A WAC basketball tournament change

Here's something new and probably for next season:

Tourney fields will be reduced
Ferd Lewis
Honolulu Advertiser
June 5, 2009

The Western Athletic Conference said it will trim the number of teams qualifying for both its men's and women's basketball tournaments from nine to eight as a cost-cutting measure.

Commissioner Karl Benson made the announcement yesterday following the end of the WAC's annual Board of Directors meeting in Las Vegas.

Benson said the move could come as soon as the March 2010 tournament but there was a chance it could begin in 2011. The WAC has held a so-called "play-in" or "pig-tail" game between the eighth and ninth seeds. This past season UH was the eighth seed in both the men's and women's tournaments...

Go here for the remainder.

An excellent WAC recruiting summary

Chris Murray, our buddy at the Reno Gazette-Journal, has compiled a list of the signees with each WAC men's basketball team, with the assistance of some 'experts' -- we're not so sure about the credentials of one of them ;-)

A closer look at each of the WAC recruiting classes
Chris Murray
Reno Gazette-Journal
5/26/2009

Last week, we took a look at all of the recruiting classes in the WAC as the spring signing period came to a close. Shortly after that, I e-mailed scribes who follow each of the teams in the WAC to try and get a little perspective on each of the classes. I was able to hook up with writers for six of the teams and here are their reports on their respective program's recruiting classes...

Go here for the remainder.

Basketball letter-of-intent signing day tomorrow

The second period for basketball recruits to sign letters-of-intent begins tomorrow April 15 and runs through May 20. A number of commits throughout the WAC are already known but certainly not all of them.

One known: 6-4 Chris Jones will be signing an official LOI with San Jose State. A 'big" is a another possibility -- more on that later.

Utah State seems to be deciding on a wing-type player. Nevada has two schollies available but it's unknown if each will be used. New Mexico State wants a big, a forward and a backcourter and Boise State is looking to land another big. Fresno State seems to looking for a big to go along with a point. Hawaii has two new freed-up scholarships to offer and they will be filled. Idaho has at least one opening. We're not sure what LA TECH is up to recruiting-wise but there seems to be an opening or two.

Here's a take that confounds 'truths' in college basketball

The following is from the men's basketball coach at Cal Tech (southern California). He offers some statistics that seem to belie -- at least to a degree -- the 'givens' necessary to be a winning basketball team.

Oliver "Doc" Eslinger
April 2, 2009

What happens when you coach a team that finished first in its conference in free throw percentage, field goal percentage, field goal percentage defense, and rebounding defense?

You get fired. At least, in Kentucky you do...and if the school colors are blue and white...

Go here for the remainder.

Joe Henson goes out as an MVP

Joseph Henson is no longer a Bulldog...a Pasadena High Bulldog that is. Come June, he enrolls at San Jose State.

Fred J. Robledo
Pasadena Star-News

Pasadena High School's Joseph Henson and Darius Johnson had 14 and 13 points, respectively, and the Star-News boys team won for the fifth time in six years, 101-85, at the annual Tribune/Star-News High School All-Star Basketball Classic at Azusa Pacific University Felix Event Center on Saturday night.

"This means a lot," said the 6-foot-8 Henson, who was selected Star-News MVP after scoring 11 of his team-high 14 points during the first half, along with grabbing 12 rebounds. "It was neat that we all came together as a team and got it done."

Additionally, San Jose State has 6-5 Anthony Dixon out of Chicago, Aalim Moor of St. Mary's High in Berkeley and 6-4 Chris Jones scheduled to come into the fold.

Wow! Mark Fox to Georgia

Did anyone see this coming? Betcha there are Utah State and New Mexico State fans singing "The Devil Went Down To Goergia" tonight.

Georgia hires Nevada coach Mark Fox
Chris Murray
Reno Gazette-Journal
April 2, 2009

After the Nevada basketball team won a dramatic game in late February, coach Mark Fox said he planned on being the Wolf Pack coach “for a long, long time.”

That “long, long time” was about 40 days.

Fox told his players Thursday night he has accepted the head-coaching position at Georgia. A news conference in Athens, Ga., is scheduled today to introduce Fox as the Bulldogs’ new coach...

Go here for the remainder.

and

Search for Fox's replacement begins now
Chris Murray
Reno Gazette-Journal
April 2, 2009

The Nevada basketball will be looking for a new head basketball coach after Mark Fox agreed on Thursday to head to Georgia to be the Bulldogs’ next coach.

Although he might not have much say in the decision, Fox made it clear this season who he would like to see become the next leader of the Wolf Pack.

Fox stumped for Nevada associate head coach David Carter to be his eventual successor after a game in February.

After Fox was ejected from a game against Virginia Commonwealth, Carter steered the Wolf Pack to a come-from-behind victory. That led the Fox’s backing of Carter.

“There’s only two people who understand how this program was sustained, and how we’ve developed this tradition: That’s myself and David Carter” Fox said at the time. “And the day that I leave here, I think he proved to you tonight why he should be the next coach when my career ends because he’s terrific and led our team back and did a terrific job...”

Go here for the remainder.

Two WAC items

You have to love the opening of Daniel Lyght's game report in today's Fresno Bee. Well, maybe not if you're associated with Fresno State basketball:

Nonconference game allows Fresno State freshmen their chance.
Daniel Lyght
The Fresno Bee
January 29, 2009

The kiss cam told it all Wednesday night. With 8 minutes left to play, the cameras scanned the crowd looking for smooching couples. They found an older pair.

The female was reading a book.

Fresno State (9-12) waltzed to an easy, unentertaining 81-63 win against Houston Baptist on Wednesday at Save Mart Center as several Bulldogs freshmen registered career numbers. The Bulldogs were led by freshman Mychal Ladd, who tallied three career-highs: 22 points, three steals, and 10 rebounds...

Now, was this couple smooching while the lady also was reading a book? We're confused but, admittedly, it wouldn't be the first time in matters amore.

plus

Boy, what's gotten into the WAC team beat reporters? Nick Jezierny spells it out in his Boise State - Idaho game preview with a classic final line:

Daily Debate: Broncos-Vandals rivalry matters again
Nick Jezierny
Idaho Statesman
1/29/09

...Excitement around both of these teams has been lacking. For Idaho, it's understandable as the program hasn't had a winning season since 1998-99 and has struggled with single-digit win totals six times since.

The lack of a buzz over the Broncos makes less sense. They won the WAC Tournament last season and are again competing for a title and a postseason berth. They have won 39 of their past 53 games and are on their way to a third consecutive winning season.

Somehow, that hasn't been good enough to attract fans and interest to Taco Bell Arena, where the average crowd turnout is only 3,032 this season. Bronco Nation gets more excited about a soft verbal commitment in football than a swished 3-pointer in basketball...

We'll venture a semi-educated guess: other than with Utah State, football is more popular than roundball in the cities and surroundings of the WAC teams. But admittedly, we're not sure what we are measuring as it encompasses more than just attendance.

A WAC look at some non-WAC numbers

We haven't put a heavy focus on statistics -- other than some specific wins and losses -- to this point because of the number of lower division teams that have been on the schedules of the WAC teams.

But now is the time to begin paying attention, especially with league games not too far off.

It's hard to characterize what will happen in conference action vis-a-vis statistics as some teams will gel and some players will continue with their improvement (and their stats will show this) while some squads and players won't. Each member plays twice against the other, thus coaching staffs better know their opponents and this familiarity allows the attempts to implement what works best offensively and defensively against each other.

The bottomline: the WAC players at the higher levels and those on the rise should either continue or better their respective stats to date and vice versa.

Note the rankings of Tim Pierce, Chris Oakes (twice), Justin Graham (twice) and DaShawn Wright.

A look at the WAC leaders and early surprises
Chris Murray
Reno Gazette-Journal
12/15/2008

Western Athletic Conference play is about three weeks away, but here's a look at the conference leaders:

Eric Musselman has a fascinating post

Former and future NBA coach Eric Musselman had a fascinating post the other day at his blog. It featured his analysis of some of the players in the recent Nevada - San Diego game. For some reason he uses Reno instead of Nevada in his description:

Scouting San Diego, Reno, ASU, and SDSU
Eric Musselman's Basketball Notebook
November 19, 2008

...In the first game, USD controlled the tempo as Reno had trouble scoring. I thought San Diego did a good job executing at both ends of the floor. They're well-coached. Reno also did a nice job mixing up their defenses and the guys played hard the entire game.

For Reno, sophomore guard Armon Johnson, last year's WAC Freshman of the Year, is an inconsistent shooter, but he can get his shot off. A lefty, he changes speed with the dribble, which is high at times. He could be a possible NBDL prospect in two years. For a young guy, he really communicates with his teammates well and shows signs of leadership.

Another young guy for Reno, freshman Luke Babbitt, is a PF at the college level, but he does not have an NBA position. He's 6-9, but must get stronger. Has ball skills. In warm ups looked to shoot ball well with range. Like Johnson, Babbitt is a lefty who really favors his left... Go here for the remainder.

Saturday's scrimmage from Steve Graham's viewpoint

Hey, here's a nice treat (we play no tricks on All Hallows Eve) for you Rebounders -- Steve Graham, Justin's father and a former basketball player and coach, checks in with his take on last Saturday's scrimmage:

It's always hard to make predictions based off of scrimmages. Playing against guys who know each other isn't the same as facing an opponent for the first time. However, I must say I was really impressed with where this team is compared to last year. The term "picking up where you left off" is not an accurate description of last week's scrimmage. Why? Because this year's team looks much better than they did at this time last season and here's why:

1. The ability to hit from the outside. Last year, the team didn't have a jump shooter from three point range. While Tim Pierce can shoot it, he's much better as a set shooter. This year, Robert Owens and Adrian Oliver have filled the void and can drain the long ball, even with a defender on them.

2. Improved post play. CJ and Chris look like they have put in time over the summer. CJ looks quicker and Chris looks bigger. They seem to know where each other is on the court and the spacing is much better on offense. This allows them to take advantage of one-on-one situations, as well as find the open man when double-teamed.

3. Penetration and kick. Justin and Adrian have the ability to penetrate and take it all the way, but if help side comes they can kick it to the open man for the easy basket or three. Teams will have to respect the outside shot now, so that really opens up the floor.

4. Improved Depth. DaShawn, DeVonte, and Mac showed they can play at a higher level. This will allow for the depth needed to play WAC level ball.

5. Unity. This team looks like they are on the same page. While Lance, Clint, Garrett, and Jerelle aren't identified as superstars right now (you never know who will keep improving) they played hard and played within themselves. I enjoy watching their development, as well as their team spirit.

Unfortunately, Oliver wasn't available to play and I sure hope he's ok, because I think he has a ton of potential. Not to mention I really like Ollie.

I'll be interested in hearing back from Justin on how this Saturday's scrimmage goes. And then it's the first exhibition game on Thursday night...I can't wait!

Upcoming plans for The Event Center

It's not yet widely known but a significant item we came across recently was the upcoming expansions of both the San Jose State Student Union and -- more importantly to us since it houses Walt McPherson Court -- The Event Center on the San Jose State University campus.

Few actual specifics are known but we heard the cost was to be around $140 million for everything and that's obviously a significant project.

We don't believe this will increase the seating capacity for basketball but some of the changes for The Event Center do involve creating a better overall experience for attendees. Architecturally, The Event Center plans call for an outdoor amphitheater to be built with seating for around 2,000 and recreationally an indoor jogging track will be constructed.

We will keep you posted.

The media and the coaches predict the WAC

It's finally here -- the collective takes by the media and the league coaches on how the WAC will play out in the WAC in 2008-2009 and who will be the best and also the better players.

First the pixel-stained wretches of the media (hey, WAC administration: please add who these voters were):

Men’s media poll
(1st Place Votes), Points

1. Nevada (20), 255
2. Utah State (4), 220
3. New Mexico State (2), 201
4. Louisiana Tech, 149
5. Boise State (3), 142
6. San Jose State (1), 132
7. Fresno State, 114
8. Hawaii, 103
9. Idaho, 34

(We don't wish to be mean spirited but drug testing should be mandatory for the three reporters who gave Boise State first place votes. We also believe NMSU is too high and SJSU too low)

Preseason Player of the Year

Gary Wilkinson, Sr., F, Utah State

Newcomer of the Year

Luke Babbitt, Fr., F, Nevada

Preseason All-WAC Team

Jonathan Gibson, Jr., G, New Mexico State
Kyle Gibson, Jr., G, Louisiana Tech
Armon Johnson, So., G, Nevada
C.J. Webster, Jr., C, San Jose State
Gary Wilkinson, Sr., F, Utah State

(We like Armon Johnson's game but feel Brandon Fields brings a better all-around set of skills to the proverbial table. It's hard to quibble with Kyle Gibson's selection as he was our sixth man for our five-person All-WAC contingent. Webster and Wilkinson are the two best 'bigs' in the league)

Now for the thinking of the coaches.

Men’s coaches poll
(1st Place Votes), Points

1. Nevada (7), 63
2. Utah State (2), 57
3. New Mexico State, 48
4. San Jose State, 43
5. Boise State, 30
6. Louisiana Tech, 29
7. Hawaii, 25
8. Fresno State, 20
9. Idaho, 9

(It's interesting that the coaches have Boise ahead of LA TECH -- could we be missing that the loss of two point guards is an insurmountable hit for the Bulldogs?)

Player of the Year

Armon Johnson, Nevada

Preseason All-WAC Teams
First Team

Jonathan Gibson, Jr., G, New Mexico St.
Kyle Gibson, Jr., G, Louisiana Tech
Armon Johnson, So., G, Nevada
C.J. Webster, Jr., C, San Jose State
Gary Wilkinson, Sr., F, Utah State

(The coaches and the media are in agreement regarding the top five -- that in itself might be worthy of a congressional investigation. Where Bob Knight when we need him to be the contrarian? It certainly also appears that we are not giving Armon Johnson all the love many others feel he deserves)

Second Team

Luke Babbitt, Fr., F, Nevada
Brandon Fields, Jr., G, Nevada
Anthony Thomas, Jr., F, Boise State
Tai Wesley, So., F, Utah State
Jahmar Young, So., G, New Mexico St.

(Thomas and Wesley are inclusions we didn't have. LA TECH's Magnum Rolle and San Jose State's Adrian Oliver are not to be found on either team nor do Hawaii's Roderick Flemings and Fresno State's Sylvester Seay appear. Hmmm...)

Oh boy, do we stick our necks out

Let's begin with a fitting quote from someone named Albert Einstein: "When the number of factors coming into play in a phenomenological complex is too large scientific method in most cases fails. One need only think of the weather, in which case the prediction even for a few days ahead is impossible.”

If that wasn't enough, here's Hannah Arendt: "Predictions of the future are never anything but projections of present automatic processes and procedures, that is, of occurrences that are likely to come to pass if men do not act and if nothing unexpected happens; every action, for better or worse, and every accident necessarily destroys the whole pattern in whose frame the prediction moves and where it finds its evidence.”

But we like the following the best. “The groundhog is like most other prophets; it delivers its prediction and then disappears.” -- Bill Vaughn

Pigs can't fly but rodents can be wise.

With these words of caution in mind, we say it's going to be a wild men's basketball season in the WAC. Granted, such a statement would be considered par for the course if uttered by a WAC employee or anyone affiliated with a WAC team. But here's why such an offering doesn't fall into the 'yadda, yadda, yadda' category: because nobody knows who is going to win the conference championship in 2009.

Nobody in the media, none of the conference coaches. Certainly not the rose-colored glasses-wearing fans of the various teams. Now plenty have submitted their guesses -- including us below -- but at best all are educated judgment and opinion. At worst...well, it's fan being typical fans or sometimes personal grudges being played out. We've yet to encounter the divine prophet who nails such efforts each and every time but please do put us in touch with anyone you know fitting that description.

The collective talk of the conference is that five teams have legitimate chances to win the WAC:

(please note that these are listed in alphabetical order)

Louisiana Tech Nevada New Mexico State San Jose State Utah State

Yes, we fully expect incoming ordnance from the fan-doms of Boise State, Fresno State, Hawaii and Idaho but that goes with the territory of making predictions. The latter four teams just don't have the manpower this go-around -- that's not a coaching sin nor a hanging offense -- just our perception of reality. We'll gladly admit our error if we are proven wrong and expect reciprocation if our accuracy prevails.

What is especially going to be enchanting viewing in 2008-2009 is how the youthfulness and the newness of the members of the 'Big WAC Five' plays out. The Bulldogs, the Wolf Pack, the Aggies, the Spartans and the Aggies again will have a large number of freshmen and sophomores and certainly newcomers as part of their respective foundations. The question is begged just how will the 'kids' and 'newbies' develop, in what aspects and at what pace?

Obviously this is not a new theorem but our take is the two WAC teams that end up ranking as the top defensive squads in the fast-approaching season will eventually be battling among themselves for the top spot. Generally, the better individual defenders come from the ranks of the juniors and seniors and the best defending teams usually have a majority of upperclassmen in the playing rotation. But these junior/senior and upperclassmen characteristics simply won't be heavily present during WAC play, at least not in nearly the same proportion as last season. Thus, individual and team development should be closely watched throughout conference play.
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Now let's wade into the defensive numbers pool even while issuing the cautionary Benjamin Disraeli phrase that there are lies, damn lies and statistics and also with the proviso that there are a number of other important factors that 'play' into a team's shooting percentage defense. Nevada's defenders led the WAC in shooting percentage defense last season, followed by Fresno State with New Mexico State, Boise State and Utah State tied with one another. San Jose State was next, with Hawaii and Idaho tied and Louisiana Tech bringing up the rear.

For reference purposes, JaVale McGee obviously anchored the Wolf Pack's defensive efforts, Marcelus Kemp was a sixth-year senior and Lyndale Burleson made the All-WAC Defensive Team as a redshirt junior. Fresno State had a goodly number of seniors, as did New Mexico State and especially Boise State. Utah State lost three seniors. San Jose State lost some seniors but returns its starting five intact.

So with a goodly amount of experience departed and with the defensive roles these players filled in many cases being assumed by greener underclassmen, we offer that we have no idea what the ultimate order of finish of the top five will be in the WAC. Neither does anyone else.

With that mantra -- "we have no idea what the ultimate order...will be" -- in mind, here we still go with our fearless forecast plus the 'whys' of our choices:

Predicted Order of Finish:

1. Nevada
2. Utah State
3. Louisiana Tech
4. San Jose State
5. New Mexico State

THE LINE OF DEMARCATION

6. Boise State
7. Hawaii
8. Fresno State
9. Idaho

Nevada - The House of Cards in Reno could fall apart given a tweaked Luke Babbitt hamstring or any injury that keeps The Wonderkind off the court for a period of time. There's plenty of proven scorers to surround him -- 6-3 guard Armon Johnson, 6-4 guard Landry Fields, 6-6 Joey Shaw (who has NCAA experience from his time at Indiana) -- but nowhere near even another Babbitt-lite on the roster. Mark Fox will need consistent boardplay and defensive effort upfront from 6-8 Dario Hunt and 6-7 Ahyaro Phillips, although the former is much more ready than the latter. The return to play of oft-injured 6-7 junior Richie Phillips would be a nice bonus as he's entering his fourth year in the program and his injuries have prevented him from contributing to date. Fields and Lyndale Burleson will pressure opposing backcourters as both were given league honors last season for their defensive efforts.

Summary: we see only depth to some degree and frontcourt uncertainties holding back the Pack.

Utah State - Now some will disagree but Stew Morrill's Aggies enjoy the best home court advantage in the league what with sellouts and a student section that best works over opponents. Plus the trio of 6-9 Gary Wilkinson, 6-6 Tai Wesley and 6-4 Tyler Newbold gives the Aggies the best center/forward/guard threesome in the league. But we still want to see more than 31 free throw attempts -- in 35 games -- for the season from Newbold. What Utah State needs foremost is someone to step in at the point and run Morrill's offense (easier said than done) and another power player to consistently contribute on the frontline. Freshman Deremy Geiger, redshirt frosh Jaxon Myaer and junior college transfer Jared Quayle are the inexperienced candidates for the former. The pickings are a little slim for the latter. There's a bunch of junior college recruits battling to replace Jaycee Carroll but the key there will be who can not only shoot well off the screen but who can create off dribble drives. Pooh Williams is the best defender on the team (with Newbold close) and his efforts at containing opponents should earn him much greater playing time this season.
Summary: a proficient point is needed along with a consistent shooting guard stepping up as well as a center/power forward.

Next was the most difficult choice. Louisiana Tech or San Jose State? San Jose State or Louisiana Tech? Here's our little secret: we flipped a coin and it came up for the Bulldogs. How's that for courage?

Louisiana Tech - Tech fans will definitely need a new scorecard this season as the Aggies underwent more personnel turnover than any other team in the WAC. Were titling this Louisiana Tech season "Kyle Gibson gets some help" and it's expecially so on the frontline. 6-10, 260 Kenneth Cooper will be a defensive stalwart in the middle, flanked by expected point producers Magnum Rolle at 6-10 and 6-7 redshirt freshman Olu Ashaolu, with former Idaho Vandal 6-8 David Jackson and 6-10 Shawn Oliverson providing depth at forward and center respectively. Rolle will have some pressure to produce close to a consistent double-double but the shots and boards will be there for the taking. Gibson, a true shooting guard, played every position save center last season and it looks like he will be playing the point in 2008-2009 what with two backcourters (Jamel White and J.C. Clark) being dropped from the squad recently. Gibson logged 36 minutes a contest last season and just may have to replicate that feat this season unless Canadian import Juevol Myles can adapt quickly in quarterbacking the team or another freshman backcourt recruit, Arrez Henderson, can help. But right now, neither Myles or Henderson appear on LT's official roster. Junior college transfer Jamel Guyton looks to have the outside-shooting skills to man the two.

Summary: Tech still lacks solid depth so any injuries could be devastating but this Ruston roster talent level is the most improved in the WAC. Kyle Gibson, Magnum Rolle and Olu Ashaolu should combine to provide enough points to position the Bulldogs for a winning season. Rupp still doesn't have the roster he wants in the exact terms of classes and that should take another season or two. Plus, Gibson will hopefully finally be afforded the opportunity to play as a shooting guard next year in his senior season.

San Jose State - As previously mentioned, five starters return which can be either a good or troubling situation but here it is favorable. Juniors C.J. Webster and Chris Oakes man the 'big' spots quite well but do need to display improved defensive positioning which will translate into less foul trouble. One of the keys to the Spartan season will be the development of another consistent post, be it 6-9 soph Oliver Caballero, who was nagged by injuries for most of last season, or 6-10 redshirt freshman Clint Amberry. Sophs Justin Graham and Adrian Oliver highlight the backcourt with their ability to create along with junior shooters Robert Owens and Mac Peterson. Three-point ace Tim Pierce returns on the wing along with fellow seniors DaShawn Wright and DeVonte Thomas. San Jose State will be a much better shooting/scoring squad than previous incarnations and also be in a situation where substitutions off the bench are much more capable.

Summary: the Spartans remain young to a degree and will miss Oliver for the first six games due to NCAA transfer rules. Conversely, here's a team that should by natural progression be better by the end of the season -- which bodes well for tourney play. Graham and Oliver are going to be problems for opposing guards but that third 'big' remains a major need.

New Mexico State - Here's another team in need of introductions to one another and the keys to the season are:

*** how tight the playing together meshes
*** how quickly and how consistently some of the newcomers can contribute
*** what leadership emerges given that a number of seniors have graduated

6-2 Jonathan Gibson and 6-5 Jahmar Young own two of the starting spots and both should be at or around the 15 points per game or so average. Freshman Terrance Joyner has the most potential of any of the incoming guards but the question remains about who will and can man the point and when? The return of 6-4 soph Wendell McKines helps and he'll team up with redshirt 6-7 freshman Troy Gillenwater in the corners. Redshirt frosh 7-0 Hamidu Rahman and 6-11 true freshman Chris Gabriel are in the middle but unproven at this point. 7-0 Abdoulaye N’doye is supposed to enroll in December but it's anyone's guess if he will play or redshirt. There are two recruits from Canada -- one is redshirting and the other is freshman point Hernst Laroche.

Summary: There are definitely enough shots to go around this coming season and that will be beneficial to the spirit of the Aggies. Getting Mick Durham on the coaching staff is a positive move as a professional of his calibre is always a plus addition. Ultimately, we see New Mexico State as too young and inexperienced this go-around to top the other teams listed but still dangerous and deserving of inclusion.

Okay, let's move on with more that will surely raise some blood pressure readings to astronomical levels:

Player of the Year: Luke Babbitt

Isaiah 11:16 prophesied that "...and a little child shall lead them..." and, while the 6-8 Babbitt doesn't qualify as petite, he will be both the POY and the Freshman of the Year in the WAC. The only problem we see for him next season is staying out of foul trouble as his opponent as well as the others will be assigned to go right at Babbitt as much as possible.

WAC All Leaguers:

Gary Wilkinson - Utah State
Brandon Fields - Nevada
Jonathan Gibson - New Mexico State
Magnum Rolle - Louisiana Tech
Adrian Oliver - San Jose State.

Wilkinson needs to be consistent from the get go but this should be aided by the dearth of experienced 'bigs' he'll face. We selected Fields over Armon Johnson because he brings offense and defense to the Wolf Pack. We went with Gibson over Jarmar Young because Gibson offers better playmaking along with scoring. Rolle has a golden opportunity and his projected scoring and rebounding totals give him the nod, however slightly, over Kyle Gibson. Oliver will be the top scorer for the Spartans and is their best talent.

Note that but one senior (Wilkinson) is among our selections. Last season, it was five seniors being honored.

Other Contenders:

Kyle Gibson - Louisiana Tech
Roderick Flemings - Hawaii
Armon Johnson - Nevada
Sylvester Seay - Fresno State
Jahmar Young - New Mexico State
C.J. Webster - San Jose State.

Gibson will enjoy a very big year and certainly receive consideration for First Team All League status from many. He was the most difficult player to leave off the First Team. Flemings will need to carry Hawaii and will certainly be the Rainbow Warriors top scorer and possibly rebounder too. Johnson was very good as a freshman and should be even better in 2008-2009. Seay will lead FSU in scoring and possibly rebounding too. Young just might top the Aggies in scoring but isn't the playmaker -- at least as yet -- that Jonathan Gibson is but he's a year less experienced than his teammate. Webster is our final choice as a possibility to land a First Team nod due to his combination of scoring, rebounding and passing talents.

So those of you suffering the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune anywhere in the above, well, do offer your disagreements but please tell us both why we are wrong and why you, of course, are right. ;-)