Nevada craps on the WAC, Fresno State say no raisins for you Wac-ateers

Uh, make that the WAC seems in need of some super glue as Nevada and Fresno State have accepted the siren call of the Mountain West Conference. Can we at least get a draft pick plus a player to be named later?

For the uber-literal, the headline is a gaming reference, followed by a Seinfeld one.

The Reno Gazette-Journal is reporting that the Wolf Pack has bid adieu -- go here. The RGJ also says that Nevada didn't sign any financial death penalty departure clause, one created after Boise State departed -- go here.

The Fresno Bee is reporting that FSU is also putting the WAC in its rearview mirror -- go here and here. Nothing in print yet about the $5 million buyout clause.

Today's game reports from last night's contests

Teddy Feinberg leads us off with the story on New Mexico State's victory over a persistent Texas Southern squad.

Sam Wasson also has a game report plus photos.

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The Fresno Bee has the details on the Bulldogs loss at Oregon State. Brooks Hatch/Corvallis Gazette-Times checks in with his view on the game. Lindsay Schnell/The Oregonian does the same.

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In Sin City or at Nevada Southern as some prefer and via Chris Murray, the Wolf Pack sent the tarnished Golden Hurricane back on to the Long Black Road into Tulsa Town (25 extra points if anyone gets this obscure musical reference). Murray also has a ton of notes here.

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It was Portland by 30 over Idaho -- Travis Mason-Bushman has the scoop. Jim Beseda/The Oregonian has the other game perspective.

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Boise State almost got caught by Montana State at the end but prevailed, as Nick Jezierny reports.

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Randy Rahe's return to Logan was spoiled by Tai Wesley according to Jared Eborn.

For Nate was the theme of the night per Shawn Harrison.

Tony Jones says it was a big night for Modou. More Modou love from Tony Jones is here. Back to Nate, Tony Jones provides a feature on the player who is filling the shoes of Gary Wilkinson.

We're tardy with the latest issue of The Refraction which is indefensible, especially considering Festivus receives major play in the edition.

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UNLV put the hurt on Hawaii, per Brian McInnis. Per, Dayton Morinaga, it was a pounding.

A Nevada and Utah State mention with a Chicago prospect

Is Utah State, with Brockeith Payne set to sign a letter-of-intent, really interested in a second junior college transfer at the point? As for Nevada, he could be in the plans if Armon Johnson decides to try the NBA after this season. However, both seemingly will have really select company for this young man's services. Brian Stinnette -- aka Mr. Chicago Basketball -- has the details.

Former Chicago Simeon Star Lazeric Jones Of Juco Powerhouse John A. Logan College Continuing To See His Recruiting Stock Fly High
Brian Stinnette
October 27, 2009

Former Chicago Simeon star Lazeric Jones of John A. Logan College is seeing his recruiting stock flying high on the heels of a strong summer, and a very strong jamboree run this fall. Jones has now established himself as one of the top junior college prospects in the country.

Jones, a 6'2", 200-pound point guard, is a superb floor leader who excels both with his ability to score, and also with his ball-distribution skills...

...Wisconsin has already been in to see Jones. Oklahoma made inquiries after watching him put on a show at a juco jamboree. Baylor and UCLA have also made active inquiries, with UCLA expected in to see him this week. Nevada, UIC and Utah State are all also among a long line of programs that have let it be known that they are serious about the former Simeon star...

Go here for the remainder.

Kyle Cain to visit Reno in a couple of weeks

Per Jeff Goodman at FoxSports, 6-foot-7 frontcourter Kyle Cain is visiting Nevada on October 23. The competition appears to be Northern Illinois, Rhode Island and Wisconsin-Green Bay at this point.

We didn't know this

We check out Justin Young's blog on a daily basis and today he offered a nugget of information that really surprised us in response to a question posed to him:

"...What's the deal with Shawn Kemp Jr.? Any idea why he re-opened his recruitment? Even though he was recruited by Alabama's previous coach I thought he recently solidified his commitment to Anthony Grant?

JY: Kemp cited that he and the new Alabama staff wanted to feel each other out more.

I would not be shocked to see Georgia recruit Kemp and recruit him hard. Kemp grew up in Georgia. Mark Fox recruited Kemp when he was at Nevada and the Wolfpack were second on his list when he committed to Alabama last year. UGA also has Phillip Pearson on staff. Pearson was at Alabama when Kemp committed to the Tide. There are a lot of over-lapping connections for the Bulldogs..."

not real big but Richie Phillips hurt again

Steven Sneddon in the October 20 edition of the Reno Gazette Journal notes that Nevada's Richie Phillips is hurt yet again. This time it is a tibial stress fracture in his lower left leg.

Phillips has been unable to remain healthy since coming to Nevada and is now expected to be out 4-6 weeks but that apparently doesn't account for conditioning time.

This injury doesn't dramatically impact the Wolf Pack but it has to be frustrating for a young man who has yet to be able to 'show his stuff' to his coaches and fans.