Daniel Lyght on Jerod Haase, Chris Murray on Armon Johnson

Daniel Lyght writes about a Fresno area connection to Jerod Haase, the current UNC assistant.

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Chris Murray has the link to a recent interview with Armon Johnson.

The Tuesday WAC evening edition

Jeff Portnoy writes about "A Night To Remember" and also has some thoughts about the BB games, invoking Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels (or, trying to be non-partisan, insert your own pair of names of politicians -- PTW has quite the array in mind).

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Chris Murray writes that the stars seem aligned for Nevada in tomorrow night's matchup with Utah State (minus the location). Chris also provides the keys to toppling the Aggie kingdom. He then offers the details on the D-League debut of Armon Johnson. Best of all for those of us not in Logan, the game is on ESPN2.

Tuesday's WAC hoops news and notes

Rivals' Eric Bossi is reporting that Texas prep power forward Daniel Green has given a verbal to Wake Forest (a Rivals sub is required). He had been connected to Fresno State and many others.

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Chris Murray has the latest on Armon Johnson and Luke Babbitt as they continue dipping their toes into The Show. We do hesitate to bring this up because it give notice to the loonies but someone offered a comment on Babbitt after the article that reminds us of that great Bob Dylan stanza:

"...While one who sings with his tongue on fire
Gargles in the rat race choir
Bent out of shape from society’s pliers
Cares not to come up any higher
But rather get you down in the hole
That he’s in..."

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Thanks to Sam Wasson at his Bleed Crimson site for this tip -- Joel Welser's College Hoops preview of New Mexico State.

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Here is Reggie Theus' latest venture -- apparently, you can now invest in it.

WAC Wednesday

Brian McInnis has more on point Anthony Salter's foot injury.

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La'Shard Anderson will miss BSU's opener because of his "Animal House" episode this summer -- so reports Nick Jezierny.

Nick also introduces Isaac Oeltjen to Bronco fans. 

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Hamidu Rahman receives some just recognition in Jason Groves' feature today.

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Meet freshman frontcourter Kevin Panzer courtesy of Nevada athletics.

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Armon Johnson aided the Trailblazers' win last night -- Chris Murray has the details.

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Tony Jones lays out why there was confusion over DeShawn Stephens' situation -- but, again, PTW has confirmed it with someone who would know that Stephens is going to San Diego State.

Two more Sunday items

Here's John Hollinger at True Hoop with some background on Portland moving a backup point and how this plays out for Armon Johnson:

"...[Rudy] Fernandez is part of the reason why Bayless was expendable. His strong preseason, as well as that of fellow guards Wesley Matthews and Armon Johnson, helped ease Portland minds that they could part with Bayless. Matthews in particularly is likely to see heavy duty as the team’s backup point guard, even if Brandon Roy does the bulk of the ball-handling in that alignment. Rookie Johnson, a second-rounder who has lapped first-rounder and fellow guard Elliot Williams, may also see greater opportunity...

Caught this in Jim Basnight's latest Husky Digest post:

"...There is another 2011 big man that Rivals lists as having UW interest in six-foot-nine Shaquille Wilson, but when speaking to Wilson on Friday, he seemed to not be sure how much UW was interested. He did say that Sal Garcia, his AAU coach, knew more about that for comment and I spoke to Sal on Saturday.

Garcia said that Gonzaga, ASU and Utah State were the most interested, but neither had offered as Wilson was waiting on test scores. Sal said that Shaquille is six-foot-nine and 225 lbs. with seven foot-three wing span. According to Garcia Shaq can dribble, block shots, handles the ball like a guard and that his recruiting will blow up once his test scores come in.

It doesn't sound like UW is that after Wilson, as Garcia said that the last time he spoke to Romar about Shaw was 4 months ago, but Sal insisted that when his test scores come in everyone is going to be calling back..."

Wilson plays in the Bakersfield, CA area

Checking in on the Sunday World of the WAC

Jason Groves offers more on how the Aggies will cope without Wendell McKines.

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Chris Murray reports that the Trailblazers just made a move that more than solidifies Armon Johnson's role.

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How will announcers handle this Bronco taking of a three-pointer? Tre' for trey? Nick Jezierny features his latest Bronco player.

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Shawn Harrison has the details on Utah State's closed scrimmage.

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Check out The Howl Episode 42 -- you'll get 45 minutes of Coach David Carter talking Wolf Pack basketball. Sit back and enjoy...then subscribe to Silver and Blue Sports to access even more information.

A couple more notes

Tony Jones is reporting that 6-foot-8 CA junior college sophomore frontcourter DeShawn Stephens has given the nod to Stew Morrill and Utah State. He is currently attending Santa Monica College. Here is a link to the announcement at the Santa Monica College athletics site and the Stephens photo below should be credited to SMC athletics. UH wanted him and he tripped there recently.

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The Trailblazer management is liking what Armon Johnson is showing in Portland -- Chris Murray has that here

WAC Saturday

Here's a nice community outreach effort put on by Louisiana Tech hoops.

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AW Prince at Silver and Blue Sports has a video interview with Dennis Gates, an assistant coach to David Carter. Go here (a site sub is required).

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Chris Murray reports that both Luke Babbitt and Armon Johnson racked up very solid number in Portland's latest pre-season contest.

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Alex Schwartz at his Northstar Basketball site has a report on Oregon prepster Landen Lucas, who is now playing at Findlay Prep in Las Vegas. The 6-foot-8 forward is going to land with a high major but Utah State has offered. He is a 2012 prospect and here is an ESPN evaluation.

Three more items for you

Americanbulldog posted at the Scout Fresno State Save Mart Center basketball message board (whew) that Kevin Foster, a transfer from George Mason, tripped to the San Joaquin on 9/24.

1insider then posted that Foster is the brother of former Bulldog Alex Blair.

Here's a March 2010 piece on his plan to transfer from George Mason after his initial playing season (he redshirted the previous one). 

His George Mason bio offered this: also recruited by Tulane, Marshall, Missouri, Fresno State, Miami and South Florida.

But what makes all this even more curious is his May 2010 signing with Central Florida, a community college. Foster is from Florida and supposedly wanted to play closer to home. He is listed as 6-foot-8, 220 on the CF official roster.

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agfan2 also posted that on the Scout Utah State basketball forum that the Aggies will be hosting a prospect from Faulkner State, a junior college in Alabama.

USU78 then surmised that it is a 6-foot-8, 245 big who is the lead subject in this game article where he posted a triple double. There's also a photo of him.

Dustin Clements was a first team, all league selection based on his play last season. He averaged 10 points and 8 boards a game in 2009-2010.

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Chris Murray has an item on Armon Johnson not selling himself short even as a rookie -- go here.

Armon makes the cut

Chris Murray has the details on Armon Johnson signing a contract with the Trailblazers (if they ever land Ramon Sessions or Javale McGee then we will refer to the Portland NBA team outpost from here on as Wolf Pack North). Go here.

Chris Murray goes long on Luke and Armon

Settle in because it will take some time to read it all -- it being Chris Murray's latest on Luke Babbitt and Armon Johnson. Go here.

The pickings are pretty bare today

We couldn't locate much of anything WAC-related so here's our best shot:

Ben Golliver talks with Joe Cronin about some of the Trailblazer summer leaguers, including Luke Babbitt and Armon Johnson. Go here and scroll down to the interview portion.

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As a bonus:

From Dave Telep's Twitter account: "HS player on a plane last night was arrested for stealing someone's camera while they were sleeping en route to Vegas. Dumb. Dumb. Dumb."

Jeesh! How did that getaway plan work for you buddy? 

The point is to steal on the court. 

Beyond the obvious (that any college coach worth his salt is now crossing a certain name off his list of possible recruits - landing a thief isn't conducive to team-building), who would want the lamebrain who hatched this stroke of genius anywhere near the court, especially in any decision-making capacity?

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Here's a terrific piece by Joe Posnanski on Dean Smith -- a terrific human being.

Sunday's WAC report *** with an addition

Chris Murray trekked to Las Vegas -- some would relish the assignment but check out the temps in Sin City -- and covered Armon Johnson's and Luke Babbitt's latest game -- go here.

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That's it for now. We'll return and add any other links we find.

*** HERE'S THE ADDITION ***

AW Prince at Silver and Blue Sports is offering more material on signee Deontè Burton Go here and check it out.

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Chris Murray did a Q-and-A with Armon Johnson -- it can be found here.

Here's more from Chris on both Luke Babbitt and Johnson.

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Saturday's state of the WAC

Too bad for Kyle Gibson as he has dislocated a shoulder  -- read about it here.

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Daniel Lyght offers a must-read article all about the vagaries of the APR. Granted, a measurement tool is needed but this is a sledgeghammer-to-firefly method of operation, with no allowance for explaining situations that are not simply black and white.

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Jason Groves has an interesting blog entry up today about who on the New Mexico State squad should be the 'designated' last shot taker in a close or tied game. Every WAC fan should be pondering this situation for his or her team, especially with the changeovers in personnel on so many squads.

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Chris Murray has the latest on Armon Johnson and Luke Babbitt here.  

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The students at UH are going to have to dig a bit deeper into their wallets to help out athletics -- Dave Reardon and Ferd Lewis offer their respective takes.

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The legend of Bol Kong continues to grow as he has departed Gonzaga and some are speculating about the chances of Kong joining up with Boise State due to the Leon Rice connection. Right now, that seems very unlikely if not a put-to-bed option.

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Yahoo Sports has a piece on the NCAA issuing a directive to coaches prohibiting financial contributions to a Pump Brothers foundation.

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Maybe we are in the minority or even alone on this one but we don't even bother with ESPN's SportsCenter anymore. An Rx is offered here that might get us back to watching but our sense is matters will get worse before any sort of intervention takes place.

Monday's WAC-aroo

Chad Groth at ArizonaPreps.com is reporting that 6-foot-7 2011 recruit Blake Wilkinson of Viewmont (UT) High is on Utah State's radar. Go here and a sub is required. Here are Wilkinson's stats over the past two seasons. No, we can't find any family connection to Gary Wilkinson.

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Marvin Menzies has finalized his coaching staff for next season -- NMSU athletics offers the details here.

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Chris Murray provides the latest game action on Luke Babbitt, Armon Johnson and even JaVale McGee here

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Last but certainly not least, AW Prince completes his look at the recruiting catches and the current WAC team rosters with his third and final installment here. A sub is required.

Nevada basketball featured here

Chris Murray has returned from parts unknown (loved that term when the announcer would introduce some masked and/or scary looking wrestler) and is burning up the keyboard.

Here is his story on what's up with Armon and Luke.

Chris goes all in on basketball budgets here.

We can't argue with his ratings the NBA accomplishments to be had by the Wolf Pack's pros of late.

A few more items

Here are a few extra low calorie treats:

Mike DeCourcey of Sporting News wrote this after the draft:

..10. Indiana Pacers: Paul George, SF, Fresno State. So kind of the Jazz to remove the pressure to select the hometown hero. The Pacers always liked George better. He's an amazing wing athlete and developing shooter who probably is in the draft a year early. But this is a team that can take time with him because of Danny Granger's presence in the lineup...

...16. Minnesota Timberwolves (traded to Portland): Luke Babbitt, SF, Nevada. There is a hard edge to Babbitt's game that will make him eventually successful in the league. He'll have to show he can defend small forwards because it's unlikely he'll survive in a post position. But he can shoot, handle and finish. He will not retreat. He's also a homebody who'll be thrilled with being dealt to the Blazers, closer to his hometown of Reno...

The remainder of his column can be found here.

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Andy Katz did a piece on second-rounders and free agents, including this:

...Hard To Know

Armon Johnson, Nevada (No. 34 -- Portland): Johnson was a relative unknown nationally. He wasn't a lock to be in the first round had he stayed around Reno, so going this high in the second was probably better than expected. But it's unclear if he can make the Blazers, so the location might not work out well...

Friday's WAC-aroni

Here's the report from the LA TECH athletics site on Magnum Rolle's drafting:

Rolle Drafted by Indiana Pacers
Forward becomes 11th LA Tech player ever selected in NBA Draft

Louisiana Tech forward Magnum Rolle was selected with the 51st overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers late Thursday night.

The Pacers and President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird moved up six slots in the second round to obtain the rights to the 51st pick which was originally owned by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

"The Pacers bought up from their pick at 57 to 51 to get to Magnum," said Rolle's agent Fletcher Cockrell. "Larry Bird really wanted him, or they wouldn't have bought up. There were a lot of really good players that weren't drafted."

Rolle starred at Louisiana Tech the past two seasons where he helped lead the Bulldogs to a 24-11 mark this past year while earning numerous individual accolades. He averaged 13.9 points and 8.4 rebounds while leading the Western Athletic Conference with 2.1 blocks per game.

"I am extremely excited for Magnum, his family and the opportunity he has at the next level," said LA Tech head coach Kerry Rupp. "I know it is an opportunity he has worked extremely hard for and will continue to work hard towards. It is also the completion of the plan we put in place for him when he arrived at Louisiana Tech along with getting his degree."

Rolle earned his bachelor's degree in sociology in March.

The 6-foot-11-inch forward was named second team all-WAC while also earning a spot on the league's all-defensive team for the second consecutive season. He was also named to the Lefty Driesell All-American Defensive Team.

Rolle made 33 starts during the year for LA Tech, scoring in double figures 24 times while recording 11 double doubles. He pulled down a career-high 17 rebounds on three separate occasions and scored a career-high 29 points in a win over Houston.

The Freeport, Bahamas native is the first Bulldog to be selected in the NBA Draft since Paul Millsap was taken by the Utah Jazz with the 47th pick of the 2006 Draft.

Rolle also became the 11th Louisiana Tech player ever selected in the NBA Draft, joining Millsap, P.J. Brown (1992, New Jersey, 29th), Ron Ellis (1992, Phoenix, 49th), Randy White (1989, Dallas, 8th), Karl Malone (1985, Utah, 13th), Willie Simmons (1985, Sacramento, 76th), Victor King (1979, Los Angeles Lakers, 39th), Mike McConathy (1977, Chicago, 79th), Mike Green (1973, Seattle, 4th) and Jackie Moreland (1960, Detroit, 4th).

Rolle was one of four WAC players selected in the NBA Draft joining Fresno State's Paul George (10th overall, Indiana Pacers) and Nevada's Luke Babbitt (16th overall, Minnesota Timberwolves) and Armon Johnson (34th overall, Portland Trailblazers). Louisiana Tech Bulldogs All-Time in NBA Draft

Year Player Pos. Team Selection

2010 Magnum Rolle F Oklahoma City 51st

2006 Paul Millsap PF Utah 47th

1992 PJ Brown PF New Jersey 29th

1992 Ron Ellis PF Phoenix 49th

1989 Randy White PF Dallas 8th

1985 Karl Malone PF Utah 13th

1985 Willie Simmons C Sacramento 76th

1979 Victor King PF LA Lakers 39th

1977 Mike McConathy SG Chicago 79th

1973 Mike Green C/F Seattle 4th

1960 Jackie Moreland F Detroit 4th

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Daniel Lyght reports on Paul George's drafting by Indiana.

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Here's Dan Hinxman on what Luke Babbitt and Armon Johnson are walking into with the Trailblazers.

Chris Murray offers up a bunch of links on last night's draft -- go here and here (loved the headline) and here.

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Leon "The Whirlwind" Rice is captured by Nick Jezierny.

George, Babbitt, Johnson and Rolle land in the NBA draft

How soon will it take for Portland and Reno to formalize sister city status?

Minnesota takes Luke Babbitt at 16 and then trades him to Portland.

At #34, Armon Johnson just misses the first round

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So who will have the better career: Gordon (#9 to Utah) Hayward or Paul George?

Here is a USA TODAY article on George going 10th to Indiana. The Pacers were definitely going in the PO direction.with this selection.

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Mr. Rolle has been spoken for -- despite not appearing on any draft prognostication lists, Magnum Rolle was taken at #51 by the Pacers. He worked out for Indiana on June 18.

Wednesday's a.m. WAC report

Sam Wasson at The Daily Aggie has done it again with a fine collection of links and items on the state of the dollar bottomline for some WAC members.

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The Fresno Bee's George Hostetter offers a fascinating article that displays a keen financial eye on the WAC and beyond while moving way beyond the usual sports bar talk on and about expansion/contraction. He makes some predictions, backing them up with facts and analysis. This is a must-read.

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FSU Assistant Coach Senque Carey is presented in a background piece from Fresno State athletics. Go here.

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Chris Murray features David Aldridge on Luke Babbitt and Armon Johnson. The media mouths would be FORCED to talk about the WAC if Johnson lands late in round one 'cause how does a 'non-descript' conference land three underclassmen in the first round?

Chris also offers some WAC draft history here.