have accomplished so quickly? It's not like LSU deserves all that much print this season.

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Shawn Harrison writes that stepping up is not just a gym exercise.

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Texas State Sports interviewed Coach Doug Davalos and Bobcats Matt Staff and Vonn Jones.

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Jason Groves checks in with a contenders/pretenders column as a number of teams will find out about themselves by Sunday.

Life as a mid-major assistant coach

The son of an assistant coach documents a day in his father's life.

Where the WAC stands today

We know the records of the WAC teams:

* Utah State 5-0/14-1

* Louisiana Tech 5-0/14-3

* Denver 5-1/9-7  

* New Mexico State 4-2/10-8

* UT Arlington 3-2/8-6

* San Jose State 3-2/9-7

* Idaho 2-3/6-9   

* Seattle U 0-5/5-10

* UTSA 0-6/4-12

* Texas State 0-6/4-14

Utah State, Louisiana tech and Denver are on five game win streaks with Seattle on a five game slide and UTSA plus Texas State on six-game benders.

Also:

* James Kinney and Preston Medlin will fight it out for the scoring champ -- if Kinney can get back on the court. But Joel Wright at #3 with 18.3 points per game is a new challenger.

* For all the heat PTW has directed at Bandja Sy this season, he stands #8 in scoring at 14.5 points an outing and #5 in rebounding at 7.5.

* Just who is this Brandon Edwards guy atop in rebounding with a 10.2 mark? Check out his official bio. By the way, 4.4 of his caroms are coming on the offensive end.

* Marcel Davis may have cooled down a bit but he is still numero uno in assists per contest at 5.0. He ranks second to SJSU's D.J. Brown in assist-to-turnover ratio 3.1 to 3.5.

* It's going to be Sim Bhullar as the top field goal shooter come the end of the season but USU's Spencer Butterfield and Deonte' Jones of Texas State are out-of-the-paint players sitting at an amazing 59%.

* Texas Arlington and Denver at 36% and 39% respectively are tops in defending shot attempts with San Jose State University sitting at .398%. On the other hand, it's hard to believe UTSA at 57% and Texas State at 51% will remain that high throughout the season. That just can't happen, right?

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* So after five or so games, who is your choice for MVP plus the four guys surrounding him?

Tuesday's batch of links:

Matt Sonnenberg puts Utah State under the proverbial microscope and offer that the Thursday and Saturday road games for the Aggies, New Mexico State and Denver respectively, will tell an accurate truth.

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Kyle Goon mines the same territory.

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Shawn Harrison digs into some national and Aggie numbers.

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Utah State athletics gets it basketball brag on.

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The Mile High Mids folks write about Denver's coming on of late.

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San Jose State University great Walt McPherson -- the Spartan court is named after him -- has passed.

Kenyon McNeail named WAC POW

Louisiana Tech’s Kenyon McNeail has been named the Western Athletic Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week for the week of Jan. 7-13.

McNeail, a junior guard from Conway, Ark. (Conway HS), came off the bench to help the Bulldogs to a pair of road wins last week. In a 73-71 win at UTSA, McNeail tied LA Tech’s record for most made three-point field goals in a single game with nine and broke the school record with 15 three-point field goal attempts. McNeail scored a career-high 34 points, including the game-winning three in the win at UTSA. His nine three-pointers is the top mark in the WAC this season and the third-best single-game performance in the nation this season. McNeail also came off the bench to score six points with four rebounds in an 84-67 road win at Texas State.

On the week, McNeail averaged 20.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game. He shot 52.0 percent (13-of-25) from the field, 52.4 percent (11-of-21) from three-point range and 75.0 percent (3-of-4) from the free throw line.

Other nominees:

* Denver senior guard Chase Hallam averaged 15.5 points in a pair of road wins

* Idaho sophomore guard Connor Hill averaged 14.5 points over two games

* New Mexico State senior forward Tyrone Watson scored a career-high 26 points in a road win at Seattle U

* Seattle U junior forward Clarence Trent averaged 15.0 points and 8.0 rebounds over two games

* Texas State junior Joel Wright averaged 24 points in two games

* UT Arlington senior center Jordan Reves averaged 16 points and 6.5 rebounds in a pair of road wins

* Utah State junior guard Preston Medlin scored a season-high 25 points to lead the Aggies to a win over San Jose State

How many players dioes it take to succeed?

Credit AgSpaceCase at the USU Fans Stew's Spectrum MB, with a fascinating post about the number of 'impact' players needed to truly be competitive in the various leagues.

Applying this to the WAC:

As for Utah State, only Preston Medlin is capable of consistent off-the-chart explosions so it takes at least three if not four Aggies winning their respective positions and that's what usually happens.

Idaho can generally count on Kyle Barone and Stephen Madison besting their respective opponents but not necessarily anyone else standing out. Add a backcourter to this duo and Coach Don Verlin definitely chalks up a W.

But for Louisiana Tech, it has usually been one standout performance with enough others succeeding just well enough in the other positional matchups to put the Bulldogs into the W column.

Denver, more often than not, seems to 'require' success at the three of the five positions to nab a victory.

Yes, exceptions to all of these can be found but let's watch next Thursday to see if the above applies or is simply hooey.

Monday: some links for you

Here's Jeremy Lundblad @ ESPN:

Bench Player of the Weekend – Kenyon McNeail, Louisiana Tech
McNeail scored a career-high 34 points off the bench in Louisiana Tech’s 73-71 win at UTSA. That’s tied for the second-most points off the bench this season. No WAC player since at least 1996-97 has scored that many as a reserve. McNeail tied Johnny Miller’s 16-year-old school record with nine 3-pointers made. 

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At the Bulldog barks n bytes message board, a a long string of posts have followed this initial question:  How much do we need to ante up NOW to keep Coach White?

Tech78, in his response, wrote: "Coach White and his staff have shown, and keeping showing, their appreciation of the fans. At the UTSA game he stopped the players from exiting the court and had them circle around in front of the Tech fans before exiting. He and all the coaches came by and thanked the fans too. My wife, who is not a sports fan, still talks about Coach White coming up in the stands to thank the people watching practice in the fall of 2011 - it was football Saturday and she was just getting out of the heat. Little things like this pay dividends for years."

Talk about someone who gets it.

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Jason Groves writes the "Tres Hombres" for New Mexico State.

Sunday: four game reports

Idaho put out the welcome mat for New Mexico State and the guests rode out to a 42-27 halftime lead. The Vandals closed the deficit to 60-53 with seven minutes remaining and at the final horn it was the Aggies 71 to 70 for the Moscow-ites. A foul on an inbounds pass with 2.7 second remaining proved to be the difference. Call it a dickens of a tale of two halfs.

Sim Bhullar and K.C. Ross-Miller each scored 16 points with Bandja Sy totaling 14 while Kyle Barone posted an 18/10 double-double and Connor Hill contributed 17 points.

Idaho shot 52% overall, New Mexico State 48%. The latter also committed just four turnovers.

Jason Groves and Josh Wright live-tweeted the matchup.

Josh Wright and Jason Groves game report. Jason offered his three keys and a prediction.

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Denver went on the road to Seatown and continued the Pioneer winning streak 64-51.  Coach Joe Scott's guys actually decided the game with a 43-29 first half. Chase Hallam led with 15 points and Chris Udofia totaled 13. UD went 12-27 from long distance -- Seattle 0-9. With 15 points, Clarence Treat was the sole Redhawk in double figures. In fact, Coach Cameron Dollar's crew, now 0-5 in the WAC, went only 9-20 at the foul line.

Seattle athletics and Pioneer athletics game report.

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Louisiana Tech stayed undefeated in taking down host UTSA but it was mighty close at 73-71. That's probably little consolation for the 0-6 Roadrunners. Bulldog Kenyon MacNeail exploded for 34 points, going 9-15 on trey attempts. Roadrunner guard Kannon Burrage finished with 29 points as, minus Jeromie Hill, Coach Brooks Thompson's squad went with basically a four guard offense.  Jordan Sims totaled 16 points and Hyjii posted 14 for San Antone.

Bulldog athletics and Roadrunner athletics game report.


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0-5 Texas State hosted Texas Arlington and it was the latter enjoying a 91-74 triumph powered by all five Maverick starters scoring in double figures: Karol Gruszecki (23, 7-10 on treys), Kevin Butler (15), Brandon Edwards (14, plus 13 rebounds), Jordan Reves (11) and Cameron Catlett (11). Joel Wright led the Bobcats with 24 points while Deonte' Jones contributed 21, including five treys.

Bobcat athletics and Mavericks athletics game report as does Texas State Sports.

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The next WAC games are scheduled for Thursday night.

Saturday: one game report & four previews

Utah State did just enough and bewhiskered San Jose State University last night 66-60, powered by the hirsute one, Preston Medlin who scored a season high 25 points and passed for five assists. Spencer Butterfield went for 13 points while Kyisean Reed and Jarred Shaw totaled 12 apiece. Reed also grabbed eight rebounds, blocked four shots and passed for a pair of assists while Shaw's 10 boards earned him a double-double.  

D.J. Brown led the Spartans with 16 points, four rebounds and two assists. Forward Chris Cunningham posted 15 points, eight boards and four assists and backcourter Xavier Jones added 14. James Kinney and Louis Garrett did not play due to team rules violations. USU shot 48% to 36% for SJSU which enjoyed a 20 shot advantage.

For the same reason, Kinney also missed the James Madison road game that the Spartan lost 77-68 -- not exactly an exhibition of senior leadership.

Kraig Williams and Kyle Goon live-tweeted the game.

Spartan athletics game reports as do Timothy R. Olsen, Kyle Goon, Shawn Harrison and Kraig Williams.

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Games for Saturday:

Host Idaho at 2-2 has 3-2 New Mexico State coming in and, of course, it will be a team matchup but the Kyle Barone - Sim Bhullar individual pairing will be most fascinating.

Vandals athletics and Aggie athletics preview as does Jason Groves.

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4-1 Denver is up in the Evergreen State to take on 0-4 Seattle in what will be a methodic versus fast-tempo battle.

Pioneer athletics and Redhawk athletics preview as Seattle will be wearing black uniforms and handing out black shirts.

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4-0 Louisiana Tech ventures into Alamo-town to face 0-5 UTSA.

Bulldog athletics and Roadrunner athletics preview as does Matt Vines.

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0-5 Texas State hosts 2-2 Texas Arlington

Maverick athletics previews.

Friday: one game preview plus other links

Utah State hosts San Jose State University tonight. It isn't a so-called critical game this early but the outcome will be fascinating. That's because the Aggies, though undefeated at 4-0, are looking vulnerable a la the any-given-night scenario. The Spartans stand at 3-1 and could establish sincere credibility for this season with a USU Logan takedown. It's also "Beard Out" night. 

Kyle Goon takes a look in a sort of Aggie digest. Shawn Harrison and Kraig Williams check in.

Kyle then digs deeper into Marcel Davis' season.

Kyle also offers more on Danny Berger.

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Irv Moss offers a feature on Denver's Cam Griffin.

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Thanks to Picoso @  Crimson to the Core for this Marvin Menzies-penned column.

Thursday: four game reports

Louisiana Tech continued the piling on against Lone Star State teams topping Texas State 84-67 -- the score was 38-21 at the half. It was Cordarius Johnson's turn to lead with 17 points (5-9 on trey attempts) and while point Kenneth Smith scored but four points, he totaled 10 rebounds plus six assists. Mychale Kyser continued his his get-that-%$#@-outa-here dominance with six rejections. Joel Wright paced the host Bobcats with 24 points and seven boards but his team was out-boarded 53-25.

Bobcat athletics and Bulldog athletics game report.

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Visiting UT Arlington met UT San Antonio and nabbed a rose of a win 75-67, powered by a 45-29 point differential in the initial 20 minutes. Jordan Reves scored 21 points (8-8 shooting) and nabbed eight rebounds as frontcourt mate Brandon Edwards totaled 11/6 in just 20 minutes of play. The Mavericks shot 58% overall and garnered 19 assists on 26 baskets. Kannon Burrage posted a 17/6 line with center Larry Wilkins enjoyed 16 points and six boards as the Roadrunners shot 37%.

Maverick athletics and Roadrunner athletics game report.

Jerry Briggs also game reports, including the new of Jeromie Hill's injury.

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New Mexico State headed up to Seattle and found itself in an overtime match, make that double overtime, with Coach Cameron Dollar's group before notching the W 83-80. Tyrone Watson scored 26 points, Bandja Sy 23 and Daniel Mullings 19. Watson also posted seven steals, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. The Redhawks had four players in  double figures: Clarence Trent, Louis Green and Prince Obasi each with 15 and D'Vonne Pickett totaled 13. Obasi and Trent added 11 and 10 boards for double-doubles.

Jason Groves live-tweeted the game as did Seattle U Hoops.

Jason offers a game writeup and his earlier keys to the game and prediction.

Redhawk athletics game reports.

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Idaho welcomed Denver, that is until the visitors used a 31-21 second half to win 55-49. Chase Hallam led the victors with 14 points while Chris Udofia added 12. The Pioneers managed 15 assists on 19 baskets and also posted 13 steals alongside just nine TOs. Stephen Madison paced the Vandals with 19 points and Connor Hill contributed 12. Kyle Barone posted five points and six rebounds line in 35 minutes of court time, plus committed six turnovers. Don Verlin's guys nabbed three steals versus 18 turnovers. 

Vandal Nation livetweeted the game. 

Theo Lawson game reports. 

Vandal athletics and Pioneer athletics game report.