The Newcomer of the Year race

Was there anyone predicting that 6-foot-9 redshirt freshman Deshaun Sunderhaus would be averaging 10.4 and 6.7 rebounds per game at this point in the season? Add to that, the Georgian is shooting 47% in just under 25 minutes a contest.

But coming up on the shoulder for Newcomer of the Year is Utah State's frosh backcourter Marcel Davis, he with 21 points in 20 minutes versus Western Oregon and then 17 points in 28 minutes against Utah Valley in the last two Agge outings. Overall, Davis is averaging 5.3 points in 13 and a half minutes each time out, shooting 59% thus far.

Additionally, Texas State JC transfer Joel Wright currently sits 14.6 points and 6.3 boards per game so don't count him out.

Of course, there's Jarred Shaw in the lead with averages of 14.3 points, 10 rebounds and 1.4 blocked shots each time out.

Questions

Can we all agree that Utah State's Jarred Shaw is the shoe-in for Newcomer of the year in the WAC?

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With Denver often not starting anyone taller than 6-foot-6, can the Pioneers thrive in the WAC? Joe Scott's bunch is being out-shot a last-in-the-league 47% to 38% overall plus 37% to 30% from long distance and is -7 per game in rebounding.

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Did anyone foresee a 6-1, top-of-the-league start for Louisiana Tech?

Granted 72-44 over Arkansas-Monticello and 66-55 versus Arkansas Southern were expected outcomes as exhibitions as was a 71-59 road loss to Texas A&M.

Winning at home against against Arkansas Little Rock 70-52 certainly wasn't an upset but the ensuing three games and wins in three days versus Troy 70-46, Southeast Missouri State 67-63 and Chattanooga 71-63 was not expected, even if two were neutral game matches.

Back home, the Bulldogs topped Louisiana Monroe 68-52 to reach 6-1.

Agreed, this hasn't been a Murderer's Row of opponents but do keep in mind that Coach Mike White is starting two sophomores in the backcourt, plus a sophomore in the middle surrounded by a junior and a senior.

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PTW doesn't recall this forecast: San Jose State University shooting a league-leading 40% from long distance.

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Can Utah State and New Mexico State keep such ownership of the boards? The northern Aggies are at +13.6 while their southern counterparts have a margin of 11.3.

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How is Seattle managing a tops-in-the-conference 12.3 steals a game?

Tuesday's WAC hoops digest

Kyle Goon video interviews Jarred Shaw, who will play a big role in the middle for Utah State.

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Shawn Harrison also takes a look at USU.

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The USU Stats folks write about George Costanza, shrinkage and Aggie roundball, not necessarily in that order, and such will surely get you to read it.

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Texas Arlington's Jordan Reves is selected as the pre-season WAC best defender by the Yahoo staff. Better fear the beard -- 57 shotblocks -- when you enter the paint!