I am sure to miss some things... but here is a quick rundown of the biggest news of the past week while I was out on vacation. Please let me know if there is anything else that I missed, any comments or links are greatly appreciated!
Eastern Washington
- Don't remember if I posted this link or not... but another article on Eastern Washington recruit Danny Powell. Powell is a JUCO forward who it seems Jim Hayford and the staff are very excited about.
- Should have more to write about this in the near future, but a good article on the upcoming season off of the Eastern Washington website.
- It appears that EWU has picked up a big man near the end of summer, Justin Omugun. This is the first I have heard of him, so I will do my best to find out more.
Idaho State
- Bengals fans are already talking about possible head coaching candidates... Joe O'Brien's future does not look bright in Pocatello.
- Some videos from Idaho State Media Day.
- Many thanks to a commenter for pointing out this link, but a nice writeup by the Idaho State Journal Sports Blog on the beginning of practice for the Bengals.
Montana
- The Missoulian had a nice question and answer with G Keron DeShields. He is an 18 year old freshman but a very impressive young man. Give the article a read and you will come out with respect for DeShields.
- Montana's official website has a nice little preview on the upcoming season.
- Word is that Montana has signed 7-footer Andy Martin. Big men are always at a premium in the Big Sky, so have to like that.
- At least one projection likes Montana to win the Big Sky.
Montana State
- G Marcus Colbert verbally committed to the Bobcats. He visited a couple weekends ago, and committed after his visit. Last year the PG averaged about 16 PPG, 5 RPG, and 5 APG.
Northern Arizona
- This is a big deal... Gabe Rogers will miss at least the first two months of the season with a torn labrum. He was their leading returning scorer and could be a first teamer in the Big Sky. I'll definitely have more to say about how NAU replaces him. It won't be easy.
- Forwards Austin Smith and Ryan Schaefer are no longer listed on the NAU roster. No word yet on why but I will try to find out. That leaves them very guard heavy, and very inexperienced. It will be an interesting year in Flagstaff.
- The team opened practice on Friday.
Northern Colorado
- UNC is picked 3rd in one preseason magazine and sixth in another. Just one sign of all of the parity in the middle of the Big Sky this season.
- A picture of their championship ring from last season. Very cool and something they should rightfully be very proud of!
- Northern Colorado will appear three times in the Big Sky Game of the Week on Altitude TV.
Portland State
- I posted right before leaving about the Vikings signing big man Lamont Prosser. Here is another article on him as well.
- Very good preview article from the Vikings website.
Sacramento State
- Nice interview with Brian Katz.
- As with other teams, the team website has a nice preview article at the start of the season.
Weber State
- Luke Winn of SI has praise for Scott Bamforth, calling him one of the best shooters in America.
- The Standard has a few notes on Kyndahl Hill, a new recruit for next year.
- Both Lindy and Athlon have Weber State ranked 1 in the preseason poll. I voted in the media poll for the Big Sky and have the Wildcats ranked likewise. Wouldn't be a surprise to see them as the consensus #1 heading into the season.
Let me know what I have missed!! You can tell practices are starting and the season is getting closer, there is more and more news out there. It is a beautiful thing, the season is near.
That was an AWESOME preview you provided Rush The Court! Very well done!
ReplyDeleteThere was some word going around last week amid the Air Force to Big East rumors that the Falcons may consider the Big Sky for its olympic sports, along with the WAC (The MVC has stated they aren't looking to expand). SportsbyBrooks.com, in his Twitter account, stated the MWC has given Air Force the "o.k." to keep only its football program in the MWC, because the Falcons' olympic sports just can't be competitive there.
http://twitter.com/#!/SPORTSbyBROOKS/status/125346980946907136
Have you heard anything else regarding this? Still too early to tell, due to the Big East chaos?
The Idaho State Journal Sports' Blog had a brief writeup as well. Apparently the name of the game this season is chemistry. Maybe they're all in a Chem 101 class? ;)
http://www.pocatelloshops.com/new_blogs/sports/?p=5737
Thank you sir, that is greatly appreciated!
ReplyDeleteI have not heard any more than that about the realignment rumors... the biggest news I have heard is that everyone is waiting to see if Mizzou goes to the SEC, and then the rest of the dominoes fall. If they go, then I think we will see more teams bolt to the Big East, which could affect who else the Big East goes after.
I heard the Big East invited Boise State... as Peter King wrote, that makes sense since Boise State is east... of Walla Walla!
Thanks for the link to the Idaho State Journal post, that was a good one. Chemistry is a great thing, the jury is out on their talent level. At least they appear to be starting the year on a positive note and with a good attitude, which is huge.
Austin Smith quit and transferred from NAU before school even started
ReplyDelete