WAC recruiting tweets and more

From Jerina: "Utah State at El Cerrito HS practice yesterday, interested in 2013 PG Rae Jackson. (CA)"

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Jason Groves tweeted: "Tanveer Bhullar told me he is a 2014 recruit. NMSU has offered him"

Word is he has a rather impressively-sized brother.

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Inside Runner Sports writes about a local point who is gathering interest from Texas San Antonio.

The latest on Danny Berger (had it as Burger earlier

Trevor Phibbs writes about the latest involving Danny Berger.

Shawn Harrison also supplies the latest.

Ditto for Kyle Goon.

Mike Williams never thought his name would be receiving lots of media play.

Thursday's three WAC game reports plus one preview

San Jose State University went into the bicycle-riding capital of the United States -- Davis, CA -- and pedaled away with a 73-64 victory. It was Spartan guard James Kinney again leading the way, this time with 27 points (plus five rebounds and four steals). Ryan Sypkens led the Aggies with 18 points (5-10 from long distance).

UC Davis athletics game reports.

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Mercer proved to be just the right tonic for Denver as the host Pioneers romped 69-40. Royce O'Neale went for 22 points (9-14 overall, 3-6 from long distance) and Chris Udofia added 12 points. UD shot 55% to Mercer's 35%.

Denver athletics game reports as does Irv Moss.

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Host Texas State got blasphemied by Oral Roberts 86-77, or more positively, the Bobcats turned the other cheek. For the Bobcats, Matt Staff produced 19 points and six rebounds while Joel Wright turned in a 17/5 performance.

Texas State athletics game reports.

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Idaho visits Eastern Washington tonight. Vandal athletics previews.

Hello Chicago State

A hearty welcome goes out to Chicago State, soon to be a member of the WAC.

Wednesday's WAC report: three scores, three previews

New Mexico State didn't find itself stuck inside of Mobile with the Memphis blues again in its faceoff with South Alabama as a 58-52 victory did the trick. Daniel Mullings led with 13 points, Sim Bhullar totaled 12 on 6-7 shooting and Bandja Sy contributed 11 plus a terrific 14 rebounds. The Aggies shot 48% overall but just 1-8 from long distance and 9-18 at the foul line.

Jason Groves tweeted the game.

NMSU athletics game reports as does Jason Groves.

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Texas San Antonio took on Mississippi State and, unlike the late Johnny Cash, didn't find themselves in the Starkville City Jail. But then again they weren't picking dandelions either. But the Roadrunners did fall 53-42 (it was 23-17 at halftime). Backcourter Kannon Burrage led with 15 points but endured 4-18 shooting as well as six TOs. As a team, UTSA shot 27%. Michael Hale III again missed the game.

UTSA athletics game reports as does Inside Runner Sports.

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Louisiana Tech mixed it up with fellow Pelican State resident Northwestern State but got a case of the Natchitoches blues in losing 89-83.

Jason Pugh game reports as does Bulldog athletics.

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Tonight:

* San Jose State University heads up I-80 to face UC Davis. SJSU athletics game previews.

* Provo is ground central for the Utah State - BYU state championship matchup. USU athletics game previews. ***** This pairing has been postponed due to Danny Berger's medical situation. *****

* Denver welcomes Mercer to town. Pioneer athletics game reports.

* Texas State plays host to Oral Roberts. TS athletics game previews.

USU's Danny Berger collapses

Utah State sophomore Danny Berger collapsed during an Aggie practice and was taken to the hospital.

Kyle Goon and Tony Jones report.

Matt Sonnenberg writes about that incident and others.

Appleby named WAC POY

Louisiana Tech’s Raheem Appleby has been named the Western Athletic Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week for the week of Nov. 26-Dec. 2.

Appleby, a sophomore guard from Jacksonville, Ark. (Jacksonville HS), led the Bulldogs to a 2-0 record last week. The Bulldogs defeated Southeastern Louisiana 99-62 and Georgia State 86-68. In the win over Southeastern Louisiana, Appleby scored a game-high 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including a 2-for-2 mark from beyond the arc. He also recorded three rebounds, two assists and two steals in the win. At Georgia State, Appleby poured in a career-high 34 points on 14-of-19 shooting and a 3-of-5 clip from long range. He also pulled down seven rebounds and tallied two assists and a steal.

On the week, Appleby averaged 28.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He shot 69.7 percent (23-of-33) from the field, 71.4 percent (5-of-7) from three-point range, and 71.4 percent (5-of-7) from the free throw line.

Other nominees: 

* Denver sophomore forward Royce O’Neale averaged 19.5 points over two games 

* Idaho junior guard/forward Stephen Madison scored 21 points in a win over UC Davis 

* New Mexico State sophomore guard Daniel Mullings recorded his first double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds in a win over Southern Miss 

* San Jose State senior guard James Kinney scored 30 points at 10th-ranked Kansas and then added 23 points in a win over Montana State 

* Seattle U freshman forward Deshaun Sunderhaus recorded his first career double-double at Stanford with 12 points and 11 rebounds 

* Texas State junior forward Joel Wright recorded a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds against Utah 

* Utah State junior guard Preston Medlin scored 11 points and hit a couple of big shots in an overtime win at Santa Clara.

Tuesday's single game report plus a trio of previews

UTA took down Pan American 60-51 last night behind 17 points and seven rebounds from frontcourter Brandon Edwards. Two other Mavericks also grabbed seven boards: Jordan Reves and Karol Gruszecki.

UTA athletics game reports.

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Jason Groves offers his weekly WAC rankings.

Seattle U Hoops also checks in with a top to bottom.

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Tonight:

New Mexico State is in Mobile to battle South Alabama. Aggie athletics previews. Jason Groves reports that Chili Nephawe might be hampered. Jason also provides a preview as does Bleed Crimson.

Texas San Antonio is in Starkville versus Mississippi State. Roadrunner athletics previews.

Louisiana Tech completes the trifecta of road contests, being in Natchitoches for a matchup with Northwestern State. Bulldog athletics previews as does Jason Pugh.

Covering the Rick Majerus spectrum

Rick Majerus was a troubled individual, beset by his own personal demons, as we all are to lesser and greater degrees. Some will say he did the best he could. This is not any attempt to besmirch him. May he finally be in peace.

Seth Davis fondly remembers Rick Majerus.

But here's an alarming paragraph: "Majerus was more complicated than all these colorful anecdotes would suggest. He was charming, affable and available for national writers like myself, but the local beat guys couldn't stand him. You always heard horrible stories about Majerus' antics in practice, his treatment of people in the basketball office, especially his assistants. He belittled his players so badly that they transferred at an alarming rate. During one time-out huddle, he famously challenged a player's manhood by grabbing his testicles.

Bernie Miklasz also looks back, with deep and unabashed gratitude.

S.L. Price/Sports Illustrated wrote this lengthy piece back in 2008.

Here's an incident in which Majerus was just blatantly cruel: "... [Lance] Allred saw limited action as a freshman at Utah. He played in just 17 games, averaging 2.2 points and 1.8 rebounds in only 5.6 minutes per game. The following season (2001–02), his playing time increased slightly, but he continued to struggle. At the end of his sophomore year, he transferred to Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. After transferring, Allred accused Utah coach Rick Majerus of constant verbal abuse, usually focused on Allred's hearing impairment. Allred told The Salt Lake Tribune that Majerus had once said: "Lance, you've weaseled yourself through life using your hearing as an excuse. You're a disgrace to cripples. If I was a cripple in a wheelchair and saw [the way] you play basketball, I'd shoot myself." Two other Utah players confirmed some of what Allred claimed, but two assistant coaches said they never heard it. Majerus denied the allegations while describing the statements as "extremely insensitive." An investigation concluded that Majerus did not discriminate against Allred..."

Press for Coach Dollar

Steve Kelley is in Coach Cameron Dollar's corner as the construction of the Redhawk basketball program continues.

Monday's two game reports

Denver challenged Stanford in the Bay Area but fell short 71-58. The Farm residents won the battle inside 36 points to 20 and in rebounding at 33-16. Royce O'Neale paced the Pioneers with 16 points but he made just three of 12 attempts. Stanford shot 53%, Denver 41%.

Denver athletics has the game report.

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Seattle brought in Boise State but couldn't handle the Bronco firepower, losing 87-64. The Redhawks were outshot 53% to 40% and committed 21 TOs. Deshaun Sunderhaus posted 11 points and seven caroms, Clarence Trent finished with 12 points and nine boards but shot 4-12 and backcourter D'Vonne Picket Jr. went for 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

Seattle athletics has the game report.

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It's UT Arlington being hosted by in-state foe Pan American tonight in the sole WAC-related contest.

Way, way too early but what the heck

Yes, it's ridiculous to even go 'there' at the beginning of December with no conference games having yet been played ('there' being the top player picks in the WAC) but let's have some fun anyway.

Baring our forecasting proficiency or deficiency by re-posting the 2012-13 PTW WAC pre-season selections, here you go:

Player of the Year: Preston Medlin, Utah State (but watch for Denver's Chris Udofia)

Newcomer of the Year: K.C. Ross-Miller, New Mexico State

The All-WAC Team (four players in addition to POY):

* Kyle Barone, Idaho (counting on him returning)
* Raheem Appleby, Louisiana Tech
* Daniel Mullings, New Mexico State
* Chris Udofia, Denver Pioneers

Want five more player names constituting the All-WAC Second Team?

Here you go:

* Jarred Shaw, Utah State

He is going to block shots and board well enough but will he hit double figures in scoring? The forecast is yes.

* James Kinney, San Jose State University

This spot is his if he upgrades his offensive efficiency.

* Matt Staff, Texas State

Leading your team in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots should do it.

* Kyisean Reed, Utah State

As strange as this sounds, he should be surrounded by enough offensive weapons to be the second leading scorer on the Aggies.

* Stephen Madison, Idaho

Expectations are that he will be the leading scorer for the Vandals in 2012-13. 

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Okay, reality to date is:

Preston Medlin (13.2 points, 3.8 assists) just may get passed by Jarred Shaw for POY but such would mean a very successful season for Utah State. As posted earlier, Shaw is a shoo-in for Newcomer of the Year. His numbers thus far: 14.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, 58% shooting, 1.4 blocks.

Kyle Barone (15.8, 8.0, 58% shooting), Raheem Appleby (19.0) and Daniel Mullings (13.0 points, 3.0 assists, 2.1 steals and he should be healthy and scoring more by league play) look to be on target for All-WAC selections.  

Chris Udofia (12.2 points, 6.4 rebounds. 3.6 assists, 2.4 blocks, 2.0 steals) is solid but being challenged by a teammate so call him a maybe right now.

Who will press to oust one or more of these players?

SJSU's James Kinney leads the conference in scoring at 20.9 points per game, plus 6.6 boards and 3.2 steals.

Texas San Antonio talents Kannon Burrage and Michael Hale III are third and fourth respectively with 17.8 and 16.5 each time out.  

Joel Wright on Texas State is sixth, scoring at 15.2 points per contest.

Do keep a watch on Jordan Reves of Texas Arlington as he leads in rebounding with 12.3 plus 9.5 points and 2.5 blocks a match.

Also keep an eye on Denver's Royce O'Neale who is scoring 13.4 points. grabbing 5.8 boards, passing for 3.8 assists and nabbing 2.4 steals a game.

But what about Matt Staff, Kyisean Reed and Stephen Madison?

Staff: 15.0 points, shooting 53%, 5.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks

Reed: 11.4 points, shooting 58%, 6.6 rebounds, 1.8 blocks

Madison: 14.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists

The most remarkable number: Tyrone Watson's 74% on free throws. He finished at 59% last season. On treys, he at 4-9 thus far versus 2-24 in 2011-12.

Sunday: five game reports, plus a pair of previews

It was the Spartans versus the Bobcats as SJSU hit Big Sky Country to face Montana State and came away with an 82-74 victory. It was the James Kinney Show again as the SJSU senior backcourter went for 23 points and seven boards. Forward Chris Cunningham earned a 15/10 double-double. Coach George Nessman's crew shot 53% overall and held MSU to 38% but committed 22 TOs. Gidal Kaiser was present and offers this game report.

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Host Texas had been struggling but won the first half 38-18 versus Texas Arlington and went on to a 70-54 win. Jordan Reves posted a double-double consisting of 15 points and 10 boards for TA. The Mavs shot but 30%. TA athletics game reports.


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Southern Mississippi was in Las Cruces and thoughts of nabbing a victory hit a big roadblock to the tune of 68-60 primarily because of freshman Sim Bhullar's 17 points, seven boards and pair of blocks. But Daniel Mullings showed his mental strength with a 21/11 double-double. Jason Groves game reports. Bhullar also had a special visitor.

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Texas San Antonio rode into Merle Haggard country but without the services of backcourter Michael Hale III due to injury. Fellow guard Kannon Burrage led with 18 points but no other Roadrunner scored in double figures as the Texans fell 85-52 to Cal State Bakersfield. 26 TOs certainly contributed to the defeat. UTSA athletics game reports.

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Host Idaho hung out the welcome mat to UC Davis and prevailed 73-66. Stephen Madison posted a 21 point, seven rebound line. Josh Wright game reports. Vandal Nation tweeted the matchup.

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Denver is on The Farm facing Pac-12 member Stanford today. Pioneer athletics previews.

Seattle hosts Michigan State and Creighton beater Boise State. Seattle U Hoops previews.

Saturday: two game reports plus five previews

In the Louisiana Tech - Georgia State matchup, the visiting Bulldogs succeeded 86-68 with Raheem Appleby exploding for 34 points (14-19 overall, 3-5 from long distance). Just as remarkable was Kenneth Smith committing six turnovers although he also posted 15 points, six assists and five rebounds.

LA Tech athletics game reports.

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Host Texas State got beehived by the Utes 74-69. Joel Wright achieved a 17/11 double-double for the Bobcats, Matt Staff went for his own via 16 points plus 10 boards and guard Vonn Jones also scored 16. Utah shot 53%, Texas State 37%.

Texas State athletics game reports.

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Five games are on tap for tonight.

UT Arlington travels to Austin to face Texas. UTA athletics previews the game.

San Jose State University is in Bozeman versus Montana State. Bobcat athletics previews the game.

New Mexico State hosts Southern Mississippi. Jason Groves game  previews, then offers his three keys and a prediction. Jason also writes about the toughness of Daniel Mullings.

UTSA is in California to battle Cal State Bakersfield. San Antonio athletics previews the game.

Idaho welcomes Big West Conference member UC Davis. Vandal athletics previews the game.

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?