The Spokesman-Review College Basketball 2022-23

Friday, November 4, 2022

SPECIAL SECTION

Drew Timme already stands with Gonzaga’s greats.

Amazingly, he’s got more to show. I Page 10

ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS MORRIS

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2022-23

T2 • Friday • November 4, 2022

Special Section

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2022-23

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INSIDE

Cover: The legend continues

Last spring, when it looked like Drew Timme might not return for another season at Gonzaga, it was safe to assume he had just completed one of the most historic careers in program history. But he returned, and if he puts up the kind of numbers he did the previous two seasons, there’s no doubt his legacy will be rafter worthy by the time his career at GU is over.

PAGE 10

Next woman up

Who stands behind Courtney Vandersloot in the pantheon of GU women’s basketball? Heather Bowman (pictured) and a handful of others have left their marks.

PAGE 4

‘Ultimate Zag’

Former players, insiders and media types offer up their picks for the player or coach who best personifies Zags culture.

Among the popular picks: David Pendergraft (pictured), Adam Morrison and Mike Nilson.

PAGE 7

Previews

COLIN MULVANY PHOTO THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

A look at college teams in the region, including Charlisse Leger-Walker (pictured) and WSU. INSIDE

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Special Section

November 4, 2022 • Friday • T3

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2022-23

COLIN MULVANY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Guard Kayleigh Truong is the lone returning starter for Gonzaga. A year ago, she averaged 11.2 points and dished out 303 assists for the Bulldogs.

Despite loss of four starters, GU women in good hands with steady Truong sisters, Yvonne Ejim

By Jim Allen

FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

In many ways life is back to normal for the Gonzaga women.

The pandemic is finally in the rearview mirror, crowds are expected to fill the Kennel once again and the Zags are favored to win the West Coast Conference regular-season title.

On the other hand, coach Lisa Fortier and her staff must find new roles for several players after losing four starters from last year’s squad.

And for the first time that anyone can remember, they go into a new The surprise season with no Emergence of incoming fresha sharpshooter: men.

Actually, grad “It’s the first transfer Brynna time I can recall,” Maxwell has already said Fortier, who done that at Utah, began her GU cawhere last year she reer as an assisshot 38% from long tant in 2005. range to help the However, the surprising Utes to the Zags bring back NCAA Tournament. enough talent At 6-foot, she also from last year’s has the ability to 27-7 squad to post up against merit the favorsmaller guards. ite’s role to win the WCC title and presumably get back to the NCAA Tournament.

GU did that the hard way last year, overcoming two regular-season losses to BYU and upsetting the Cougars in the WCC tournament. GU eventually reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

“They never stopped believing,” Fortier said.

The challenge is different this year.

There’s plenty of experience, but the challenge lies in finding bigger roles for a big group of returnees.

In more ways than one, the Zags will be led by their lone returning starter, senior point guard Kayleigh Truong.

One of the most consistent players in recent program history, Truong has excelled at the point. Last year she averaged a team-high 11.2 points and shot 35% from long range and had an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.4.

Truong plans to amplify her voice as a leader on the court and hopes to start alongside her twin sister Kaylynne.

Coming off the bench last year, Kaylynne put up almost identical numbers to her sister’s: 10.4 ppg and 35% from beyond the arc.

But that’s the big question: Would it be better for Kaylynne to come off the bench, as she did last year for her sister and shooting guard Cierra Walker?

Walker is gone, replaced by Utah grad transfer Brynna Maxwell. A 38% shooter from long range, the 6-foot Maxwell is a solid bet to start, either at guard or on the

Gonzaga women 2021-22 record 27-7, 15-2 WCC

JESSE TINSLEY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Gonzaga teammates Destiny Burton, left, Maud Huijbens and Yvonne Ejim battle for a rebound during the FanFest scrimmage at GU on Oct. 15. wing (should both Truong sisters start.)

Another option on the wing is junior McKayla Williams, who excelled as a defender last year and got off to a great start this year with her long-range shooting at FanFest.

Shooting was an issue last year for Williams, a former four-star recruit out of Los Angeles who was 32% from the field last year and 22% from long range.

“But she makes a lot of correct decisions – when to drive and when to shoot,” Fortier said. “And she’s a good, long defender, and we don’t have as many of those this year.”

Also in the mix at guard is redshirt freshman Calli Stokes, whom Fortier calls “one of or hardest workers” as well as one of the most versatile. “She’s going to have opportunities at shooting guard or wing,” Fortier said.

A bigger uncertainty is the status of guard/wing Bree Salenbien. The first fivestar recruit in program history, Salenbien is still recovering from a knee injury suffered in March.

“It’s up to the doctors,” Fortier said of the timetable for Salenbien’s return.

The options in the paint begin with 6-1 junior Yvonne Ejim, whose power and quickness make her one of the premier

forwards in the WCC. Ejim is an All-WCC preseason pick after averaging 10.1 points and 5.6 boards last year.

“Vonnie is one of those special players who has all the aspects of offense, defense and the ability to handle the ball,” Fortier said.

Ejim will need some help, and the best options appear to be Maud Huijbens and redshirt junior Eliza Hollingsworth.

Both are 6-3, but the similarity stops there. Hollingsworth, a redshirt junior, is a good outside shooter but looked uncomfortable at times in the paint. Huijbens, a sophomore, is a strong force inside but struggled at times in passing the ball.

Another freshman, Esther Little, saw limited playing time last year. Also in the mix is junior college transfer Destiny Burton.

Another challenge for the coaches will be managing minutes and rotations. Fortier likes to hold players under 30 minutes on the court, but that may be more difficult with 11 players.

“We will have to see,” Fortier said. “I think that conditioning and foul trouble are going to be interesting – those might be the limitations.”

2022-23 schedule Nov 10: vs. Long Beach St., 7:30 p.m.

Nov 12: vs. Southern Utah, 4 p.m.

Nov 15: at Wyoming, 7 p.m.

Nov 19: vs. Louisville, 4:30 p.m.* Nov 20: Texas or Marquette, TBD* Nov 21: TBD* Nov 26: vs. EWU, 2 p.m.

Nov 28: vs. Main, 6 p.m.

Dec 1: at Stephen F. Austin, TBD Dec 4: at Stanford, 2 p.m.

Dec 6: vs. Queens of Charlotte, 6 p.m.

Dec 11: vs. UC Davis, 2 p.m.

Dec 17: vs. Brigham Young, 2 p.m.

Dec 19: vs. San Diego, 6 p.m.

Dec 21: vs. Montana, 6 p.m.

Dec 29: at Pepperdine, 2 p.m.

Dec 31: at Loyola Marymount, TBD Jan 5: vs. San Francisco, 6 p.m.

Jan 7: vs. Santa Clara, 2 p.m.

Jan 14: at Portland, TBD Jan 19: at Pacific, TBD Jan 21: at Saint Mary’s, 2 p.m.

Jan 26: vs. Loyola Marymount, 6 p.m.

Jan 28: vs. Pepperdine, 2 p.m.

Feb 2: at Santa Clara, TBD Feb 4: at San Francisco, TBD Feb 11: vs. Portland, TBD Feb 16: vs. Pacific, 6 p.m.

Feb 18: vs. Saint Mary’s, 2 p.m.

Feb 23: at San Diego, TBD Feb 25: at Brigham Young, TBD *-Bad Boy Mowers Battle 4 Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas

The lineup

Projected starters G-Kayleigh Truong, 5-9, Sr., 11.2 ppg, .345 from 3; F-Yvonne Ejim, 6-1, Jr., 10.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg; F-Eliza Hollingsworth, 6-3, R-Jr., 3.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg; G-Brynna Maxwell, 6-0, grad transfer, 10.5 ppg (at Utah); G-McKayla Williams, 6-1, Jr. Key reserves G-Kaylynne Truong, 5-8, Sr., 10.4 ppg, .351 from 3; G-Calli Stokes, 5-11, R-Fr.

The projection

WCC champs, NCAA bound: Gonzaga faces several nonconference heavyweights (Louisville, Stanford and possibly Texas), but should recover in time to make a big conference run. GU has the talent to make it to the Sweet 16 of the NCAAs. Prediction: 16-2 WCC, 23-5 overall.

T4 • Friday • November 4, 2022

Special Section

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2022-23

Courtney Vandersloot finished her Gonzaga career as the all-time leader in steals and assists.

Courtney Vandersloot’s No. 21 jersey will eventually hang at the Kennel; who might be next?

CHRISTOPHER ANDERSON THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

JESSE TINSLEY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

COLIN MULVANY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Katelan Redmon is GU’s all-time leader in career field-goal percentage at 51.7%.

Heather Bowman remains Gonzaga’s alltime leading scorer with 2,165 points.

By Jim Allen

FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

CHRISTOPHER ANDERSON/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Vivian Frieson averaged 12.5 points and 7.4 rebounds in her Gonzaga career.

Someday soon, the jersey of Gonzaga legend Courtney Vandersloot will take its much-deserved place in the rafters of the Kennel.

It will hang alongside the greats of the men’s program: John Stockton, Frank Burgess and Adam Morrison.

That’s elite company, and proof that GU doesn’t give out that honor lightly. After all, Ronny Turiaf, Dan Dickau and Kevin Pangos are among those still waiting, and there’s been plenty of buzz about current Zag Drew Timme.

That begs the question: Are there any obvious “next up” candidates in the women’s program?

No one is better qualified to consider that question than current head coach Lisa Fortier, whose history with the program dates to her days as a graduate assistant under Kelly Graves in 2003.

The Zags were in building mode back then, clawing their way out of the basement in the West Coast Conference when Vandersloot was still in high school.

Since then, they’ve done nothing but win, as several players put the team on their backs to help establish the program as the perennial tournament team it has become. Not surprisingly, some of them played one or more seasons with Vandersloot.

However, the program hardly lost a step with the graduation of Vandersloot in 2011 and the departure of Graves three years later.

Today, we look back at some of the greatest women (not named Courtney Vandersloot) to play at Gonzaga.

Vivian Frieson (2006-10)

The Zags were just beginning their upward trajectory when Frieson signed with the Zags out of Garfield High in Seattle.

“She was one of those as a freshman who didn’t really get it at first, it but just kept getting better,” Fortier said.

By the time she finished in 2009, the 6-foot-1 Frieson was the No. 2 career rebounder in school history (she now ranks fourth). She also averaged 12.5 points and 7.4 rebounds.

And Frieson was versatile. “She was the first forward who brought it up the court, Larry Birding it when we needed it,” Fortier said. “She was also a great passer, a very vocal leader and made some big shots.”

None was bigger than the bucket she put up with 18 seconds left in a second-round NCAA Tournament game against Texas A&M in 2010. It went in, sending the Zags to the first Sweet 16 in program history.

Heather Bowman (2006-10)

DAN PELLE/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Kayla Standish is regarded as one of the best forwards in program history.

Vandersloot was still attending high school in Kent, Washington, in 2006, when Bowman signed with GU out of Lewis and Clark High School.

Few adapted faster to the college game than Bowman, who was named WCC Player of the Year as a freshman in 2007.

By the time she finished her career, Bowman had 2,165 points and was the school’s career scoring leader, a title she still holds today.

“Her midrange shooting – at that time, for a post player, was the best we ever had,” Fortier said. “But mostly she was physical and tough, played with black eyes and didn’t ever shy away from bigger players.”

Also the top scorer in WCC history, Bowman was a four-time all-conference

and all-WCC tournament selection. For her career, she averaged 16.8 points and 6.8 boards.

Kayla Standish (2008-12)

Another key player during the best run in program history, Standish arrived at GU out of Ellensburg in 2008.

One of the best forwards in program history, the 6-2 Standish is best known for her back-to-back 30-point NCAA Tournament games against Iowa and UCLA in 2011.

With 1,585 points, Standish ranks eighth on the GU career scoring list, sixth in rebounds with 809 and second in blocked shots with 176.

“She’s always in the conversation (about top GU players) because she could do it all,” Fortier said. “People underestimated her.”

Katelan Redmon (2009-12)

A Spokane native who prepped at Lewis and Clark, Redmon played one year at Washington before returning home and playing three seasons with the Zags.

The 6-1 Redmon “was great in the midrange and a strong finisher around the basket, and she cared a lot about the game,” Fortier said of Redmon, one of the key players playing alongside Vandersloot.

Redmon also was a major factor in carrying the program forward after the Elite Eight run in 2011. Ten years after graduating, she still leads the program in career field-goal percentage (51.7%).

A two-time all-WCC pick, she ranks 10th in career scoring despite playing only three years at GU.

DAN PELLE/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Jill Barta scored 30 or more points in seven games, best in Gonzaga history.

Jill Barta (2015-18)

We will never know, but had she stuck around another year, Barta might have been the leading scorer in program, history.

In just three years (she redshirted as a freshman), the 6-1 forward from Montana rose high in the GU record book.

She’s seventh in career scoring, 1,620 points, 10th in rebounding (652) and is the top free-throw shooter in school history (85.2%).

Barta scored 30 more points in seven games, tops in GU history “If she’d stayed another year she would have shattered several of the records,” Fortier said. “She had all the confidence and she loved the big moment.”

A three-time all-WCC selection, Barta was at her best in the WCC Tournament. In 2017, she put up 37 points against Saint Mary’s in the tournament title game.

Jill Townsend (2017-21)

Statistics never meant much to Townsend, and they didn’t reflect her value on the court.

A 5-11 guard from Okanogan, Washington, she averaged just 9.7 points and 4.5 rebounds. Then again, she put up those numbers while playing just 22 minutes per game.

“She’s definitely in that conversation (on GU greats),” Fortier said. “So many times she played with injuries, and she did the things that got the whole building fired up.”

Others noticed. Going into her senior year, Townsend was the first player in program history to be named to the preseason watch list for national player of the year.

She also rose in the big moments, none bigger than her last-second, game-winning shot in the 2021 WCC title game.

COLIN MULVANY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Jill Townsend was on the preseason watch list for national player of the year.

Special Section

November 4, 2022 • Friday • T5

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2022-23

Returning starters Timme, Strawther and Bolton lead another GU roster loaded with depth

By Theo Lawson

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Mark Few normally saves his signature handstand celebration for big wins in March, but it would be understandable if the longtime Gonzaga coach made an exception this past June.

A big win is a big win, no matter the time of year.

Few may or may not have been on his hands, but Bulldog fans were certainly over the moon when All-American forward Drew Timme announced on social media – with 14 minutes to spare until the NBA’s early withdrawal deadline – he’d be returning to Gonzaga for a fourth season.

Nobody was counting the Bulldogs out of the national championship picture two days earlier, but Few’s job got a lot easier – and the job of GU’s opponents that much harder – when Timme, junior wing Julian Strawther and senior guard Rasir Bolton all made decisions to return to school, bolstering GU’s roster with three all-conference players who accounted for 41.4 points per game of production in 2021-22.

Timme, Strawther and Bolton had different things to consider as they went through the NBA draft process, and different motives for returning, but there was a mutual understanding of what it would mean for the Bulldogs’ national championship odds if all three were sharing the same court again come November.

“Me and Drew were together at the NBA combine, so we were able to chop it up at that time,” Strawther said. “At that time it was still kind of early, we didn’t have our decisions fully made up but we spoke about it. Then on my way home from the same trip, me and Rasir was on that same plane so we could talk about it.

Days leading up, we kind of texted, Ra was the first one to tell me, ‘Hey I’m going to head back.’

I kind of told same thing that night, I feel like I’m probably going to be back too.

“I feel like all of us coming back and making that decision together was really big and I feel like it’s big for the program.”

Few doesn’t have to deal with the headaches of replacing Timme, Strawther and Bolton, but building a rotation outside of the three returning starters is an exercise that presents its own challenges, especially if Gonzaga’s depth is as strong as it looks on paper.

Gonzaga rolled out a fourguard, small-ball lineup midway through the 2020-21 season and rode it to a 31-0 record before losing in the national championship game.

There’s a chance the Bulldogs will lean on a similar lineup this season, with sophomore Nolan Hickman at point guard and some combination of Bolton, Malachi Smith and Hunter Sallis occupying the two other guard positions. Gonzaga can then plug Strawther in as a small-ball

COLIN MULVANY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

The return of junior wing Julian Strawther gives Gonzaga a potent threat from outside and flexibility to go with a smaller, faster lineup. power forward, the same position Corey Kispert played for the Zags in 2020-21.

Few went with a bigger unit during a 99-80 exhibition loss to No. 11 Tennessee, starting Hickman, Bolton, Strawther, Anton Watson and Timme, but the coach declined to say whether the Zags would start that group in the season opener.

A former Kentucky commit, Hickman showed flashes last season while backing up second-round NBA Draft pick Andrew Nembhard, and has made considerable progress in the offseason according to Few. Bolton and Smith are two of the sport’s

Gonzaga men 2021-22 record 28-4, 13-1 WCC 2022-23 schedule Nov 7: vs. N. Florida, 6 p.m.

Nov 11: vs. Michigan St.*, 3:30 p.m.

Nov 16: at Texas, 6:30 p.m.

Nov 20: vs. Kentucky**, 4:30 p.m.

Nov 24: vs. Portland St.***, 9:30 p.m.

Nov 25: vs. Purdue or W. Virginia***, TBD Nov 27: TBD*** Dec 2: vs. Baylor****, TBD Dec 5: vs. Kent St., 6 p.m.

Dec 9: vs. Washington, 6 p.m.

From left, Julian Strawther, Rasir Bolton and Drew Timme return to anchor another deep, talented Gonzaga roster that must replace the defensive skills of Chet Holmgren, background.

TYLER TJOMSLAND THE SPOKESMANREVIEW

See GU MEN, 12

Dec 12: vs. N. Illinois, 6 p.m.

Dec 17: vs. Alabama, 10 a.m.

Dec 20: vs. Montana, 6 p.m.

Dec 28: vs. E. Oregon, 2 p.m.

Dec 31: vs. Pepperdine, 2 p.m.

Jan 5: at San Francisco, 8 p.m.

Jan 7: at Santa Clara, 7 p.m.

Jan 12: at Brigham Young, 6:30 p.m.

Jan 14: vs. Portland, 7 p.m.

Jan 19: vs. Loyola Marymount, TBD Jan 21: at Pacific, 7 p.m.

Jan 28: at Portland, 4 p.m.

Feb 2: vs. Santa Clara, 8 p.m.

Feb 4: at Saint Mary’s, 7 or 7:30 p.m.

Feb 9: vs. San Francisco, 6 p.m.

Feb 11: vs. Brigham Young, 7 p.m.

Feb 16: at Loyola Marymount, 8 p.m.

Feb 18: at Pepperdine, 4 p.m.

Feb 23: vs. San Diego, 8 p.m.

Feb 25: vs. Saint Mary’s, 7 p.m.

Mar 1: vs Chicago St., 6 p.m. *-USS Abraham Lincoln in San Diego **-Spokane Arena ***-PK85 in Portland ****-Sioux Falls, SD

The lineup

Projected starters G-Nolan Hickman, 6-2, So., 5.1 ppg, 1.2 apg; G-Rasir Bolton, 6-3, Sr., 11.2 ppg, 46% 3-pt; G-Malachi Smith, 6-4., R-Jr., 19.9 ppg, 6.7 rpg; F-Julian Strawther, 6-7, Jr., 11.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg; F-Drew Timme, 6-10, Sr., 18.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg Key reserves G-Hunter Sallis, 6-5, So., 4.3 ppg, 2.0 rpg; F-Anton Watson, 6-8, Sr., 7.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg

The surprise

Hunting for minutes: Hunter Sallis might be a shoo-in to start for 350 of the 358 teams that play Division I college basketball, but Gonzaga’s backcourt depth is such that one of the nation’s top-50 guards is expected to come off the bench.

For now at least. If Sallis turns into the defensive menace many think he will be – and makes 3-point shots at a decent clip – he could become a starter by season’s end. If not we still like him as an option in Gonzaga’s closing lineup, especially if the Bulldogs need to lock down an opposing guard.

The projection

Final Four: It’s asking a lot of Gonzaga to secure a No. 1 NCAA Tournament seed for the third straight season, especially with the rigors of the nonconference schedule.

The Bulldogs are certainly capable this year, especially if they can get through nonleague play with only one or two losses, but we’ll go ahead and pencil them in as a No. 2 seed for now.

Gonzaga wasn’t inexperienced last year, but this year’s starting unit could feature five players who’ve amassed more than 10,000 minutes in their careers. The Bulldogs shouldn’t lose many 3-point shooting battles this season and they have one of the best post players the sport’s seen. A third Final Four appearance in six years would be quite the feat. We’ll take the Zags to get back there, but not the national championship. Prediction: 15-1 West Coast Conference, 27-3 overall

T6 • Friday • November 4, 2022

Special Section

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2022-23

BYU’s final WCC season opens door for another program to step up

By John Blanchette

FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

The Brigham Young Farewell Tour, anticipated for more than a year, finally kicks into gear this Christmas.

With 11 years in the West Coast Conference behind them, the Cougars make their last stops in Stockton and Portland and Moraga – but maybe not Spokane, as both BYU and Gonzaga have made noises about resuming their relationship outside the conference umbrella.

Then it’s off to the Big 12 for the Cougars – while the WCC tries to keep its NET ranking propped up without one of its heavy hitters.

In all likelihood, the Cougars will conclude their dozen years in the WCC without a regular-season or tournament championship – the Zags being overwhelming favorites again, and Saint Mary’s in its usual position as ambitious understudy. That’s undoubtedly frustrated a rabid fan base that expected more when BYU fled the Mountain West Conference. That there’s only been one trip to the NCAA Tournament in the past seven years – COVID-19 wiping out a sure-thing bid in 2020 – hasn’t improved the mood.

The WCC will have its own issues when the Cougars vamoose: odd-team travel logistics and scheduling strength. So while this is goodbye, it’s also an open audition for what program from the conference’s middle tier might be ready to step up in stature.

Could it be San Francisco? The Dons broke through for their first NCAA bracket appearance in 24 years last season, and were predicted to finish third – in a tie with BYU – in the preseason coaches’ poll. They will be playing for their third coach in five years – Chris Gerlufsen – but that’s a product of their success.

His predecessors turned enough heads to merit promotions to power conference schools – Kyle Smith to Washington State and Todd Golden to Florida.

Or maybe it’ll be Portland.

Former Eastern Washington coach Shantay Legans got the Pilots off the mat in a big way in his first season on the Bluff, and returns nearly every player of consequence. Of course, another good year could make him popular when the coaching carousel starts spinning again in March.

Or maybe it’ll be San Diego.

The Toreros made a splash in the hiring department when they lured former UCLA and St. John’s coach Steve Lavin out of the broadcasting business. That should be good for some national attention – beyond what Gonzaga will bring during another attempt at that tricky summit, a national championship.

Brigham Young Cougars

Coach: Mark Pope (145-82), fourth year at BYU 2021-22 record: 24-11.

WCC: 9-6, fifth Key newcomers: Rudi Williams (6-2, G); Noah Waterman (6-11, F); Jaxson Robinson (6-6, G) Key losses: Alex Barcello, Te’Jon Lucas, Caleb Lohner Outlook: There’s a sense that the Cougars’ eyes are more on their future in the Big 12 than this last dance in the WCC. Not that Pope didn’t do his due diligence in the portal, landing a solid scoring guard in Williams (Coastal Carolina) and a stretchy arc shooter in Waterman (Detroit). But there does seem to be a lack of top-end firepower, unless rugged Fousseymi Traore breaks out on the offensive end. Wings Gideon George and Spencer Johnson will get chances to show they’re more than solid role players, and some help will have to come from the usual class of mission returnees.

TYLER TJOMSLAND/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Saint Mary’s guard Logan Johnson dunks against Gonzaga in the West Coast Conference championship game last March in Las Vegas. man Ahrens and Stanford’s Taitz; Graham (Elon) and 7-foot1 Rick Issanza (Oklahoma) bring the size. But the Lions could also use a more productive year from Cam Shelton, who lit up the Big Sky at Northern Arizona but was a disappointment in his LMU debut. And it wouldn’t hurt if swingman Dameane Douglas could put together an injury-free year.

Pacific Tigers

Coach: Leonard Perry (56119), second year at Pacific 2021-22 record: 8-22. WCC: 3-11, eighth Key newcomers: Tyler Beard (6-2, G); Jordan Ivy-Curry (6-2, G); Judson Martindale (6-7, F) Key losses: Alphonso Anderson, Jeremiah Bailey, Pierre Crockrell II Outlook: Even in his days at Idaho, Perry may not have done a makeover this drastic – eight new players coming aboard, six of them out of the transfer portal. One, Beard (Georgetown), is the likely point guard; another, Ivy-Curry (UTSA) will be counted on for point production.

They’ll join one holdover starter, deep shooter Luke Avdalovic, and slashing scorer Nic Blake, who was once a top-100 recruit.

But the Tigers still don’t have much size and only one player with more than a year’s investment in the program.

Pepperdine Waves

Coach: Lorenzo Romar (445355), eighth year at Pepperdine 2021-22 record: 7-25. WCC: 1-15, 10th Key newcomers: Boubacar

Coulibaly (6-10, F); Jevon Porter (6-11, F); David Mager (6-3, G) Key losses: Jade Smith, Keith Fisher III Outlook: Romar’s youth movement suffered the predictable struggles – 25 losses – but if he can keep all the kids together, the Waves could have quite a future. Guard Houston Mallette was the conference’s best freshman not named Chet Holmgren, and was only one of four in the starting lineup the last half the season. Point guard Mike Mitchell Jr. averaged nearly five assists a game, forward Maxwell Lewis proved an adept scorer and big man Carson Basham made big strides down the stretch. With veteran Jan Zidek and top recruit Porter – brother of the Denver Nuggets’ Michael Porter Jr. – the Waves have weapons.

Portland Pilots

Coach: Shantay Legans (9464), second year at Portland 2021-22 record: 19-15.

WCC: 7-7, sixth Key newcomers: Vukasin Masic (6-5, G); Joey St. Pierre (6-10, C); Juan Sebastian Gorosito (6-1, G) Key losses: Matheus Silveira, Matija Svetozarevic Outlook: Though the Pilots were only .500 in conference, a coach of the year vote for Legans wouldn’t have been out of line, given the program’s lack of a pulse the previous five seasons. Now five starters return, including the two aces Legans brought with him from Eastern Washington, do-everything swingman Tyler Robertson and point guard Michael Meadows.

Both Moses Wood and Chris

Austin proved themselves to be WCC-quality shot-makers, and Chika Nduka is willing, if undersized, inside. Depth arrives in another versatile piece, Masic (Maine), and a much-needed big in St. Pierre (Milwaukee). Keep an eye on flamboyant Gorosito, too.

Saint Mary’s Gaels

Coach: Randy Bennett (483202), 22nd year 2021-22 record: 26-8. WCC: 12-3, second Key newcomers: Aidan Mahaney (6-3, G); Joshua Jefferson (6-8, F); Mason Forbes (6-9, F) Key losses: Matthias Tass, Tommy Kuhse, Dan Fotu Outlook: Bennett figures to win his 500th game in late January or early February. It is not true that Tommy Kuhse was a part of 400 of those, though it does seem as if the one-time walk-on has been in Bennett’s lineup for a decade. Now it’ll be Augustas Marciulionis – son of the Hall of Famer – behind the wheel, unless he gets displaced by highly regarded freshman Mahaney. But the real energy will come from Logan Johnson, who despite an unreliable perimeter shot and some turnover issues still stirs the drink. Bennett needs Mitchell Saxen to blossom as a scorer inside, and Harvard transfer Forbes should get a chance to produce.

San Diego Toreros

Coach: Steve Lavin (237-150), first year at USD 2021-22 record: 15-16.

WCC: 7-9, seventh Key newcomers: Jaiden Delaire (6-9, F); Seikou Sisoho

San Francisco Dons

Coach: Chris Gerlufsen (85), first year at USF 2021-22 record: 24-10.

WCC: 10-6, fourth Key newcomers: Tyrell Roberts (5-11, G); Toni Rocak (69, F); Marcus Williams (6-2, G) Key losses: Jamaree Bouyea, Yauhen Massalski, Gabe Stefanini Outlook: The Dons’ first trip to the NCAA Tournament since 1998 didn’t last long, but it got Todd Golden a unlikely opportunity at Florida – and Gerlufsen a promotion. He’ll have to carry on without the exciting Jamaree Bouyea, but Roberts – who never met a 3 he didn’t take – arrives from Washington State to partner with the relentless Khalil Shabazz in the backcourt.

Two other transfers loom large, too – Rocak (UC San Diego), who figures to inherit Yauhen Massalski’s minutes, and Williams (Texas A&M). Steady Julian Rishwain seems ready to make a jump, too.

Santa Clara Broncos

Loyola Marymount Lions

Coach: Stan Johnson (2427), third year 2021-22 record: 11-18. WCC: 3-12, ninth Key newcomers: Justin Ahrens (6-6, G); Noah Taitz (63, G); Michael Graham (6-8, F) Key losses: Eli Scott, Joe Quintana Outlook: Johnson took the extraordinary step of apologizing to the Lions’ small constituency for his club’s performance midway through last season.

Then it was off to the portal for more perimeter shooting and muscle. The former should come from Ohio State marks-

Jawara (6-3, G); Eric Williams (6-7, F) Key losses: Joey Calcaterra, Josh Parrish, Vladimir Pinchuk Outlook: For all the new faces at USD – would you believe 10 players? – the one that will inspire the most curiosity is coach Lavin, back on the bench after eight years in television. Can a job outside the L.A. and New York glitz really hold his interest? Lavin starts with a capable holdover nucleus: big wing Marcellus Earlington and guards Jase Townsend and Wayne McKinney III. Portal catches Delaire (Stanford), Williams (Oregon) and Jawara (Weber State) will have instant impact, and 6-8 Bendji Pierre will provide help inside and out.

TYLER TJOMSLAND/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Portland coach Shantay Legans reacts from the bench during a game against Gonzaga last January at McCarthey Athletic Center.

Coach: Herb Sendek (510379), seventh year at Santa Clara 2021-22 record: 21-12.

WCC: 10-5, third Key newcomers: Carlos Marshall Jr. (6-6, G); Brandin Podziemski (6-5, G); Jake Ensiminger (6-8, G) Key losses: Jalen Williams, Josip Vrankic, PJ Pipes Outlook: Williams sprouted into one of the WCC’s biggest homegrown surprises in years, becoming the No. 12 pick in the NBA draft after three years. But Sendek has other big personnel losses to account for, too, and it looks like he’s counting on development from within. The top holdover, Keshawn Justice, is a tough matchup, shooting it well from 3 and boarding hard. Carlos Stewart is the likely heir to Williams, but slumped badly at season’s end. Wing Marshall Jr. does arrive from Tennessee State with some promise, but returnees Giordan Williams and Jason Bediako must expand their roles.

See Gonzaga preview, page 5

Special Section

November 4, 2022 • Friday • T7

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2022-23

BRIAN PLONKA/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Gonzaga’s Ronny Turiaf throws down a dunk in a 2004 game.

Panel of ex-players, local celebrities and media personalities tackles the ultimate question

By Theo Lawson

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

What defines the ‘Ultimate Zag?’ Some may point to the blue collar work ethic that characterized many of Gonzaga’s teams during the Cinderella era. Perhaps it’s a distinct physical feature (looking at you Adam Morrison, Przemek Karnowski and Drew Timme).

Others might say someone who elevated the Bulldogs’ program to previously unforeseen heights as a result of their individual brilliance.

There’s not necessarily a correct answer, or a wrong one, when presenting the debate to those who’ve been intimately close to Gonzaga basketball the last three decades.

We posed a form of that question – ‘Who’s the ultimate Zag?’ ‘Who’s your favorite Zag?’ or ‘Who’s the player that best personifies Zag culture?’ – to a panel of former players, local celebrities, media personalities, authors and others.

And the survey says ...

“Adam Morrison. David Pendergraft. The fight and the grit Pendo has was unbelievable and he never got much credit for it. Adam, the fight and grit he had, he got a bunch of credit for. But the pride that he played with to be at Gonzaga was unmatched.” – Jeremy Pargo, Gonzaga guard from 2005-09 “Blake Stepp. Can’t think of anyone put in a worse position than he was as a true freshman when (Dan) Dickau broke a bone in his hand and Stepp stepped in at the point. To make it even worse was the weird, painful knee problem he was having. Dickau told me

DAN PELLE/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Gonzaga’s David Pendergraft battles Georgia’s Sundiata Gaines in 2007.

later he couldn’t imagine himself, or anyone else, being able to do the things Stepp did while dealing with the pain. Plus, he called me up from the back of long, long Southwest boarding line at the Oakland airport one trip and let me in ahead of him so I could board early with the team.” – Steve Bergum, former Gonzaga beat writer for The Spokesman-Review “I have lots of favorites … Blake Stepp, Matt Santangelo, Casey Calvary, but the one that I still remain in contact with is Jordan Mathews. He was an exceptional student in my class at Gonzaga, and a wonderful human being. I even got the chance to meet his family when we covered the championship game in Phoenix. Wonderful young man who just got engaged!”

– Stephanie Vigil, KHQ news anchor “Sadly I can’t choose one, so I will choose three: Mike Nilson, whose hustle and defense symbolize the backbone of the program; David Pendergraft, whose heart is always the Warrior’s heart, ready for any war, the heart of courage; and JP Batista, what we called out whenever he was playing was, ‘He’s hungry, feed the beast.’ And then it was buckets. One of the toughest players I’ve ever been around and incredibly also one of the kindest men. All three of them really, graceful, powerful men who show the character of the program.

(And) I’d add Ronny Turiaf, the soul of the program.” – Shann Ferch, author/poet and Hoopfest legend “Really tough call. I’ll go with Micah Downs over Pendo and (Derek) Raivio. Micah transferred from Kansas and I just think he looked comfortable as a See ULTIMATE ZAG, 8

BRIAN PLONKA/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Gonzaga forward Adam Morrison lies on the court after UCLA defeated the Zags in 2006 in the NCAA regional semifinals in Oakland.

T8 • Friday • November 4, 2022

Special Section

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2022-23

DAN PELLE/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW CHRISTOPHER ANDERSON/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Gonzaga’s Dan Dickau is fouled on the way to the hoop in a 2002 NCAA loss to Wyoming.

ULTIMATE ZAG Continued from 7

Zag, like he felt at home here. He was honest and open, he seemed to appreciate everything that came with being a Gonzaga player. He might have had the most bounce of any player in team history.” – Keith Osso, former KXLY sports director “Jeff Brown is the Ultimate Zag. He made transferring fashionable 30 years prior to the transfer portal. He helped create the culture that became instrumental in getting the Zags where they are today.” – Oliver Pierce, former longtime sports information director at Gonzaga “When David Pendergraft came out of Brewster High, he was highly thought of but not as highly recruited as others in the Northwest. And yet, he became an integral part of Gonzaga’s success story due to his willingness to do whatever was needed to win. Rebound? Check. Be physical? Certainly.

Score? If needed. Though his stats were never at the level of others, nor was his national recognition, his contributions on the court, in the lockerroom and in the community were exceptional.” – Vince Grippi, Spokesman-Review columnist “Favorite Zag for me would’ve been John (Stockton). I grew up figuring I was going to be about the same size and used him as a guide for if he could make it, I’m going to be similar size, give it my all, I’ll see if I can make it. Growing up in high school and then at UW, I was No. 12 because of John. Then when I decided to transfer (to Gonzaga) I knew I wasn’t going to get it, I knew it wasn’t retired, so I just flipped the number around to be 21.” – Dan Dickau, Gonzaga guard from 1999-2002 “I couldn’t choose between Mike Nilson and David Pendergraft because when I played pickup ball with them, neither one passed it to me enough (now that I think about it, no one ever has …) So, I’m going with Stephen Gray, because, besides being a super-smooth-shooting wing, he acted on stage in Gonzaga’s productions of “Romeo and Juliet” and “Take Me Out.” People always talk about athletes showing grit and determination, but I’m most impressed by the courage it takes to step outside the game and do something artistic.” – Jess Walter, best-selling author and ultimate streak shooter “Adam Morrison is the Ultimate Zag. Anybody who collapses to the floor in tears after an NCAA tournament loss has the proper perspective on Gonzaga basketball. He will never be forgotten.” – Nicholas K. Geranios, longtime Associated Press reporter “My favorite all-time Zag is impossible to pick but if you put a gun to my head (please don’t) it would be Mike Nilson. He is everything Gonzaga is about and willed himself from walk-on to the WCC Defensive Player of the Year. He played so hard

and always got better and was also my first comedy partner. Me being able to follow my dream wouldn’t have happened without Mike and also Richie Frahm for showing dreams can come true with belief and insane levels of perseverance. Go Zags!” – Eric Edelstein, actor & comedian/Gonzaga graduate “Maybe it’s recency bias, but Drew Timme has been the best player on Zag teams that have been ranked No. 1 in the final AP poll the last two seasons.

Scorer, leader, All-American, sure, but it’s more with Timme. He’s been the heartbeat of the team, taking over in the go-to moments, shouldering the load.

And when he could have gone, he decided to stay and give Gonzaga even more. Optimus Zagus.” – Dave Boling, Spokesman-Review columnist “My favorite Zags are the walk-on guys from the old era. Mike Nilson, Ryan Floyd, guys that were part of those teams that had no guarantee, came here, worked their butts off to get a job. ... I know the Floyd family, I covered his older brother in high school so I got to know them even before he was here. One of my favorite stories of when I was doing games, we were at UCLA and he’s going through the warmup line pregame and all the sudden out of the middle of nowhere he takes off running, off the court, over into the stands. Well John Wooden had just walked in, and Ryan Floyd is a historian and he ran over there in his uniform to shake his hand. Well Ryan goes off for 17 points, he had five 3-pointers. I had him in the postgame show and all he could talk about was shaking John Wooden’s hand, that helped him hit five 3-pointers, and he said he was never going to wash his hands again.” – Dennis Patchin, SWX sports director “At least for the spirit of the game was Adam Morrison. When he would get hot it was so much fun to watch. Shooting from everywhere, and anywhere! That was such a fun run that year. I loved Ronny Turiaf’s spirit. He was one of my all-time favorites, as well. Loved his enthusiasm! So many great ones to mention: Dan Dickau in the early days of the run. Richie Frahm was a tremendous athlete, and fun to watch, too! And, even though we only had him for one year – Jalen Suggs was spectacular!

I loved him from the first day!” – Dave Sposito, KZZU radio personality “When you consider Drew Timme’s career, some of the statistics and records are almost unfathomable: 90 wins and only seven losses, 32 weeks spent at No. 1 in the AP Top 25 (of 58 possible) and 204 points in the NCAA Tournament – 55 more than Gonzaga’s previous record-holder, Adam Morrison. I still remember a groggy Timme showing up to an afternoon media availability last season with bed head and a sandwich in hand. Two days later he put on a low-post clinic against No. 5 Texas, scoring 37 points in an 86-74 win at the Kennel. Timme’s mastered the college game while simultaneously becoming the face – or rather, facial

Gonzaga coaches Mark Few and Brian Michaelson call a play for the Zags during a 2022 game in the McCarthey Athletic Center. hair – of the sport.” – Theo Lawson, Gonzaga beat writer at The Spokesman-Review “Loved everything about Przemek Karnowski.

Mountain of a man but a heart of gold. Maybe the greatest comeback story in program history.

Returns from a potentially career ending back injury and wins the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award. GU doesn’t make the championship game without him. Best true center in program history in my view.” – Richard Fox, Gonzaga center from 2002-04 “Zach Norvell Jr. I didn’t grow up a Zags fan, so my fandom is much more abbreviated than most. But Snacks’ passion, charisma and knack for torrid shooting explosions made him a delightful player. He operated with a level of candidness and transparency that were easy qualities for which to root.” – Jackson Frank, freelance NBA writer/ Gonzaga alum “A few key traits of being ‘The Ultimate Zag’ are selflessness and grit. BMike (assistant coach Brian Michaelson) continues to showcase these characteristics again and again. From giving up multiple scholarships to walk-on at GU to quitting a very successful career to start as a volunteer assistant, his impact on this program has and will continue to span across multiple generations.”

– David Pendergraft, Gonzaga forward from 2004-08 “Golden Circle: John Stockton: Saw him beat Eastern (Washington) at Reese Court in 1983. We all said, ‘Let’s go see this guy.’ He carved his way (through) everyone. Richie Frahm: Always had a fondness for those ’99 overachievers. Pure shooter and could run the floor. Dan Dickau: (Two) years of greatness. Final memories of the old Kennel and transition to McCarthy. Casey Calvary: Most opportunistic player. Always at the right place, right time. He had an extra level when needed. So many others!” – Ken Hopkins, KZZU radio personality and a dominant force in the old Hoopfest media division “My friend Matt Santangelo (as Ultimate a Zag as you’ll find) refused to pick, saying it’s an impossible choice. He told me, ‘I’m not very good with All-Zags teams, Ultimate Zags, etc.’ That’s when I realized I’m not either, because you could pick just about anyone, from Santangelo, to Pendergraft, to Jalen Suggs (whose one year was as Zaggy as you can get) and not be wrong. So I’ll go with former men’s coach Dan Fitzgerald, the guy who started the Zag way and would treat me to an occasional beer and hours – upon hours – of entertainment, and Courtney Vandersloot, who dominated the women’s game in a way we may never see again.” – Ralph Walter, Spokesman-Review sports editor Theo Lawson can be reached at (509) 939-5928 or theol@spokesman.com.

Gonzaga’s Courtney Vandersloot roars after being fouled on a jump shot during a 2011 win over Louisville at the Spokane Arena.

CHRISTOPHER ANDERSON/THE S-R

CHRISTOPHER ANDERSON/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Steven Gray of Gonzaga plays with a bandage over his eye in the 2011 WCC Championship game against Saint Mary’s.

DAN PELLE/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Gonzaga coach Dan Fitzgerald gestures at the referees in his last home game as coach in 1997.

Special Section

November 4, 2022 • Friday • T9

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2022-23

GONZAGAGREATS

By Charles Apple | THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

You just have to love this time of year. Temperatures have fallen. Leaves have fallen.

Very soon, it’ll be time for college basketball teams to fall to our Gonzaga Bulldogs.

And who knows? Perhaps some of Gonzaga’s statistical records will fall as well.

Here’s a look at the top five career leaders in four key stats for both the Zags’ men’s and women’s programs.

MEN

WOMEN

CAREER SCORING LEADERS

2,196 2,015 1,867 1,857 1,824

CAREER SCORING LEADERS

FRANK BURGESS

195961

HEATHER BOWMAN

JIM McPHEE

198690 200406

COURTNEY VANDERSLOOT

ADAM MORRISON

TAMMY TIBBLES

ELIAS HARRIS

JESSICA MALONE

200913

KEVIN PANGOS

201215

926

ADAM MORRISON

2005-06

842

751

FRANK BURGESS

FRANK BURGESS

1960-61

1959-60

736

KYLE WILTJER

979 910 880 859

2015-16

KAY KOPPELMAN

VIVIAN FRIESON

RONNY TURIAF

JUANITA RIVERA

2015-16

402

2006-10

1953-54

200609

JEREMY PARGO

198184

JOHN STOCKTON

1999-00

201

2003-04

1983-84

68

288

2010-11

1984-85

1993-94

1985-86

198286

1,118

459 445 439

367

321

239

207

2010-11

2009-10

2008-09

1984-85

COURTNEY COURTNEY COURTNEY MARIA VANDERSLOOT VANDERSLOOT VANDERSLOOT STACK

CAREER STEALS LEADERS COURTNEY VANDERSLOOT

AMY SIMPSON

200609

JEREMY PARGO

200710

MATT BOULDIN

2016-17

LISA VESTAL

600

200205

AMY SIMPSON

KEVIN PANGOS

64

JUANITA RIVERA

200711

201620

201215

68

LISA VESTAL

JESSSE LOERA

HAIDEN PALMER

JOHN JOHN JOHN NIGEL STOCKTON STOCKTON STOCKTON WILLIAMS1983-84 1981-82 1982-83 GOSS Sources: Gonzaga Sports Information

289

JOSH PERKINS

SINGLE-SEASON STEALS LEADERS

109

292

SINGLE-SEASON ASSIST LEADERS

JOHN STOCKTON

201519

199194

LAURA 2015STOCKTON 19

CAREER STEALS LEADERS 198184

200610

SHANNON MATHEWS

BLAKE JOHN STEPP STOCKTON

262 178 177 170 170

200610

COURTNEY VANDERSLOOT

SINGLE-SEASON ASSIST LEADERS

207

201216

CAREER ASSIST LEADERS

BLAKE STEPP

200104

983 932 874 832 820

198791

304

KAYLA STANDISH

DAN PELLE/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

MATT SANTANGELO

199700

KAYLA STANDISH

SINGLE-SEASON REBOUND LEADERS

Heather Bowman

JOSH PERKINS

201519

2018-19

2010-11

HEATHER BOWMAN

CAREER REBOUND LEADERS

CAREER ASSIST LEADERS

225

2008-09

CORY VIOLETTE

426

JOSH MATT PERKINS SANTANGELO

1984-85

HEATHER BOWMAN

1954-55

234

2010-11

GARY LECHMAN

440

712 668 640 589 554

617

196567

JERRY JERRY DOMANTAS JERRY VERMILLION VERMILLION SABONIS VERMILLION 1952-53

641

SHELBY CHESLEK

SINGLE-SEASON REBOUND LEADERS

456

707

ELIAS HARRIS

200205

199195

712

200913

200104

199802

COURTNEY MARIA VANDERSLOOT STACK

JERRY VERMILLION

195255

198488

SINGLE-SEASON SCORING LEADERS

CAREER REBOUND LEADERS

1,670

200711

IVY SAFRANSKI

SINGLE-SEASON SCORING LEADERS

2,165 2,073 2,011 1,703 1,702

200610

Frank Burgess 1959-61

THE SPOKESMANREVIEW FILES

IVY SAFRANSKI SHANNON MATHEWS

200711

286

201114 198286 199195 200205

366

235 221 217

SINGLE-SEASON STEALS LEADERS

121

114

105

103

2009-10

2010-11

2012-13

2013-14

COURTNEY COURTNEY HAIDEN VANDERSLOOT VANDERSLOOT PALMER

HAIDEN PALMER

T10 • Friday • November 4, 2022

Special Section

November 4, 2022 • Friday • T11

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2022-23 COMMENTARY

TYLER TJOMSLAND/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Gonzaga forward Drew Timme scored 25 points in a Sweet 16 loss to Arkansas last March.

Best ever or not, Timme has firmly established himself as the Zag for all eras

COLIN MULVANY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Gonzaga’s Drew Timme, a two-time AP All-American and the program’s all-time leading scorer in the NCAA Tournament, would climb to second on GU’s career scoring list if he matches his production over the past two seasons.

“

We’ve had some great characters over the years and also just incredible players. He’s certainly at the top of those lists, and I think you could say the same in the history of college basketball. I keep throwing this stat out and I think it’s pretty close to accurate: He’s probably spent as much time ranked No. 1 as he hasn’t, which is a ridiculous statistic.”

HAPPILY EVER RAFTERS Gonzaga basketball coach Mark Few

With plenty of games still to play, Drew Timme is on pace to eclipse even the greatest of the Gonzaga greats

By Jim Meehan

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Drew Timme put up some of quality defensive work when the topic of his legacy at Gonzaga and in college basketball surfaced recently.

It isn’t the first time he’s been asked the question. It won’t be the last. He gave a reasoned response, but he’s keenly aware any answer would be incomplete with his senior season about to take flight. It’s like taking a four-page test with only three pages on your desk.

“That’s something I’ve definitely heard a lot about,” Timme said. “That’s something I can’t fully appreciate because I am in the moment and I don’t want to really think about that. It’s more important to take care of the now and take care of business. Wherever the dominoes fall, they fall.

“It’s definitely super cool and an honor to even be mentioned in conversations in those areas.”

How could he not be? Timme is a twotime AP All-American (second team the past two years) and the program’s all-time leading scorer in the NCAA Tournament.

He enters the season 15th on Gonzaga’s career scoring list and would rise to second if his production matches his previous two seasons.

It’s a complex exercise comparing players from different eras and Timme’s career to, say, all-time leading scorer Frank Burgess, who averaged 23.2, 28.9 and 32.4 points, respectively, while tallying nearly 2,200 points in just three seasons from 1959-61.

Or John Stockton, who become one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Or Adam Morrison, who elevated the program to another stratosphere while earning 2006 co-national player of the year with Duke’s J.J. Redick. Nor is it easy comparing fouryear standouts with a growing list of stars who wore a Zags uniform for one or two seasons before moving on to the NBA. What seems indisputable is that Timme, by any measure, stacks up just fine, even if he never scored on another balletic post move, punctuated by a ’stache celebration and maybe a word or two for a flummoxed defender.

Coach Mark Few took a swing at Timme’s place in GU and college hoops annals. Like Timme, Few has shifted into in-season mode with a string of marquee nonconference games ahead.

“He’s the epitome of what’s good with NIL (name, image and likeness) and also with everything that’s going on with the attention,” Few said. “I also think Drew would have been fine 20 years ago, I think he would have appreciated the anonymity where he could do his own thing.

“We’ve had some great characters over the years and also just incredible players.

He’s certainly at the top of those lists, and I think you could say the same in the history of college basketball. I keep throwing this stat out and I think it’s pretty close to accurate: He’s probably spent as much time ranked No. 1 as he hasn’t, which is a ridiculous statistic. … It’s hard to maybe comprehend See TIMME, 12

FILE/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

John Stockton holds up a replica of his No. 12 Gonzaga jersey before his number was retired at a 2004 ceremony.

DAN PELLE/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Frank Burgess grins while watching a video presentation during a 2005 ceremony where his No. 44 was retired.

COLIN MULVANY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Adam Morrison speaks to the crowd after his No. 3 jersey was hoisted to the rafters during a 2020 ceremony.

Drew Timme ended last season with an unnecessary apology. And he started this one with a surprise announcement.

With those two acts, Timme may have redefined the concept of being a Zag. Is he the best-ever Gonzaga player? He’s certainly in the pantheon. Given the number of previous All-Americans and national award winners, there are others to consider. Although he could put the issue to rest with another massive DAVE season.

BOLING I would argue that he already stands, uniquely, as a Zag for all eras. If we accept “Zag” as a SPOKESMAN collective noun, combining those contributing COLUMNIST to or supporting the Gonzaga basketball phenomenon, we may choose to consider Timme the quintessence of Zag. Why? Timme is an amalgam, carrying the ultracompetitive DNA of Zag Founding Fathers while also playing at the level of the elite alums now sprinkled across NBA rosters.

A recognizable character and national icon of performative facialhair maintenance, Timme plays with consistent excellence and contagious joy. He takes the game seriously, but not himself.

The junior forward showed it all on the national stage last spring, averaging 27 points and 11 rebounds in the NCAA Tournament, altering games with scoring spurts and lane dominance against highlevel opponents.

He personally commandeered tough first weekend contests against Georgia State and Memphis, and put up 25 points in the loss to Arkansas in the Sweet 16, an obvious disappointment for the No. 1 seeded Zags. Asked what he had said to his teammates in the locker room, he took time to catch his breath.

“I just said that I was – sorry.”

He bore no culpability, but he shared the pain as a team leader does. Much had been invested and much had been expected. Losing to Arkansas was not in the plan.

His post-game message sounded like a valedictory, a sad but inevitable farewell. He next would be drafted into the NBA because that’s what draft-worthy players do.

Not Timme. He had nothing to prove by returning to GU, but he did anyway. “I’m back,” he announced laconically, electronically.

With his Name, Image, Likeness contracts in hand, the lure of the NBA was not as fiscally compelling as in past years. He could make a load of money either way. He explained: “I really enjoy being a college kid.”

No kidding, who doesn’t? What can make being a college kid even more enjoyable? Being a college basketball star with a lot of money.

His return makes college basketball better. Timme and Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe, who will square off Nov. 20 in Spokane in an early must-watch matchup, were both unanimous preseason AllAmericans. The meeting will be classic.

Just a theory here, but part of Timme’s fan appeal in Spokane may be that he’s such a stylistic descendant of the old-time Zags from back before the NCAAs became an annual expectation. Maybe a root of how Gonzaga basketball got to this point could be traced back to the way those early players made Zag hoops different and special.

That series of underdog Zags passed down serious attitude, believing that every possession be conducted as a vendetta, and each loss an insult to their bloodline. John Stockton’s NBA fame after graduation helped spur GU’s early recognition, of course.

But vintage fans will recall so many others contributing to the rise, some perhaps detecting bits of the McPhees and Matt Santangelo and Blake Stepp in the aggressive play of recent star Jalen Suggs.

And maybe Timme’s dominance in the post blends and amplifies the best Casey Calvary ferocity, Jeff Brown intelligence and Cory Violette creativity.

Maybe it’s working too hard to add hints of nostalgia to the modern business that is college basketball at Gonzaga.

But I guarantee coach Mark Few reveres the contributions of those guys from when he first got to Gonzaga as an unknown assistant, when effort and grit were mandated but ego deemed unacceptable.

Few shops for the highest talent across the country these days, but if he sees a spark of the old Zag determination in some prospects, you know he’s going to recognize it.

Timme certainly has a strong streak of it.

Example: Few and the Zags were sweating out a potentially disastrous upset in their NCAA opener against 16th seeded Georgia State last March. But Timme went full-Timme, scoring 22 points in the second half with a low-block master class of moves.

When Timme came off the court, a relieved Few approached him and poked his finger at his chest a few times, which had to mean, “I appreciate what you did there for us, big man.” And Timme, because he is Timme, and this was a chance to mess with his coach and entertain his teammates at the same time, patted Few on the head.

It was poignant and comical and perfect.

And it adhered to a basketball truism: Zag recognize Zag.

DAVE BOLING

SPOKESMA COLUMNIS

T10 • Friday • November 4, 2022

Special Section

November 4, 2022 • Friday • T11

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2022-23 COMMENTARY

TYLER TJOMSLAND/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Gonzaga forward Drew Timme scored 25 points in a Sweet 16 loss to Arkansas last March.

Best ever or not, Timme has firmly established himself as the Zag for all eras

COLIN MULVANY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Gonzaga’s Drew Timme, a two-time AP All-American and the program’s all-time leading scorer in the NCAA Tournament, would climb to second on GU’s career scoring list if he matches his production over the past two seasons.

“

We’ve had some great characters over the years and also just incredible players. He’s certainly at the top of those lists, and I think you could say the same in the history of college basketball. I keep throwing this stat out and I think it’s pretty close to accurate: He’s probably spent as much time ranked No. 1 as he hasn’t, which is a ridiculous statistic.”

HAPPILY EVER RAFTERS Gonzaga basketball coach Mark Few

With plenty of games still to play, Drew Timme is on pace to eclipse even the greatest of the Gonzaga greats

By Jim Meehan

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Drew Timme put up some of quality defensive work when the topic of his legacy at Gonzaga and in college basketball surfaced recently.

It isn’t the first time he’s been asked the question. It won’t be the last. He gave a reasoned response, but he’s keenly aware any answer would be incomplete with his senior season about to take flight. It’s like taking a four-page test with only three pages on your desk.

“That’s something I’ve definitely heard a lot about,” Timme said. “That’s something I can’t fully appreciate because I am in the moment and I don’t want to really think about that. It’s more important to take care of the now and take care of business. Wherever the dominoes fall, they fall.

“It’s definitely super cool and an honor to even be mentioned in conversations in those areas.”

How could he not be? Timme is a twotime AP All-American (second team the past two years) and the program’s all-time leading scorer in the NCAA Tournament.

He enters the season 15th on Gonzaga’s career scoring list and would rise to second if his production matches his previous two seasons.

It’s a complex exercise comparing players from different eras and Timme’s career to, say, all-time leading scorer Frank Burgess, who averaged 23.2, 28.9 and 32.4 points, respectively, while tallying nearly 2,200 points in just three seasons from 1959-61.

Or John Stockton, who become one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Or Adam Morrison, who elevated the program to another stratosphere while earning 2006 co-national player of the year with Duke’s J.J. Redick. Nor is it easy comparing fouryear standouts with a growing list of stars who wore a Zags uniform for one or two seasons before moving on to the NBA. What seems indisputable is that Timme, by any measure, stacks up just fine, even if he never scored on another balletic post move, punctuated by a ’stache celebration and maybe a word or two for a flummoxed defender.

Coach Mark Few took a swing at Timme’s place in GU and college hoops annals. Like Timme, Few has shifted into in-season mode with a string of marquee nonconference games ahead.

“He’s the epitome of what’s good with NIL (name, image and likeness) and also with everything that’s going on with the attention,” Few said. “I also think Drew would have been fine 20 years ago, I think he would have appreciated the anonymity where he could do his own thing.

“We’ve had some great characters over the years and also just incredible players.

He’s certainly at the top of those lists, and I think you could say the same in the history of college basketball. I keep throwing this stat out and I think it’s pretty close to accurate: He’s probably spent as much time ranked No. 1 as he hasn’t, which is a ridiculous statistic. … It’s hard to maybe comprehend See TIMME, 12

FILE/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

John Stockton holds up a replica of his No. 12 Gonzaga jersey before his number was retired at a 2004 ceremony.

DAN PELLE/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Frank Burgess grins while watching a video presentation during a 2005 ceremony where his No. 44 was retired.

COLIN MULVANY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Adam Morrison speaks to the crowd after his No. 3 jersey was hoisted to the rafters during a 2020 ceremony.

Drew Timme ended last season with an unnecessary apology. And he started this one with a surprise announcement.

With those two acts, Timme may have redefined the concept of being a Zag. Is he the best-ever Gonzaga player? He’s certainly in the pantheon. Given the number of previous All-Americans and national award winners, there are others to consider. Although he could put the issue to rest with another massive DAVE season.

BOLING I would argue that he already stands, uniquely, as a Zag for all eras. If we accept “Zag” as a SPOKESMAN collective noun, combining those contributing COLUMNIST to or supporting the Gonzaga basketball phenomenon, we may choose to consider Timme the quintessence of Zag. Why? Timme is an amalgam, carrying the ultracompetitive DNA of Zag Founding Fathers while also playing at the level of the elite alums now sprinkled across NBA rosters.

A recognizable character and national icon of performative facialhair maintenance, Timme plays with consistent excellence and contagious joy. He takes the game seriously, but not himself.

The junior forward showed it all on the national stage last spring, averaging 27 points and 11 rebounds in the NCAA Tournament, altering games with scoring spurts and lane dominance against highlevel opponents.

He personally commandeered tough first weekend contests against Georgia State and Memphis, and put up 25 points in the loss to Arkansas in the Sweet 16, an obvious disappointment for the No. 1 seeded Zags. Asked what he had said to his teammates in the locker room, he took time to catch his breath.

“I just said that I was – sorry.”

He bore no culpability, but he shared the pain as a team leader does. Much had been invested and much had been expected. Losing to Arkansas was not in the plan.

His post-game message sounded like a valedictory, a sad but inevitable farewell. He next would be drafted into the NBA because that’s what draft-worthy players do.

Not Timme. He had nothing to prove by returning to GU, but he did anyway. “I’m back,” he announced laconically, electronically.

With his Name, Image, Likeness contracts in hand, the lure of the NBA was not as fiscally compelling as in past years. He could make a load of money either way. He explained: “I really enjoy being a college kid.”

No kidding, who doesn’t? What can make being a college kid even more enjoyable? Being a college basketball star with a lot of money.

His return makes college basketball better. Timme and Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe, who will square off Nov. 20 in Spokane in an early must-watch matchup, were both unanimous preseason AllAmericans. The meeting will be classic.

Just a theory here, but part of Timme’s fan appeal in Spokane may be that he’s such a stylistic descendant of the old-time Zags from back before the NCAAs became an annual expectation. Maybe a root of how Gonzaga basketball got to this point could be traced back to the way those early players made Zag hoops different and special.

That series of underdog Zags passed down serious attitude, believing that every possession be conducted as a vendetta, and each loss an insult to their bloodline. John Stockton’s NBA fame after graduation helped spur GU’s early recognition, of course.

But vintage fans will recall so many others contributing to the rise, some perhaps detecting bits of the McPhees and Matt Santangelo and Blake Stepp in the aggressive play of recent star Jalen Suggs.

And maybe Timme’s dominance in the post blends and amplifies the best Casey Calvary ferocity, Jeff Brown intelligence and Cory Violette creativity.

Maybe it’s working too hard to add hints of nostalgia to the modern business that is college basketball at Gonzaga.

But I guarantee coach Mark Few reveres the contributions of those guys from when he first got to Gonzaga as an unknown assistant, when effort and grit were mandated but ego deemed unacceptable.

Few shops for the highest talent across the country these days, but if he sees a spark of the old Zag determination in some prospects, you know he’s going to recognize it.

Timme certainly has a strong streak of it.

Example: Few and the Zags were sweating out a potentially disastrous upset in their NCAA opener against 16th seeded Georgia State last March. But Timme went full-Timme, scoring 22 points in the second half with a low-block master class of moves.

When Timme came off the court, a relieved Few approached him and poked his finger at his chest a few times, which had to mean, “I appreciate what you did there for us, big man.” And Timme, because he is Timme, and this was a chance to mess with his coach and entertain his teammates at the same time, patted Few on the head.

It was poignant and comical and perfect.

And it adhered to a basketball truism: Zag recognize Zag.

DAVE BOLING

SPOKESMA COLUMNIS

T12 • Friday • November 4, 2022

Special Section

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2022-23

TYLER TJOMSLAND/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Gonzaga forward Drew Timme celebrates after the Bulldogs defeated the Memphis Tigers at the NCAA Tournament last March at the Moda Center in Portland.

TIMME

Continued from 10 and understand it when you’re right in the middle of it, but it’s something.”

Yes it is, chimed in other West Coast Conference coaches, who get paid a healthy sum of money to try to figure out how to slow down Timme, and in turn, the Zags. BYU’s Mark Pope, Randy Bennett of Saint Mary’s and Pepperdine’s Lorenzo Romar were effusive describing Timme’s game and impact on Gonzaga and beyond.

“He’s a really special talent, he’s a really special player,” said the 6-foot-10 Pope, who has been around college hoops for decades as a player or coach. “I’m not happy he’s coming back, but I’m so happy he’s coming back, right, just as a person that loves college basketball. It’s so good for the game.”

(Told of Pope’s comment later, Santa Clara coach Herb Sendek didn’t pause: “I’m not as noble as Mark, I wanted him to leave.”)

Meanwhile, Pope continued on for another 60 seconds.

“He also is teaching us all about the game,” Pope added. “You see unique players like that and you can’t help but think about the game in new ways. He has a

really unique skill set for a top player in the country, a really unique skill set, and so just as a coach I’m grateful for him because he makes us think about the game differently and you don’t get that all the time. He’s had a massive impact on college basketball.”

Bennett has had a close-up look at most of Gonzaga’s greatest players since becoming Saint Mary’s head coach in 2001.

He’s usually been on the losing end versus Timme, but Saint Mary’s did limit the big man to six points in an upset win over topranked Gonzaga last February in Moraga, California.

“In my opinion, in college basketball he’s the best one,” Bennett said. “I knew it was coming after that (17-point game in Timme’s freshman year against Saint Mary’s at the WCC Tournament). He’s got a chance to be the best center in college basketball three years in a row. You don’t see that very often.”

Significant NIL dollars helped that opportunity come about, but perhaps not as much as some might suggest.

“It was definitely a factor, but it wasn’t the main factor,” Timme said. “The whole time it was money doesn’t matter in the decision.

“Obviously, there’s money both ways (returning or turning pro), but it was more

about basketball and a what-I-wanted decision.

“My heart is in Spokane and I wasn’t ready to be an adult yet, I guess.”

Bennett has game-planned against a long list of accomplished GU frontcourt players, including Cory Violette, Ronny Turiaf, J.P. Batista, Josh Heytvelt, Elias Harris, Robert Sacre, Kelly Olynyk, Kyle Wiltjer, Domantas Sabonis, Przemek Karnowski, Johnathan Williams, Zach Collins, Killian Tillie, Rui Hachimura, Brandon Clarke and Filip Petrusev.

Timme is unique – there’s that word again – partly due to an oversized personality that has made him the face of GU’s program and in many ways, college hoops.

“They’ve had guys that are pretty popular, pretty likeable,” Bennett said. “He’s got a personality a little different than most of them, but all positive. He and Sabonis have been the two toughest for me as a coach to deal with. They bring it, they have a good motor and they keep coming at you.”

Timme isn’t shy about sharing his opinion on or off the court, but often it’s incorrectly assumed to be trash talk when he trades words with an opponent. He once took a break from pregame warmups to chat with Merrimack coach Joe Gallo for 15 minutes with topics ranging from Spokane’s weather to why he doesn’t drink

coffee.

“He’s a great guy,” Saint Mary’s forward Alex Ducas said. “At the end of the day, he cares for you as a person and always checks on how you’re doing. When I was injured my sophomore year, my first game back he came and asked how I was doing and said good luck the rest of the season.”

Romar, from his tenure at Washington and the last four seasons leading Pepperdine, is familiar with Gonzaga’s collection of talented bigs. Timme stands apart because of his unlimited supply of post moves.

“In all the years of competing and playing against Gonzaga, I don’t ever remember a post player with the type of footwork, the ability to score the ball and the craftiness like Drew Timme,” Romar said.

“Very rarely does he not have his way offensively, I don’t care who they’re playing.

He’s just hard to deal with and plays with so much poise offensively.

“When you have an offensive player that knows where his spots are and knows how to get there, you have a tough one to deal with. And that’s Drew Timme.”

And that’s one of the best to wear a Gonzaga uniform.

Jim Meehan can be reached at jimm@ spokesman.com.

GU’s loaded schedule won’t allow much time to celebrate or console

By Theo Lawson

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Gonzaga shouldn’t fret about losing to a high-major opponent over the next month or two if for no other reason than they’ll probably be getting a crack at another a handful of days later.

Between Nov. 11 and Dec. 2, the Bulldogs won’t go more than five days between games against high-major teams, playing six during that stretch and seven total during one of the most rigor-

ous nonconference slates in program history.

The demanding three-week stretch begins with a Nov. 11 game against Michigan State – a team receiving AP Top 25 votes – on a flight deck at the USS Abraham Lincoln in San Diego. Malik Hall was one of 11 players named to the preseason All-Big Ten team.

The Bulldogs will be back in Spokane for a matter of days before going back on the road to play No. 12 Texas on Nov. 16.

The game will be just the third

at the Longhorns’ new arena, the Moody Center.

Four days after that, No. 2 Gonzaga will face No. 4 Kentucky in one of the most anticipated nonconference matchups of the 2022-23 college basketball season. Fans will be glued to the individual battle between the Bulldogs’ Drew Timme and Wildcats’ Oscar Tshiebwe, considered to the frontrunners for national player of the year honors.

Gonzaga’s four-day, threegame stop at the PK85 Invitation-

al will pit the Bulldogs against either Purdue or West Virginia in a second-round matchup, then Duke, Florida, Xavier or Oregon State on the final day of the Thanksgiving week tournament held in Portland.

There won’t be much time to breathe before GU travels to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to play No. 5 Baylor on Dec. 2 in a rematch of the 2021 national championship game. The Bears are led by preseason All-Big 12 selection Adam Flagler and top-10 national

GU MEN

Continued from 5 most accomplished scorers with exactly 2,800 career points between them.

Bolton made 46% of his 3-pointers last season while Smith made 40%.

“It’s scary,” Smith said of the backcourt. “Everybody can do a lot of things and we’ve all played high-level games and against high-level competition.

That’s what makes practice so competitive and you want to push each other every day, so I think it’s going to be a good year if we continue to stay humble and do what we’re supposed to.”

College basketball teams have seen Timme’s tricks for three years now and still aren’t equipped to stop them.

Gonzaga’s opponents haven’t found a counter to Timme’s crafty footwork and finishing ability, but they could be in even more trouble if the senior is able to shoot from the perimeter with more consistency. He made four 3-pointers at the NBA Draft Combine and made four shots at GU’s preseason Kraziness in the Kennel scrimmage without scoring once in the paint.

“In Drew’s case, you’re just trying to squeeze the last 5% out of his development,” Few said. “I think he’s already taken that on, he’s doing a great job in practice of just making sure he’s challenging himself on the defensive end and I think we’ve all noticed a big difference there.”

TYLER TJOMSLAND/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Gonzaga guards Hunter Sallis (10) and guard Nolan Hickman (11) will be a handful for opponents on the perimeter.

If he’s not in the initial five-man unit, Hunter Sallis should gobble up plenty of minutes off the bench. The former five-

star recruit is excellent in transition and has the ability to create his own shot, but Sallis’ most valuable asset – at least for

recruit Keyonte George.

The Zags renew their in-state rivalry with Washington on Dec. 9 in Spokane before traveling to Birmingham for a Dec. 17 matchup with No. 20 Alabama. The Crimson Tide, who return guard Jahvon Quinerly, handed the Bulldogs one of their three regular-season losses when the teams met last December in Seattle.

Theo Lawson can be reached at (509) 939-5928 or theol@ spokesman.com.

this Gonzaga team – will be his perimeter defense.

Dominick Harris was cleared for full-contact practice following Kraziness in the Kennel, but considering GU’s guard depth he may struggle to crack Few’s rotation, especially after spending a year away from the court recovering from a foot injury.

If the Zags go with a small-ball lineup, they’ll have at least two viable subs for Timme off the bench: Watson, who’s played in every game the last two seasons, and LSU transfer Efton Reid, a 7-foot sophomore who averaged 6.3 points and 4.0 rebounds for the Tigers.

Ben Gregg, a 6-foot-10 forward who’s supposedly made big strides this offseason, could also be a candidate for playing time off the bench.

In year No. 24, Few’s assembled a roster of former five-star recruits, coveted transfers and tested veterans with 2-3 years of NCAA Tournament experience under their belt. If that’s not enough to ensure the Zags are prepared for meaningful, high-stakes games in March, he’s cobbled together one of the most challenging nonconference schedules in program history, pitting GU against at least four Top 25 teams before West Coast Conference play.

Few hopes it’s all enough to guarantee postgame handstands deep into the month of March.

Theo Lawson can be reached at (509) 9395928 or theol@spokesman.com.

Special Section

November 4, 2022 • Friday • T13

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2022-23

TYLER TJOMSLAND/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Washington State expects a big season from forward Mouhamed Gueye, here driving to the hoop during a recent practice in Pullman.

Offseason didn’t go as planned, but WSU men still appear to have winning pieces

By Colton Clark

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

PULLMAN – In March, the Washington State basketball team wrapped up its best season in a decade. The Cougars bowed out of the NIT in the semifinal round, but they left the court at Madison Square Garden with a promising The surprise outlook for the Distribution/ 2022-23 season. shared scoring: At that point in Coach Kyle Smith time, it seemed expects the Cougars’ like WSU would scoring and return the bulk passing efficiency of its roster and to improve. build upon its WSU posted low breakthrough assist numbers 2021-22 camlast season, but paign. Instead, newcomers Powell, the Cougars Mullins, Darling spent much of and Houinsou are the offseason redeft distributors. building.

The Cougs will take Initially, there a more balanced was concern approach on offense, among the WSU with capable scorers faithful.

Four spread around the key players left floor – rather than the program in two or three highthe spring, involume shooters. cluding senior point guard/ captain Mike Flowers (graduation) and standout forward Efe Abogidi, who joined G-League Ignite.

Yet it wasn’t long before enthusiasm began to pick back up.

“It was tricky during the spring,” fourth-year Cougars coach Kyle Smith said recently. “I feel like we did well, as far as guys we brought in. I think the talent is

WSU men 2021-22 record 22-15, 11-9 Pac-12 2022-23 schedule Nov 7: vs. Texas St., 4:30 p.m.

Nov 12: vs. Boise St.*, 4 p.m.

Nov 15: at Prairie View A&M,

TYLER TJOMSLAND/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Forward Andrej Jakimovski (23) is one of three key veterans returning for Washington State this season. going to be pretty good.”

WSU struck gold on the recruiting trail, plucking two talented guards out of the transfer portal and adding a few notable pieces from the prep ranks.

Star big man Mouhamed Gueye withdrew from the NBA draft pool and elected to return to WSU for his sophomore season. The Cougs also bring back proven contributors such as guard TJ Bamba, a team captain and defensive ace, and veteran wing Andrej Jakimovski.

4 p.m.

Nov 21: vs. EWU**, 6 p.m.

Nov 25: vs. Detroit Mercy, 1 p.m.

Dec 1: at Oregon, 7:30 p.m.

Dec 4: vs. Utah, 1 p.m.

Dec 7: vs. N. Kentucky, 6 p.m.

Dec 10: vs. UNLV***, 1:30 p.m.

Dec 18: vs. Baylor****, 7 p.m.

Dec 22: vs. George Washington*****, 6 p.m.

Dec 23: vs. Pepperdine/ Hawaii*****, TBD Dec 25: TBD***** Dec 30: vs. UCLA, 8 p.m.

Jan 1: vs. USC, noon Jan 5: at Arizona St., 5 p.m.

Jan 7: at Arizona, 2 p.m.

Jan 11: vs. California, 8 p.m.

Jan 14: vs. Stanford, 5 p.m.

Jan 19: at Utah, 6 p.m.

Jan 22: at Colorado, 3 p.m.

Jan 26: vs. Arizona, 8 p.m.

Jan 28: vs. Arizona St., 5 p.m.

Feb 2: at USC, 8 p.m.

Feb 4: at UCLA, 4 p.m.

Feb 11: vs. Washington, 7:30 p.m.

Feb 16: vs. Oregon St., 8 p.m.

Feb 19: vs. Oregon, 4 p.m.

Feb 23: at Stanford, 8 p.m.

Feb 25: at California, 2 p.m.

Mar 2: at Washington, 8 p.m. *-Idaho Central Arena **-Spokane Arena ***-Las Vegas Clash ****-Dallas *****-Diamond Head Classic

“We always like to improve year over year,” Smith said. “I think we can. I think we’re capable. There is an expectation among themselves, and our leadership is good.”

The Cougs have made steady progress with each season under Smith. They tied for fifth in the Pac-12 standings last year and jumped into the top 50 in the KenPom.com national rankings. Pac-12 media members picked WSU to finish eighth in the conference this year. The Cougars en-

The lineup

Projected starters G-Justin Powell, 6-6, Jr., 3.7 ppg, 1.5 rpg (at Tennessee); G-TJ Bamba, 6-5, Jr., 7.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg; G-Jabe Mullins, 6-6, Jr., 2.9 ppg, 1 rpg (at Saint Mary’s); F-Andrej Jakimovski, 6-8, Jr., 5.4 ppg, 4 rpg; C-Mouhamed Gueye, 6-11, So., 7.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg Key reserves F-DJ Rodman, 6-6, Sr., 4.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg; C-Adrame Diongue, 7-0, Fr.; G-Kymany Houinsou, 6-6, Fr.; G-Dylan Darling, 6-2, Fr.

ter the season at No. 77 on KenPom.com.

WSU will feature a new-look lineup and different strengths, but there’s plenty of reason to believe the Cougs will surpass those expectations.

“We’re a good shooting team, and we have a high-IQ team, too,” Bamba said.

“We all make the right reads for each other. We play for each other. We don’t got any selfishness at all. That will take us a See WSU MEN, 20

The projection

Top half of the Pac-12, postseason berth: The Cougs’ roster underwent significant turnover after the team’s breakthrough 2021-22 season, which ended in the semifinal round of the NIT. WSU secured several key recruiting victories in the offseason and assembled perhaps its most skilled team under Smith. If the Cougs can find solutions in a shorthanded frontcourt, they should have the talent to at least replicate their success from last season, breaking even or better in conference play and earning a bid to a postseason tournament – the NIT is more realistic, but with an outside shot at the NCAAs. Prediction: 11-9 Pac-12, 19-12 overall.

Special Section

November 4, 2022 • Friday • T13

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2022-23

TYLER TJOMSLAND/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Washington State expects a big season from forward Mouhamed Gueye, here driving to the hoop during a recent practice in Pullman.

Offseason didn’t go as planned, but WSU men still appear to have winning pieces

By Colton Clark

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

PULLMAN – In March, the Washington State basketball team wrapped up its best season in a decade. The Cougars bowed out of the NIT in the semifinal round, but they left the court at Madison Square Garden with a promising The surprise outlook for the Distribution/ 2022-23 season. shared scoring: At that point in Coach Kyle Smith time, it seemed expects the Cougars’ like WSU would scoring and return the bulk passing efficiency of its roster and to improve. build upon its WSU posted low breakthrough assist numbers 2021-22 camlast season, but paign. Instead, newcomers Powell, the Cougars Mullins, Darling spent much of and Houinsou are the offseason redeft distributors. building.

The Cougs will take Initially, there a more balanced was concern approach on offense, among the WSU with capable scorers faithful.

Four spread around the key players left floor – rather than the program in two or three highthe spring, involume shooters. cluding senior point guard/ captain Mike Flowers (graduation) and standout forward Efe Abogidi, who joined G-League Ignite.

Yet it wasn’t long before enthusiasm began to pick back up.

“It was tricky during the spring,” fourth-year Cougars coach Kyle Smith said recently. “I feel like we did well, as far as guys we brought in. I think the talent is

WSU men 2021-22 record 22-15, 11-9 Pac-12 2022-23 schedule Nov 7: vs. Texas St., 4:30 p.m.

Nov 12: vs. Boise St.*, 4 p.m.

Nov 15: at Prairie View A&M,

TYLER TJOMSLAND/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Forward Andrej Jakimovski (23) is one of three key veterans returning for Washington State this season. going to be pretty good.”

WSU struck gold on the recruiting trail, plucking two talented guards out of the transfer portal and adding a few notable pieces from the prep ranks.

Star big man Mouhamed Gueye withdrew from the NBA draft pool and elected to return to WSU for his sophomore season. The Cougs also bring back proven contributors such as guard TJ Bamba, a team captain and defensive ace, and veteran wing Andrej Jakimovski.

4 p.m.

Nov 21: vs. EWU**, 6 p.m.

Nov 25: vs. Detroit Mercy, 1 p.m.

Dec 1: at Oregon, 7:30 p.m.

Dec 4: vs. Utah, 1 p.m.

Dec 7: vs. N. Kentucky, 6 p.m.

Dec 10: vs. UNLV***, 1:30 p.m.

Dec 18: vs. Baylor****, 7 p.m.

Dec 22: vs. George Washington*****, 6 p.m.

Dec 23: vs. Pepperdine/ Hawaii*****, TBD Dec 25: TBD***** Dec 30: vs. UCLA, 8 p.m.

Jan 1: vs. USC, noon Jan 5: at Arizona St., 5 p.m.

Jan 7: at Arizona, 2 p.m.

Jan 11: vs. California, 8 p.m.

Jan 14: vs. Stanford, 5 p.m.

Jan 19: at Utah, 6 p.m.

Jan 22: at Colorado, 3 p.m.

Jan 26: vs. Arizona, 8 p.m.

Jan 28: vs. Arizona St., 5 p.m.

Feb 2: at USC, 8 p.m.

Feb 4: at UCLA, 4 p.m.

Feb 11: vs. Washington, 7:30 p.m.

Feb 16: vs. Oregon St., 8 p.m.

Feb 19: vs. Oregon, 4 p.m.

Feb 23: at Stanford, 8 p.m.

Feb 25: at California, 2 p.m.

Mar 2: at Washington, 8 p.m. *-Idaho Central Arena **-Spokane Arena ***-Las Vegas Clash ****-Dallas *****-Diamond Head Classic

“We always like to improve year over year,” Smith said. “I think we can. I think we’re capable. There is an expectation among themselves, and our leadership is good.”

The Cougs have made steady progress with each season under Smith. They tied for fifth in the Pac-12 standings last year and jumped into the top 50 in the KenPom.com national rankings. Pac-12 media members picked WSU to finish eighth in the conference this year. The Cougars en-

The lineup

Projected starters G-Justin Powell, 6-6, Jr., 3.7 ppg, 1.5 rpg (at Tennessee); G-TJ Bamba, 6-5, Jr., 7.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg; G-Jabe Mullins, 6-6, Jr., 2.9 ppg, 1 rpg (at Saint Mary’s); F-Andrej Jakimovski, 6-8, Jr., 5.4 ppg, 4 rpg; C-Mouhamed Gueye, 6-11, So., 7.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg Key reserves F-DJ Rodman, 6-6, Sr., 4.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg; C-Adrame Diongue, 7-0, Fr.; G-Kymany Houinsou, 6-6, Fr.; G-Dylan Darling, 6-2, Fr.

ter the season at No. 77 on KenPom.com.

WSU will feature a new-look lineup and different strengths, but there’s plenty of reason to believe the Cougs will surpass those expectations.

“We’re a good shooting team, and we have a high-IQ team, too,” Bamba said.

“We all make the right reads for each other. We play for each other. We don’t got any selfishness at all. That will take us a See WSU MEN, 20

The projection

Top half of the Pac-12, postseason berth: The Cougs’ roster underwent significant turnover after the team’s breakthrough 2021-22 season, which ended in the semifinal round of the NIT. WSU secured several key recruiting victories in the offseason and assembled perhaps its most skilled team under Smith. If the Cougs can find solutions in a shorthanded frontcourt, they should have the talent to at least replicate their success from last season, breaking even or better in conference play and earning a bid to a postseason tournament – the NIT is more realistic, but with an outside shot at the NCAAs. Prediction: 11-9 Pac-12, 19-12 overall.

T14 • Friday • November 4, 2022

Special Section

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2022-23

Lloyd story was great, but Pac-12 needs growth in the middle to get back to the top

By John Blanchette

FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Tommy Lloyd hardly saved Pac-12 basketball. But he put some of the fun back in it.

If the longtime Gonzaga assistant coach wasn’t a shocking choice when the University of Arizona was shopping for someone to move it beyond the dour death march that the Sean Miller era had evolved into, he was certainly untraditional. It’s rare that a long-established elite program like the Wildcats turns to a replacement without head-coaching experience, never mind one from outside a power conference.

But Lloyd couldn’t have been a bigger hit, which made him one of 2022’s best basketball stories.

Opening up Arizona’s attack and bringing a fun and frank public profile, he led the Wildcats to a 33-4 season – the best first-year coaching performance at a power conference school in 24 years.

Still, it didn’t last as long as expected. The Wildcats – a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament – fell to fifth-seeded Houston in the Sweet 16.

So it goes in the Pac-12, where every basketball gain seems to come up shy of a true breakthrough.

It’s hardly going to get any easier. Over the summer, the college athletics gods – that is to say, TV power brokers and deceitful educrats – conspired to deliver another blow when UCLA and USC announced they were turning tail on the Pac-12 come 2024.

It was a football-based decision, of course. But it’s going to take the league’s one true basketball blueblood out of the equation, as well the second-winningest program over the past five years.

But even with the two L.A. schools still in the fold, the Pac-12 remains on the respect treadmill.

The league got pretty chesty after the NCAA Tournament of 2021 – five teams in the bracket, all winning at least one game, three to the Elite Eight and one, UCLA, coming within a Jalen Suggs miracle from playing for the title.

Pac-12 basketball was back, went the company line, and deserved its due.

And then ... not so much.

Only Arizona, UCLA and USC made the field last year, and none made it past the Sweet 16. The Pac12 was 8-19 against the other power leagues, including a wince-worthy 0-7 against the SEC. Oregon, with its usual assemblage of talent, never found the chemistry to get itself back into the tournament.

Oregon State, everybody’s darling off its Cinderella run in 2021, imploded with dysfunction and wound up 3-28.

Will there be an upturn in 2023? It largely depends on the league’s middle class – and there’s been enough roster churn there to create more questions than answers.

Arizona Wildcats

Coach: Tommy Lloyd (33-4), 2nd year 2021-22 record: 33-4. Pac12: 18-2, 1st Key newcomers: Henri Veesaar (7-0, F); Courtney Ramey (63, G); Kylan Boswell (6-1, G) Key losses: Bennedict Mathurin, Christian Koloko, Dalen Terry Outlook: Tommy Lloyd’s head coaching debut – taking the Wildcats to the Pac-12 regular-season and tournament titles – may have set an impossible bar for himself, especially after three starters were lost to the NBA. But there are three new faces to help in the backcourt – top 25 freshman Kylan Boswell and transfers Courtney Ramey (Texas) and Cedric Henderson (Campbell).

Oumar Ballo, the ex-Gonzaga big man, will try to thrive with starter’s minutes, but the major points up front will come from Azoulas Tubelis, an All-Pac-12 pick but not the most physical player. Estonian Henri Veesaar may have been the top get on the international market.

Arizona State Sun Devils

Coach: Bobby Hurley (160120), 8th year at ASU 2021-22 record: 14-17. Pac12: 10-10, 8th Key newcomers: Desmond Cambridge (6-4, G); Warren Washington (7-0, C); Frankie Collins (6-1, G) Key losses: Jay Heath, Marreon Jackson, Kimani Lawrence Outlook: Coming off backto-back losing seasons and with just two NCAA appearances in seven years, Bobby Hurley could be hearing the ticking of the

GETTY IMAGES

Tommy Lloyd’s first season at Arizona was a rousing success, a 33-4 record and a Pac-12 Conference title.

Key newcomers: Vince Iwuchukwu (7-1, C); Tre White (6-7, G); Kijani Wright (6-9, F) Key losses: Isaiah Mobley, Chevez Goodwin, Max Agbonkpolo Outlook: The Trojans’ horizons clouded over suddenly on a July afternoon when five-star recruit Vince Iwuchukwu collapsed during an informal team workout – diagnosed as an episode of sudden cardiac arrest and resulting in hospitalization. The centerpiece of the nation’s No. 7 recruiting class, the 7-1 center was back riding a stationary bike when the Trojans opened workouts at the end of September, but for the time being they’ll have to carry on up front with two other prize freshmen, Kijani Wright and Iaroslave Niagu. Drew Peterson and Boogie Ellis are the established go-tos, but watch out for 6-5 wing Reese Dixon-Waters, who came on strong last February.

clock – though the general mess of ASU’s athletics might work in his favor. Guard DJ Horne, last year’s leading scorer, returns but more critical is getting a full, productive season from 6-8 Marcus Bagley. Otherwise, it’s all about the new faces, led by Desmond Cambridge Jr., a career 16.4 scorer in four years at Brown and Nevada. Frankie Collins, a backup at Michigan, will take over the point, and another Nevada transfer, Warren Washington, will be counted on for muscle.

California Bears

Coach: Mark Fox (321-234), 4th year at Cal 2021-22 record: 12-20. Pac12: 5-15, 10th Key newcomers: DeJuan Clayton (6-2, G); ND Okafor (6-9, F); Devin Askew (6-3, G) Key losses: Jordan Shepherd, Andre Kelly, Grant Anticevich Outlook: Fifteen Pac-12 wins in three years does not suggest that Mark Fox has righted the ship, and now last year’s three top scorers have vamoosed – one of them, Andre Kelly, to UC Santa Barbara, not especially a step up.

The returning starters – point guard Joel Brown and wing Jalen Celestine – aren’t likely to take over games, so help must come from three-time all-MEAC transfer DeJuan Clayton and Texas transfer Devin Askew. Seven-footer Lars Thiemann showed some promise while starting the last 11 games, and fellow bigs Kuany Kuany and Sam Alajiki need to make similar jumps.

Colorado Buffaloes

Coach: Tad Boyle (306-197), 13th year at Colorado 2021-22 record: 21-12. Pac12: 12-8, 4th Key newcomers: J’Vonne Hadley (6-6, G); Jalen Gabbidon (6-5, G); Ethan Wright (6-3, G) Key losses: Jabari Walker, Evan Battey, Keeshawn Barthelemy Outlook: The Buffaloes are the epitome of consistency – 21 wins a season in a dozen years under Tad Boyle. But there has never been a big breakout, and losing 2022’s top three scorers weighs against such a thing happening in 2023. But Boyle does have two tantalizing pieces in 6-9 Tristan da Silva and 6-2 KJ Simpson, both on the brink of stardom. For help, Boyle raided the Ivy League for guards Ethan Wright (Princeton) and Jalen Gabbidon (Yale), and found a dynamic wing in the junior college ranks in J’Vonne Hadley. Another upper-division finish seems more than reasonable.

Oregon Ducks

Coach: Dana Altman (710368), 13th year at Oregon 2021-22 record: 20-15. Pac12: 11-9, 5th (tie) Key newcomers: Kel’el Ware (7-0, C); Jermane Couisnard (6-4, G); Brennan Rigsby (6-3, G); Keeshawn Barthelemy (6-2, G) Key losses: Jacob Young, De’Vion Harmon, Eric Williams Outlook: As well as the Ducks recruit, missing the NCAA Tournament is massive underachieving. So Dana Altman just goes out and finds more ammunition. His best sales job this time was landing Kel’el Ware, a 7-footer with lottery pick potential, but No. 2 may have been getting Will Rich-

Utah Utes

JESSE TINSLEY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

UCLA returns versatile guard/forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. ardson and his 14 points a game to return for a fifth year. Transfer guards Jermaine Couisnard (South Carolina) and Keeshawn Barthelemy (Colorado) come aboard as double-figure scorers, and even more backcourt firepower is available in JC imports Brennan Rigsby and Tyron Williams, who led the nation in scoring. Ware has experienced, and long, company up front in N’Faly Dante and Quincy Guerrier.

Oregon State Beavers

Coach: Wayne Tinkle (274228), 9th year at OSU 2021-22 record: 3-28. Pac12: 1-19, 12th Key newcomers: Christian Wright (6-3, G); Dzmitry Ryuny (6-9, F); Justin Rochelin (6-5, G); Jayden Stevens (6-7, F) Key losses: Jarod Lucas, Dashawn Davis, Warith Alatishe Outlook: Under-talented and dysfunctional, the Beavers’ fall from Elite Eight Cinderella in 2021 to last year’s 3-28 was the definition of “yikes.” Alas, the under-talented part remains, at least in the context of competing in the Pac12. Only four players return after a housecleaning, the only potential standout being 6-6 Glenn Taylor Jr., who made the all-freshman team. Three transfers all bring iffy credentials: Christian Wright was a rotation piece at Georgia, Justin Rochelin redshirted at ASU and Dzmitry Ryuny only started one season in four at San Francisco.

Freshmen Tyler Bilodeau and Michael Rataj will likely be thrown into action, even if they’re not physically ready.

Stanford Cardinal

Coach: Jerod Haase (178-143), 7th year at Stanford 2021-22 record: 16-16. Pac12: 8-12, 9th Key newcomers: Michael Jones (6-5, G); Ryan Agarwal (66, G); Jaylen Thompson (6-7, F) Key loss: Jaiden Delaire Outlook: Long gone are the

days when the Cardinal were NCAA perennials – 11 straight appearances in 1995-2005. Now their followers would settle for just going once under Jerod Haase, and maybe this is the year, given the return of four starters and a true alpha dog in 6-7 Harrison Ingram, who opted out of the NBA marketplace. Stanford opponents must keep up with the Joneses – 6-7 Spencer Jones, 2022’s leading scorer, and 6-5 Michael Jones, a 42% 3-point shooter at Davidson and the Cardinal’s first transfer in more than a decade. Michael O’Connell is one of the Pac’s most experienced point guards.

UCLA Bruins

Coach: Mick Cronin (433201), 4th year at UCLA 2021-22 record: 27-8. Pac-12: 15-5, 2nd Key newcomers: Amari Bailey (6-3, G); Adem Bona, (6-10, C); Dylan Andrews (6-3, G) Key losses: Johnny Juzang, Jules Bernard, Cody Riley Outlook: Hard to imagine that a decade has passed since the Bruins won a Pac-12 regular season title. That could well change in 2023, what with the return of one of the nation’s best guard combos – Tyger Campbell, who’s become as adept at the 3-point line as he is at distributing, and the relentless Jaime Jaquez Jr. If that wasn’t enough backcourt firepower, Amari Bailey arrives as the school’s highest rated recruit since Lonzo Ball. The question, as it has been recently, is up front where promising Mac Etienne has to bounce back from an ACL injury and depth is dubious – but not talent. Adem Bona is a five-star recruit and a McDonald’s All-American.

USC Trojans

Coach: Andy Enfield (224146), 10th year at USC 2021-22 record: 26-8. Pac12: 14-6, 3rd

Coach: Craig Smith (164-99), 2nd year at Utah 2021-22 record: 11-20. Pac12: 4-16, 11th Key newcomers: Mike Saunders Jr. (6-0, G); Gavin Baxter (6-9, F); Keba Keita (6-8, C) Key losses: Both Gach, David Jenkins Jr. Outlook: Craig Smith’s retooling of the Utes enters Year 2 with four starters back, led by 7-footer Branden Carlson, an allleague level center whose worth was underscored when Utah lost five straight during a 20-day absence last year. To keep opponents from ganging up on him inside, the Utes hope for a healthy year for BYU transfer Gavin Baxter and quick development by freshman Keba Keita. Two players who followed Smith from Utah State – point guard Rollie Worster and Marco Anthony – had solid transition years to the Pac-12, and the Utes hope for a similar boost from Cincinnati transfer Mike Saunders Jr.

Washington Huskies

Coach: Mike Hopkins (8980), 6th year at UW 2021-22 record: 17-15. Pac12: 11-9, 5th (tie) Key newcomers: Keion Brooks (6-7, F); Noah Williams (6-5, G); Koren Johnson (6-2, G) Key losses: Terrell Brown Jr., Emmitt Matthews Jr., Daejon Davis Outlook: The fan base’s disillusionment with the trajectory of Mike Hopkins’ program wasn’t helped by the departure of four starters, leaving just the erratic Jamal Bey after climbing back into the first division. But some good news came on the recruiting trail, along with some drama – the transfer of Noah Williams from Washington State, where he was all too eager to snark the rival team in his hometown. He brings other baggage – his offensive game stalled at WSU – so Husky fans may prefer to pin their hopes on highly regarded freshman Koren Johnson and Keion Brooks, a double-figure scorer at Kentucky. Two 7-footers, Franck Kepnang (Oregon) and Braxton Meah (Fresno State) arrive for rim protection.

See Washington State preview, page 13

Special Section

November 4, 2022 • Friday • T15

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2022-23

TYLER TJOMSLAND/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Washington State guard Charlisse Leger-Walker averaged 16.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game a season ago.

As WSU aspires for a third straight NCAA berth, even more could fall on the shoulders of high-scoring Leger-Walker

By Jim Allen

FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Can Charlisse Leger-Walker do even more this year for Washington State?

It hardly seems possible. In the last two seasons, no one in the Pac-12 Conference has scored more points or made more of an impact than the junior guard from New Zealand.

Yet last week, WSU women’s basketball coach Kamie Ethridge spoke of Leger-Walker becoming more of a leader – of raising her voice as well as her longrange shooting percentage.

And ideally that would happen with Leger-Walker spending less time on the floor than the 36 minutes she averThe surprise aged last year.

The next big That’s quite thing: WSU a wish list, as coach Kamie Ethridge acknowlEthridge says edged during Pacshe’s “very 12 media days. excited” about Last season, the improvement the Cougars won of guard Tara 19 games, tied for Wallack, a second in the Pacsophomore from 12 and reached the British Columbia.

NCAA TournaLast year, Wallack ment for the secstarted 10 games ond straight year. and appears to However, the have the inside big minutes for the track for a starting starters added up role this season. down the stretch as the Cougars fell early in the Pac-12 tournament and in a first-round NCAA loss to Kansas State.

There lies the conundrum.

“You want to be playing your best at the end of the year,” Ethridge said. “But with how hard the Pac-12 is, they didn’t get a lot of rest. But a shorter bench helps us win games, and if our bench isn’t at that level, (the starters) will be playing long minutes again.”

Considering where the Cougars have been, that’s not the worst problem to have.

WSU has taken major strides since Ethridge was hired in 2018 to replace June Daugherty. After winning 20 games combined in her first two years, WSU went 12-12 in 2020-21 while dealing with the pandemic and a young squad.

The Cougars’ 19 wins last year (11-6 in the Pac-12) were a major breakthrough, but Ethridge isn’t satisfied.

“Three years ago, we had a really young team,” she said. “Now we have four starters back. … I look at our team, and we’re really experienced with better skills, bet-

WSU women 2021-22 record 19-11, 11-6 Pac-12

TYLER TJOMSLAND/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Bella Murekatete anchored the interior last season, averaging 10.2 points. ter competitiveness and fitness.

“And we’re hungrier than we’ve ever been before,” said Ethridge, whose squad is picked to finish seventh in the Pac-12 by her fellow coaches and the media.

The returning starters are on par with the top tier of the Pac-12, except for Stanford.

Post Bella Murekatete, a 6-foot-3 senior and the first player from Rwanda to compete in the NCAA, is coming off a strong year and is on the Lisa Leslie Award national watch list for top center.

“She’s worked hard on being in shape, and worked on being more explosive,” Ethridge said. “You guys are going to see a different Bella this year.”

Senior guard Johanna Teder of Estonia is a lock to start alongside Leger-Walker after averaging 10.2 points and shooting 33% from long range.

Teder also saw long minutes on the court, averaging 32 for the year. Still she scored in double figures in eight of 10 games during a crucial stretch of the Pac12 season.

Forward Ula Motuga of Australia is back for a fifth year. Last year, she averaged six rebounds while shooting 47% from 3 on 47 attempts. Despite playing 31-plus minutes per game, Motuga was steady down the stretch and finished with a career-high 14 rebounds in the NCAA game against Kansas State.

However, the Cougars lose Charlisse’s

older sister, starting point guard Krystal Leger-Walker – hence the coaches’ desire for Charlisse to raise her leadership role.

Leger-Walker is eager for the challenge.

“It’s going to be hugely different without our floor general,” Leger-Walker said of her sister. “For me personally, that means I have to step into that role.”

Leger-Walker is among the most versatile players in the conference. No Pac12 player has scored more points than Leger-Walker’s 935 points over the last two seasons, and she’s averaged 17.3 points in that span.

The Waikato, New Zealand, native has scored double-digit points in 47 of 54 of her career games and she has collected the most 20-point games for an active Pac-12 player with 23.

Those numbers were rewarded last year with a spot on the All-Pac-12 team.

Leger-Walker also vows to improve her 3-point shooting (27.2% last year) to ease Ethridge’s fears that opponents will take away her drive game.

Others will need to pick up the slack on the perimeter. As a team, WSU shot 31.5% from long range last year.

“We have to do a better job of shooting the 3,” Ethridge said.

WSU opens the season Nov. 7 at noon against Loyola Marymount of the West Coast Conference.

The Pac-12 season begins on Dec. 11 at Washington.

2022-23 schedule Nov 7: vs. Loyola Marymount, noon Nov 11: at San Francisco, 1 p.m.

Nov 13: vs. Prairie View A&M, noon Nov 18: vs. Brigham Young, 5 p.m.

Nov 21: vs. Troy, 3 p.m.

Nov 28: vs. S. Dakota St., 7 p.m.

Dec 2: vs. Montana, 6 p.m.

Dec 7: at Portland, 6 p.m.

Dec 11: at Washington, 2 p.m.

Dec 17: vs. Jackson St., 1 p.m.

Dec 19: at Tx A&M-Corpus Christi, TBD Dec 21: at Houston, 10:30 a.m.

Dec 30: vs. Utah, 4 p.m.

Jan 1: vs. Colorado, 4 p.m.

Jan 8: vs. Washington, noon Jan 13: at Oregon St., 7 p.m.

Jan 15: at Oregon, 12 p.m.

Jan 20: vs. USC, 7 p.m.

Jan 22: vs. UCLA, noon Jan 27: at Arizona St., 5 p.m.

Jan 29: at Arizona, 11 a.m.

Feb 3: vs. Stanford, 7 p.m.

Feb 5: vs. California, noon Feb 10: at Colorado, 6 p.m.

Feb 12: at Utah, 11 a.m.

Feb 17: vs. Oregon, 7 p.m.

Feb 19: vs. Oregon St., noon Feb 23: at UCLA, noon Feb 25: at USC, noon

The lineup

Projected starters G–Charlisse Leger-Walker, 5-10, Jr., 16.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg; P–Bella Murekatete, 6-3, Sr., 10.2 ppg, 7 rpg; G–Johanna Teder, 5-8, Sr., 10.2 ppg, 35.8% from 3; F–Ula Motuga, 6-1 Sr., 6.6 ppg, 6 rpg, 47.4% from 3; G– Tara Wallack, 6-2, So., 5.3 ppg Key reserves P–Emma Nankervis, 6-3, Sr.; G–Grace Sarver, 5-8, Sr.

The projection

The projection: A soft nonconference schedule gives way to the usual Pac-12 grind that will again test the Cougars’ depth and resolve. But WSU has the talent to reach the NCAAs for the third straight year. Prediction: 11-6 Pac-12, 21-7 overall.

T16 • Friday • November 4, 2022

Special Section

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2022-23

Idaho men 2021-22 record 9-22, 6-14 Big Sky 2022-23 schedule Nov 7: at Denver, 4 p.m.

Nov 10: vs. Walla Walla, 6 p.m.

Nov 13: at Omaha, noon Nov 16: vs. CS Bakersfield, 6 p.m.

Nov 19: vs. Utah Tech, 2 p.m.

Nov 23: at Cal Poly, 4 p.m.

Nov 25: at Pacific, 6 p.m.

Dec 2: vs. N. Illinois, 6 p.m.

Dec 6: vs. N. Dakota, 6 p.m.

Dec 11: vs. UC-Riverside, 2 p.m.

Dec 16: vs. NW Indian, 6 p.m.

Dec 19: at CS Northridge, 7 p.m.

Dec 21: at Long Beach St., 7 p.m.

Dec 29: at Montana St., TBD Dec 31: at Montana, 7 p.m.

Jan 5: vs. Sac. St., 6 p.m.

Jan 7: vs. Portland St., 2 p.m.

Jan 14: at EWU, TBD Jan 16: vs. Montana St., 6 p.m.

Jan 19: at N. Arizona, 5 p.m.

Jan 21: at N. Colorado, 5 p.m.

Jan 26: vs. Weber St., 6 p.m.

Jan 28: vs. Idaho St., 2 p.m.

Feb 2: at Portland St., 7 p.m.

Feb 4: at Sac. St., 2 p.m.

Feb 11: vs. EWU, 3:30 p.m.

Feb 16: vs. N. Colorado, 6 p.m.

Feb 18: vs. N. Arizona, 2 p.m.

Feb 23: at Idaho St., 6 p.m.

Feb 25: at Weber St., 6 p.m.

Feb 27: vs. Montana, 6 p.m.

The lineup

Projected starters F/C-Isaac Jones, 6-9, Jr., 25.3 ppg, 13.2 rpg (Wenatchee Valley); G-Rashad Smith, 6-4, So., 10.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg; G-Yusef Salih, 6-2, So., 6.1 ppg; G-Divant’e Moffitt, 6-3, Sr., 19.3 ppg (Seattle Pacific); F-Terren Frank, 6-8, So., 2.1 ppg 1.7 rpg (Vanderbilt) Key reserves G-Dominique Ford, 6-4, Sr., 19.3 ppg (College of S. Nevada); F/C-John Harge, 6-7, So., 8.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg (NE Oklahoma A&M)

The projection

High hopes: The favorable nonconference schedule should give an Idaho team with 12 new members time to gel, and if the Vandals can survive their trip to Montana without getting swept, momentum may carry them from there.

Then, perhaps a last-second shot in the tournament drops for the Vandals this season.

Prediction: 12-6 Big Sky, 19-12 overall.

Idaho women 2021-22 record 14-18, 11-9 Big Sky 2022-23 schedule Nov 7: at Utah, TBD Nov 16: at California, TBD Nov 26: Richmond, 1 p.m.

Nov 27: at Navy, 10 a.m.

Dec 3: Nevada, 4 p.m.

Dec 4: N. Mexico St., 2 p.m.

Dec 7: at Texas A&M Commerce, TBD Dec 10: at UTSA, TBD Dec 15: vs. Denver, 6 p.m.

Dec 18: at Gr. Canyon, 1 p.m.

Dec 21: at Utah Valley, TBD Dec 29: vs. Montana St., 6 p.m.

Dec 31: vs. Montana, 2 p.m.

Jan 5: at Sacramento St., TBD Jan 7: at Portland St., TBD Jan 14: at EWU, TBD Jan 16: at Montana St., TBD Jan 19: vs. N. Arizona, 6 p.m.

Jan 21: vs. N. Colorado, 2 p.m.

Jan 26: at Weber St., TBD Jan 28: at Idaho St., 2 p.m.

Feb 2: vs. Portland St., 6 p.m.

Feb 4: vs. Sac. St., 2 p.m.

Feb 11: vs. EWU, 1 p.m.

Feb 16: at N. Colorado, TBD Feb 18: at N. Arizona, TBD Feb 23: vs. Idaho St., 6 p.m.

Feb 25: vs. Weber St., 2 p.m.

Feb 27: at Montana, TBD

The lineup

Projected starters F-Beyonce Bea, 6-1, Sr., 15.3 ppg, 8.6 rpg; F-Tiana Johnson, 6-2, grad transfer, 9.9 ppg, 38% from 3, 6.0 rpg; G-Sydney Gandy, 5-5, Jr., 11.0 ppg, 111 assists; F-Brooke Malone, 6-1, R-Fr.; G-Jordan Allred, 5-9, So. Key reserves F–Skylar Bea, 5-11, So.; F– Madison Rubino, 6-0, So.

The projection

Back in the picture: More depth will mean a return to Big Sky contention for the Vandals, who also have plenty of winnable games in the nonconference schedule.

Prediction: 13-5 Big Sky, 18-11 overall.

TYLER TJOMSLAND/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Guard Rashad Smith is one of two returning starters for an Idaho team looking to take the next step in its rebuilding plan.

Vandals hope to build on the modest gains they made a year ago MEN

By Peter Harriman

FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Idaho’s moderate but encouraging resurgence last season died on the rim at the conclusion of the Vandals’ Big Sky Conference Tournament first-round men’s basketball game against Sacramento State.

A 9-2 run with two minutes remaining gave Idaho a chance to tie a 57-54 game in the closing seconds. But Rashad Smith’s 3-point effort missed as the clock ticked down.

Along the way to that disappointing finish in Boise last March, however, the Vandals emerged from the disaster of a one-win campaign two years ago to finish 9-22.

They went 8-7 in their new ICCU Arena, including a signature win over nationally ranked South Dakota State, and they fash-

The surprise

Big addition: At 6-foot-9, 242 pounds, Isaac Jones, the Northwest Athletic Conference player of the year last season, could be the next big thing in the Big Sky. “Isaac has the ability to play inside and out. He is a terrific addition,” says Idaho coach Zac Claus. ioned a three-game win streak against Big Sky foes Weber State, Montana and Eastern Washington, three of the best programs in the conference.

From that foundation, the Vandals hope a retooled lineup with a dozen new players, featuring junior college transfer Isaac Jones and returning starters Smith and Yusef Salih, will provide the speed, power and shooting to take the next big step to a winning season.

“We have the ability to get out and play in transition,” Idaho coach Zac Claus said. “We have size and length.”

Jones, at 6-foot-9, averaged more than 25 points and 13 rebounds per game at Wenatchee Valley a season ago. He’s joined up front by 6-8 sophomore Terren Frank.

Perimeter play will be keyed by the 6-4

Smith, who averaged 10.1 points and 5.1 rebounds last season.

He’ll be joined in the backcourt by 6-2 Yusef Salih and 6-3 transfer Divant’e Moffit, who averaged 19.3 points per game at Seattle Pacific a year ago.

“We have quickness on the perimeter,” Claus said. “That is where we can make a considerable jump. We want to play as fast as we can play smart. We are a more talented group across the board than we were a year ago.”

Missing from Idaho’s schedule this year is its traditional Battle of the Palouse against Washington State. The series had been played at least once annually since 1906 before the Cougars declined to renew it this year, citing Pac-12 nonconference scheduling standards. Thus ends the oldest continuous rivalry in the country.

The Vandals go on the road to open the season on Nov. 7 at the University of Denver.

But Idaho has seven of 13 nonconference games at home, including likely tough matches with Northern Illinois, Dixie State and UC Riverside before beginning league play with daunting road games at Montana State and Montana on Dec. 29 and Dec. 31.

After rare struggles a year ago, Idaho looks to bounce back with leadership, better depth WOMEN

By Jim Allen

FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

The Idaho women expect to have a little more gas in the tank this season – good thing, because there’s a long road ahead.

The Vandals will hit all the compass points in an 11-game nonconference schedule, including tournaments in Maryland and California, a couple of games at Pac-12 venues and two more in the Southwest.

The Vandals have just one home game prior to Big Sky Conference play, Dec. 15 against Denver.

“I say let’s go,” coach Jon Newlee said. “We’re off on the Harlem Globetrotters tour and we’re going to see the country.

And that schedule is going to get us ready for the Big Sky.” Usually a contender, the Vandals slipped last year to 11-9 in the conference and 14-18 overall, partly because of depth issues. Starters Beyonce Bea, Tiana Johnson and Sydney Gandy each logged more than 30 minutes per game.

“But I think we have a lot more depth than we’ve had in a while,” said Newlee, who has taken four teams to the NCAA Tournament in 14 seasons at

COURTESY OF IDAHO ATHLETICS

Senior guard-forward Beyonce Bea averaged 15.3 points and 8.6 rebounds for Idaho a year ago.

Idaho.

However, success will depend partly on Bea, a 6-foot-1 senior

guard-forward from Washougal, Washington. Last year she led the Vandals in every major

category, averaging 15.3 points and 8.6 rebounds while playing almost 34 minutes per game.

That was enough to make Bea a unanimous pick on the All-Big Sky first team, but there’s always room for improvement.

Looking ahead to this year, Newlee hopes Bea will “really just be herself, to (take) better advantage of the opponents.

She’s really selfless, and I think sometimes she’s passed up some shots. But she’s come back quicker and leaner, and really getting at it on the glass.”

Few players are more versatile than Johnson, a 6-2 grad student from Kalispel, Montana, who transferred a year ago from Big Sky rival Sacramento State. Last year, Johnson not only averaged six rebounds but shot a team-best 38% from long range.

Gandy, a 5-5 junior guard, averaged 11 points and dished out 111 assists while committing only 68 turnovers.

Inside, Newlee expects to get some help from Madison Rubino and Skyler Bea, Beyonce’s younger sister.

Freshmen Rosa Smith and Asha Phillips are expected to contribute on the perimeter.

“I think it’s going to be a fun season, and I personally haven’t seen this kind of energy for a while,” Newlee said.

Special Section

November 4, 2022 • Friday • T17

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2022-23

EWU men 2021-22 record 18-16, 11-9 Big Sky 2022-23 schedule Nov 7: at Santa Clara, 7 p.m.

Nov 11: vs. Yale, TBD Nov 13: at Hawaii, TBD Nov 14: vs. Miss. Valley St., TBD Nov 21: vs. WSU, 6 p.m.

Nov 25: at Fla. Int., TBD Nov 27: vs. Stony Brook, TBD Nov 30: vs. Northwest, 6 p.m.

Dec 3: vs. N. Dakota St., 2 p.m.

Dec 7: at California, TBD Dec 10: at S. Dakota St., TBD Dec 13: at Texas Tech, 5 p.m.

Dec 17: vs. UC Davis, 2 p.m.

Dec 20: vs. NW Indian, 3:30 p.m.

Dec 29: at Montana, TBD Dec 31: at Montana St., 1 p.m.

Jan 5: vs. Portland St., 6 p.m.

Jan 7: vs. Sac. St., 2 p.m.

Jan 14: vs. Idaho, TBD Jan 16: vs. Montana, 6 p.m.

Jan 19: at N. Colorado, TBD Jan 21: at N. Arizona, TBD Jan 26: vs. Idaho St., 6 p.m.

Jan 28: vs. Weber St., 2 p.m.

Feb 2: at Sac. St., 7 p.m.

Feb 4: at Portland St., 7 p.m.

Feb 11: at Idaho, TBD Feb 16: vs. N. Arizona, 6 p.m.

Feb 18: vs. N. Colorado, 2 p.m.

Feb 23: at Weber St., TBD Feb 25: at Idaho St., TBD Feb 27: vs. Montana St., 6 p.m.

The lineup

TYLER TJOMSLAND/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Eastern Washington’s sharpshooting guard Steele Venters led the team in scoring last season at 16.7 points per game.

With key pieces returning and depth bolstered, Eagles are energized for March run MEN

By Dan Thompson

FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Last March, Eastern Washington was one tip-in basket from advancing into the Big Sky Tournament semifinals.

Late in that 68-67 loss to Northern Colorado, it was a tired bunch of Eagles: Their five starters had each played at least 34 minutes, and all season they had relied on that quintet to play what might be called more than their fair share of time.

“I talked to coach (David Riley) about it a lot. I talked to Rylan (Bergersen). I talked to Boogie (Linton Acliese III),” senior Angelo Allegri said, naming off two seniors for whom last year was their final one with Eastern. “We just all felt like we could have won and should have won.

“On that last play, we had three layups at the rim that we just couldn’t get to fall, and we all really felt like it was because of fatigue.”

Again there is heavy turnover on the Eastern men’s basketball roster this year. But unlike the turnover before last season in the wake of a coaching change, this season the

Eagles return three starters and a couple key role players. That gives them confidence that this season – No. 2 with Riley as head coach – will end differently.

“It’s a totally different kind of turnover this year,” Riley said. “We have six guys back from our rotation. Three starters (who averaged) double figures. Coaches who’ve all been here. There’s just so much more continuity.”

Back is sophomore Steele Venters, the team’s leading scorer from a year ago at 16.7 points per game and the Big Sky’s leading 3-point shooter (43.5%). Also returning is sophomore Ethan Price, last year’s Big Sky Freshman of the Year. The Eagles have Allegri back for his second season after averaging 12.1 points per game a year ago and 14.6 points per game in the final eight.

“He took huge strides during the season, and what he did during the spring and summer was incredible,” Riley said of Allegri.

Also returning are junior guard Ellis Magnuson, sophomore Casey Jones and junior Tap George, who should all play larger roles than they did a year ago. Magnuson was usually the first man off the bench, with Jones and George not far behind.

Added to that are nine new players, in-

The surprise

Another versatile big man: Ethan

Price demonstrated last season he can play an inside-out game by making 33 of 81 3-point attempts. Fellow 6-foot-10 sophomore Dane Erikstrup made almost the same percentage (26 of 64) at Division II Cal Poly Pomona. If he makes the adjustment to DI ball, Erikstrup could give the Eagles vital depth in the post.

cluding three true freshmen and six transfers. Sophomore Dane Erikstrup (6-foot-10, 240 pounds) gives the Eagles another option inside after Price (6-10, 230). Senior guard Deon Stroud played against Eastern in its final game last year against Fresno State, where Stroud played in 51 games over two seasons and averaged 8.4 points per game.

There is also junior Tyreese Davis, a redshirt guard who transferred from Jacksonville State. He averaged 8 points and 4.6 rebounds a season ago. Davis played with Allegri at Link Prep in Missouri, where Roberto Bergersen – the former EWU assistant coach who is now at Boise State – coached them both.

All that added depth has Allegri optimistic about the Eagles’ chances this season.

“We’re so deep and so talented,” he said.

“There’s no way we’re tired in March.”

EWU’s quick rebuild looks even stronger with addition of Loera WOMEN

By Jim Allen

FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

When Joddie Gleason took over the women’s basketball program at Eastern Washington last year, the bar couldn’t have been set any lower.

Longtime coach Wendy Schuller had been dismissed after a losing season and another mass exodus of players, and expectations had hit rock-bottom.

Athletic director Lynn Hickey turned to Gleason, a former head coach at Humboldt State and more recently an assistant at Seattle University.

After a slow start, the Eagles went 9-21 overall and a surprising 7-13 in the Big Sky Conference.

“We came in and we’re working hard on building the culture that we wanted to have,” Gleason said.

Now the building continues, but on a much firmer foundation.

The Eagles return all five starters and several key reserves. Gleason also added Arizona State grad

transfer Jamie Loera of Moses Lake, the younger sister of former Gonzaga star Jessie Loera.

“We had the plan of taking three to four years to get into the top third of the conference, but I think we have a team that can compete with anyone in the conference,” Gleason said.

The Eagles will count heavily on sophomore forward Jaydia Martin, a versatile 6-footer who averaged a team-high 15.2 points last year. She also pulled down almost five boards per contest and shot 32% from long range.

“She’s prolific,” Gleason said.

“She’s a good 3-point shooter and she also can get to the hoop.”

The other key returnee is Spokane native Jacinta Buckley, a former Lewis and Clark High School star who averaged 12.9 points and 8.5 boards.

A junior transfer from UNLV, the 6-1 Buckley “can defend anyone on the court and has good reach,” Gleason said. “She’s also a menace on the boards.”

The Eagles will get more help in the paint from junior forward Milly Knowles, who according to Gleason has “done a great job of bringing those elements that a

Projected starters F-Ethan Price, 6-10, So., 9.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg; F-Casey Jones, 6-6, So., 2.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg; F-Angelo Allegri, 6-7, Sr., 12.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 37.2% 3-pt; G-Steele Venters, 6-7, R-So., 16.7 ppg, 43.4% 3-pt; G-Ellis Magnuson, 6-2, Jr., 2.1 ppg, 2.5 apg Key reserve F-Tap George, 6-8, Jr., 2.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg

The projection

Big Sky runner-up: The Eagles have a trio in VentersPrice-Allegri that matches up against any in the Big Sky. The question will be how well the team has developed its depth, which it will need to win the Big Sky Tournament.

Prediction: 14-4 Big Sky, 21-11 overall.

EWU women 2021-22 record 9-21, 7-13 Big Sky 2022-23 schedule Nov 7: vs. Corban, 6 p.m.

Nov 11: at Boise St., 5:30 p.m.

Nov 14: vs. S. Utah, 6 p.m.

Nov 17: at Oregon St., 6 p.m.

Nov 20: vs. Evergreen St., 2 p.m.

Nov 26: at Gonzaga, 2 p.m.

Dec 1: vs. UC Irvine, 6 p.m.

Dec 10: vs. Tarleton St., 2 p.m.

Dec 13: at Seattle, 6 p.m.

Dec 15: at Oregon, 6 p.m.

Dec 20: vs. Utah St., 1 p.m.

Dec 29: vs. Montana, 6 p.m.

Dec 31: vs. Montana St., 2 p.m.

Jan 5: at Portland St., 6 p.m.

Jan 7: at Sac. St., 2 p.m.

Jan 14: vs. Idaho, TBD Jan 16: at Montana, 6 p.m.

Jan 19: vs. N. Colorado, 11 a.m.

Jan 21: vs. N. Arizona, 2 p.m.

Jan 26: at Idaho St., 6 p.m.

Jan 28: at Weber St., noon Feb 2: vs. Sac. St., 6 p.m.

Feb 4: vs. Portland St., 2 p.m.

Feb 11: at Idaho, TBD Feb 16: at N. Arizona, 5 p.m.

Feb 18: at N. Colorado, 1 p.m.

Feb 23: vs. Weber St., 6 p.m.

Feb 25: vs. Idaho St., 2 p.m.

Feb 27: at Montana St., 6 p.m.

The lineup

Projected starters F-Jaydia Martin, 6-0, So., 15.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg; G-Jacinta Buckley, 6-1, Jr., 12.9 ppg, 8 rpg; G-Alexis Pettis, 5-5, So., 7.5 ppg; F-Milly Knowles, 6-1, R-Jr., 5.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg; G-Jamie Loera, 5-9, grad transfer Key reserves G-Andie Zylak, 5-7, So.; F-Jaleesa Lawrence, 5-10, So.

The projection

JESSE TINSLEY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Eastern Washington’s Jaydia Martin averaged a team-high 15.2 points per game a season ago. leader needs to bring.”

Another LC alum, point guard Andie Zylak, will vie for playing time alongside Loera.

With only four upperclassmen

on the roster, the Eagles will be tested by another demanding nonconference schedule that includes games at Boise State, Oregon State, Oregon and Gonzaga.

Good news, bad news: The Eagles will be much improved, but are sure to get more attention from Big Sky rivals. Prediction: 10-8 Big Sky, 15-14 overall.

T18 • Friday • November 4, 2022

Special Section

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2022-23

Whitworth men 2021-22 record 22-5, 13-3 Northwest Conference 2022-23 schedule Nov 11: at Mount Union, 4 p.m.

Nov 12: Ranoke (Va.) or Maryville (Tenn.), noon or 2 p.m.

Nov 17: vs. Sul Ross St., 7 p.m.

Nov 22: vs. California Lutheran, 7 p.m.

Nov 25: Carleton (Minn.), 6:30 p.m.

Nov 26: Colorado Coll. Or Carrol (Wis.), 4:30 or 6:30 p.m.

Dec 2: at Puget Sound, 8 p.m.

Dec 3: at PLU, 6 p.m.

Dec 10: vs. Whitworth Alumni, 4 p.m.

Dec 20: vs. Saint Hohn’s (Minn.), 6 p.m.

Dec 21: vs. Mary HardinBaylor, 6 p.m.

Dec 31: vs. Muhlenberg (Pa.), 2 p.m.

Jan 6: vs. Lewis & Clark, 8 p.m.

Jan 7: vs. Pacific (Ore.), 6 p.m.

Jan 10: at Whitman, 8 p.m.

Jan 14: vs. George Fox, 6 p.m.

Jan 20: at Willamette, 8 p.m.

Jan 21: at Linfield, 6 p.m.

Jan 27: vs. PLU, 8 p.m.

Jan 28: vs. Puget Sound, 6 p.m.

Feb 3: at Pacific (Ore.), 8 p.m.

Feb 4: at Lewis & Clark, 6 p.m.

Feb 7: vs. Whitman, 8 p.m.

Feb 10: at George Fox, 8 p.m.

Feb 17: vs. Linfield, 8 p.m.

Feb 18: vs. Willamette, 6 p.m.

The lineup

Projected starters F-JT McDermott, 6-6, Gr., 14.2 ppg, 61.3 FG%; F-Jake Holtz, 6-4, Jr., 9.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg; G-Jerry Twenge, 6-3, Sr., 7.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg; G-Jojo Anderson, 6-0, So., 6.2 ppg, 1.9 apg; G-Rowan Anderson, 6-0, Sr., 8.9 ppg, 3.3 apg

The surprise

Northern star: Junior Sullivan Menard, the 2019 Alaska Gatorade Player of the Year, sat out last season recovering from an injury he sustained at Western Wyoming CC a year before.

But the one-time DI recruit – he redshirted his first year at DePaul – is healthy and could be a key contributor for the Pirates.

The projection

NWC champs, NCAA DIII bound: This is a team with veteran leadership and also plenty of talent, and even in a difficult conference, a challenging nonconference schedule should have this team prepared to win the NWC Tournament.

Prediction: 13-3 NWC, 19-6 overall (regular season).

Whitworth women 2021-22 record 10-15, 5-11 Northwest Conference 2022-23 schedule Nov 6: vs. Corban, 2 p.m.

Nov 10: vs. Walla Walla, 6 p.m.

Nov 18: at Northwest College, 7:30 p.m.

Nov 19: Haskell Indian Nations, 3 p.m.

Nov 26: Caltech, 1 p.m.

Nov 27: at UC Santa Cruz, 1 p.m.

Dec 2: at Puget Sound, 6 p.m.

Dec 3: at PLU, 4 p.m.

Dec 18: at Chapman, 4 p.m.

Dec 19: at Caltech, 2 p.m.

Dec 21: at Whitter, 1 p.m.

Dec 29: vs. California Lutheran, noon Jan 6: vs. Lewis & Clark, 6 p.m.

Jan 7: vs. Pacific (Ore.), 4 p.m.

Jan 10: at Whitman, 6 p.m.

Jan 14: vs. George Fox, 4 p.m.

Jan 20: at Willamette, 6 p.m.

Jan 21: at Linfield, 4 p.m.

Jan 27: vs. PLU, 6 p.m.

Jan 28: vs. Puget Sound, 4 p.m.

Feb 3: at Pacific (Ore.), 6 p.m.

Feb 4: at Lewis & Clark, 4 p.m.

Feb 7: vs. Whitman, 6 p.m.

Feb 10: at George Fox, 6 p.m.

Feb 17: vs. Linfield, 6 p.m.

Feb 18: vs. Willamette, 4 p.m.

CALEB FLEGEL/COURTESY OF WHITWORTH ATHLETICS

JT McDermott, a 6-foot-6 guard, started 24 of 27 games a year ago for Whitworth and averaged 14.2 points per game.

After NCAA Tournament appearance a year ago, Whitworth aims for a deeper run MEN

By Dan Thompson

FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

After playing through an uncertain 202021 season that ultimately had no postseason for any Division III teams to build toward, appearing in the NCAA Tournament last year was a great accomplishment for the Whitworth men’s basketball program, even with the first-round exit.

This season, though, the Pirates want to take the next step.

“I do think this team felt like we accomplished a lot by getting our share of the regular-season (title) and winning the conference championship,” Whitworth head coach Damion Jablonski said. “I do think this is a year where while we still can’t pass up any steps, our team can look farther along with the hope and prospect of making a deep run in the tournament.”

Whitworth’s most recent advance past the first round of the NCAA Tournament

came in 2020, when the Pirates got to the Sweet 16 before the rest of the event was canceled. Two players from that 2019-20 squad remain on the roster in JT McDermott and Rowan Anderson, and another – Reed Brown – is now a Pirates assistant coach.

McDermott and Anderson lead a core of returning players the Pirates will lean on this season.

“I think all of those main rotation guys are going to have bigger roles, and we’ve got a couple of really great pieces that we know can step in,” Jablonski said.

One of those is Sullivan Menard, a 6-foot3 junior guard from Alaska who started his college career at Division I DePaul. Another is senior transfer Michael Smith, also a 6-3 guard, who last season started 20 games for Division II Sonoma State and averaged 8 points per game.

The team has eight freshmen on the roster who form a strong and also long class, Jablonski said. Five of them are at least 6-6.

In his four years as head coach Jablonski (58-15 overall) has again put together a dif-

ficult nonconference schedule. This year it begins Nov. 11 in Ohio against Mount Union, a team that also reached the Sweet 16 in the 2020 NCAA Tournament.

On Dec. 20 and 21, Whitworth will host Saint John’s (Minnesota) and then Mary Hardin-Baylor (Texas). Both of those teams (as well as Mount Union) played in last spring’s NCAA Tournament; Mary Hardin-Baylor lost in the semifinals.

“Yeah, it’s tough. I will say that,” Jablonski said of the schedule. “We’ve got four-plus games that are, on paper, really, really difficult games. But that’s kind of been our MO of giving our guys a test to compete nationally and build a resume with a good strength of schedule.”

One other notable change is on the coaching staff. Kenny Love, the team’s top assistant last year and a member of the staff since 2017, is now the women’s basketball coach at Whitworth.

Love also had a notable playing career with the Pirates, named to the NWC’s firstteam three times and the NWC Player of the Year in 2015.

Elijah Gurash, already on staff, was promoted to top assistant.

“I’m excited Elijah is in our top spot,” Jablonski said. “That’s going to give him an opportunity to blossom.”

WHITWORTH/CCS/NIC WOMEN

New coaches bring new optimism

Whitworth, CCS and NIC programs turn to leaders with Northwest ties

By Justin Reed

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

CALEB FLEGEL/COURTESY OF WHITWORTH ATHLETICS

Former North Central High School star Quincy McDeid returns to anchor the Whitworth backcourt.

Three local women’s basketball teams – Whitworth, Community Colleges of Spokane and North Idaho College – enter the 2022-23 season with new faces on the sideline.

The three new coaches all have ties to Spokane or the Pacific Northwest.

At Whitworth, former men’s basketball star Kenny Love takes over for Joial Griffith, who spent four years coaching the Pirate women.

Love assisted the men’s team following the conclusion of his playing career. All told, he’s been at Whitworth for 10 years. In that time, he says he’s seen the women’s program experience plenty of ups and downs since it last played in the NCAA Division III Tournament his freshman season.

“We’re kind of getting rid of the (negatives) and really just advancing things on the positive side, and just becoming a more consistent program that really understands our identity,” Love said.

CCS hired Brittany Kennedy, who played for Lewis and Clark before heading to Oregon State and Florida Gulf Coast. Those college stops helped jump-start her professional career in Finland and Germany.

“I’m excited,” Kennedy said.

“First year as a head coach, it’s great to be here. I never would have imagined being a Spokanite and being able to now be a head coach here. So there’s that added excitement of a new journey, a new chapter on my journey.”

She had been with LC as junior varsity coach and varsity assistant.

NIC brought in former Montana basketball player Nathan Covill, who recently coached Division II Willamette and was an assistant coach for the Montana women.

“I’ve been familiar with NIC for a number of years,” Covill said. “I played at the University of Montana, and my wife is from Spokane. So I spent a lot of time in my college years and post-college years in this area, and just know that this is a really great See COACHES, 19

Special Section

November 4, 2022 • Friday • T19

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2022-23 SMALL COLLEGES

LIBBY KAMROWSKI/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Jeremy Groth has been head coach at Community Colleges of Spokane since 2012.

LIBBY KAMROWSKI/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Corey Symons enters his 18th season at North Idaho College, his eighth as head coach.

CCS, NIC reload rosters, still look to compete for NWAC supremacy

By Justin Reed

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

With 30 years of combined coaching experience at their respective schools, North Idaho College’s Corey Symons and Community Colleges of Spokane’s Jeremy Groth know a thing or two about building competitive rosters at the junior college level.

Sometimes that takes time during the season to mesh as year to year, rosters are shuffled and reshuffled with a plethora of freshmen and transfers.

Spokane has 13 new men on its roster, and North Idaho has eight different faces as each prepare for the upcoming Northwest Athletic Conference season.

“The toughest thing with juco ( junior college) is just building chemistry,” Symons said. “You’re always turning over your roster so much.”

The 13 new players on CCS are by far the largest Groth has had in his 11 seasons leading the program.

“It just happened to be where we lost five or six guys who were with our program for three years and then we had five or six guys also that were freshmen that had their degree in two years,” he said. “So it is better for them to move on to just continue education or play somewhere else, too.”

This season, Symons had his players raise their hand if they were the best players on their high school rosters. Everyone

COACHES

they’re seasoned.”

Groth added: “I’m excited to see just the product and how it all kind of comes together and looking forward to the journey.”

Two players Groth will be relying on are transfers Carter Brown, a 6-foot-2 point guard from Western Nebraska, and Trey Stevens, a 6-2 guard from Reed, Nevada, who was a starter at Menlo College.

Brown and Stevens will be instrumental in what the Sasquatch want to accomplish, Groth said.

“Those would be the two guys right away that are transfers that we’re hoping (will) have a major impact,” Groth said.

Mead’s Zack Reighard, University’s Conrad Bippes and Clarkston’s Wyat Chatfield are also on

hold so much weight.”

Local freshmen Sydney McLean (Freeman) and Avery Bowman (Northwest Christian) are also on the Whitworth squad.

Continued from 18

place to live and an awesome place to recruit to.”

Whitworth

raised their hands.

While roster shakeup is commonplace at this level, it doesn’t change the messaging.

“That’s kind of our biggest challenge early on,” Symons said.

“And what we’re going through now is trying to get everybody to buy into our program, buy into our success, and buy into each other. Because, like I said, we have a lot of good players, but we only have one basketball team.”

Spokane has reloaded with more talent this season.

“We’re thankful that we have some really good players coming in,” Groth said. “They’re freshmen that should be able to contribute right away, but also at the same time, some of these transfer guys that came in are ready and

CCS

Senior Quincy McDeid – a North Central grad – returns to run the Pirate offense. She’ll look for former Gonzaga Prep Bullpup Olivia Meyer down low. “(McDeid) has been an impact player, honestly from the first week she stepped on campus and practice started,” Love said. “They are two of the biggest ones where you want to kind of pair the leadership role with some of your more talented players just because that’s going to

The Sasquatch feature two Sobotta sophomore cousins – point guard Glory and backcourt mate AJ – who will try to translate their family chemistry onto the court.

Kennedy said those two, along with freshman Emma Severs from Pomeroy, have stood out early in practice.

“There has actually been a lot of improvement, honestly,” Kennedy said. “There are just probably some players that no one knows about because we had to do tryouts and coming over and taking over late, but I’m excited.”

the squad.

The Cardinals return their leading scorer, Julius Mims, a 6-9 forward who poured in 17.4 points a game last season.

Also providing big minutes will be sharpshooting Taden King and third-year player Brendan Johnson. Versatile Xavier Bailey will also be an important piece.

A DI transfer from Idaho State, Kyle Karstetter figures to make an instant impact, as well.

NIC has a few local freshmen sprinkled on its roster: University’s Jeremiah Sibley, Liberty’s Tayshawn Colvin and Lakeland’s Jalen Skalskiy. Sophomore Riley Sloan played at Shadle Park.

The two programs play each other in Spokane on Jan. 21 in Coeur d’Alene on Feb. 22.

The Sasquatch have five local freshmen on the roster.

North Idaho

Upon his arrival, Covill gravitated toward sophomore Kaylee Banks.

Banks, a Sandpoint graduate, stood out to Covill for her communication. Before Covill was fully integrated in the program, Banks’ leadership surfaced.

“I think she’s someone ... I can see as a leader in the program,” Covill said. “And then we have a number of kids who are just unknown, we have eight newcomers, and we have four returns. But of those four returns, only two of them played minutes.”

Covill hopes Alicia Suggs, an athletic freshman from Mead, will take over the lead ballhandling role.

CCS men

CCS women

NIC men

NIC women

2021-22 record 17-13, 8-8 NWAC

2021-22 record 15-10, 12-4 NWAC

2021-22 record: 20-7, 14-2 NWAC

2021-22 record 14-11, 9-7 NWAC

2022-23 schedule: Nov 18: at Northwest Wyoming, TBD Nov 19: at Northwest Wyoming, TBD Nov 25: vs. Shoreline, 7:30 p.m.

Nov 26: TBD, 7:30 p.m.

Dec 1: at Santa Rosa, 7 p.m.

Dec 4: at San Francisco City Coll., 7 p.m.

Dec 9: vs. Gonzaga Club, 5 p.m.

Dec 16: vs. SW Oregon, 7:30 p.m.

Dec 17: vs. Olympic, 7:30 p.m.

Dec 18: vs. Green River, 2 p.m.

Jan 4: vs. Columbia Basin, 7:30 p.m.

Jan 7: vs. Treasure Valley, 4 p.m.

Jan 11: at Big Bend, 7:30 p.m.

Jan 14: vs. Walla Walla, 4 p.m.

Jan 16: at Blue Mountain, 4 p.m.

Jan 21: at Spokane, 4 p.m.

Jan 25: at Wenatchee Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Jan 28: vs. Yakima Valley, 4 p.m.

Feb: 1: vs. Big Bend, 7:30 p.m.

Feb 4: at Treasure Valley, 3 p.m.

Feb 8: at Columbia Basin, 7:30 p.m.

Feb 11: vs. Blue Mountain, 4 p.m.

Feb 18: at Walla Walla, 4 p.m.

Feb 22: vs. Spokane, 7:30 p.m.

Feb 25: at Yakima Valley, 4 p.m.

Mar 1: vs. Wenatchee Valley, 7:30 p.m.

2022-23 schedule Nov 18: vs. Coll. of Southern Idaho, 1 p.m.

Nov 19: vs. California Christian, 5 p.m.

Dec 2: vs. Carrol Coll. JV, 7 p.m.

Dec 3: vs. Carrol Coll. JV, noon Dec 9: vs. Gonzaga Club, 7 p.m.

Dec 16: Olympic, 7 p.m.

Dec 17: Multnomah JV, 6 p.m.

Dec 18: vs. Linn-Benton, noon Dec 28: vs. Umpqua, 5 p.m.

Dec 29: TBD Dec 30: TBD Jan 4: vs. Columbia Basin, 5:30 p.m.

Jan 7: vs. Treasure Valley, 2 p.m.

Jan 11: at Big Bend, 5:30 p.m.

Jan 14: vs. Walla Walla, 2 p.m.

Jan 16: at Blue Mountain, 2 p.m.

Jan 21: at Spokane, 2 p.m.

Jan 25: at Wenatchee Valley, 5:30 p.m.

Jan 28: vs. Yakima Valley, 2 p.m.

Feb 1: vs. Big Bend, 5:30 p.m.

Feb 4: at Treasure Valley, 1 p.m.

Feb 8: at Columbia Basin, 5:30 p.m.

Feb 11: vs. Blue Mountain, 2 p.m.

Feb 18: at Walla Walla, 2 p.m.

Feb 22: vs. Spokane, 5:30 p.m.

Feb 25: at Yakima Valley, 2 p.m.

Mar 1: vs. Wenatchee Valley, 5:30 p.m.

2022-23 schedule Nov 11: vs. CCS Alumni, 7:30 p.m.

Nov 19: vs. SEU Puyallup, 1 p.m.

Nov 25-27: at Red Devil Classic, TBD Dec 2-4: at Bigfoot Classic, TBD Dec 9: at Clark College, 2 p.m.

Dec 10: at Mt. Hood, noon Dec 12: vs. Air Force, TBD Dec 29: at Everett, 6 p.m.

Dec 30: at Highline, TBD Jan 4: at Blue Mountain, 7:30 p.m.

Jan 7: vs. Big Bend, 4 p.m.

Jan 11: at Walla Walla, 7:30 Jan 15: vs. Treasure Valley, 4 p.m.

Jan 16: vs. Wenatchee Valley, 4 p.m.

Jan 18: at Yakima Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Jan 21: vs. North Idaho, 4 p.m.

Jan 25: at Columbia Basin, 7:30 p.m.

Feb 1: vs. Walla Walla, 7:30 p.m.

Feb 2: at Big Bend, 4 p.m.

Feb 8: vs. Blue Mountain, 7:30 p.m.

Feb 11: at Wenatchee Valley, 4 p.m.

Feb 15: vs. Yakima Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Feb 18: at Treasure Valley, 3 p.m.

Feb 22: at North Idaho, 7:30 p.m.

Mar 1: vs. Columbia Basin, 7:30 p.m.

2022-23 schedule Nov 11: vs. CCS Alumni, 5:30 p.m.

Nov 15: vs. NW Indian College, 6 p.m.

Dec 2: at Everett, 7 p.m.

Dec 3: at Skagit Valley, 6 p.m.

Dec 9: at Everett, 8 p.m.

Dec 10: at Clark College, 2 p.m.

Dec 15: vs. Pierce College, 4 p.m.

Dec 16: vs. Peninsula College, 4 p.m.

Dec 17: vs. Mt. Hood CC, noon Jan 4: at Blue Mountain, 5:30 p.m.

Jan 7: vs. Big Bend, 2 p.m.

Jan 11: at Walla Walla, 5:30 p.m.

Jan 15: vs. Treasure Valley, 2 p.m.

Jan 16: vs. Wenatchee Valley, 2 p.m.

Jan 18: at Yakima Valley, 5:30 p.m.

Jan 21: vs. North Idaho, 2 p.m.

Jan 25: at Columbia Basin, 5:30 p.m.

Feb 1: vs. Walla Walla, 5:30 p.m.

Feb 4: at Big Bend, 2 p.m.

Feb 8: vs. Blue Mountain, 5:30 p.m.

Feb 11: at Wenatchee Valley, 2 p.m.

Feb 15: vs. Yakima Valley, 5:30 p.m.

Feb 18: at Treasure Valley, 1 p.m.

Feb 22: at North Idaho, 5:30 p.m.

Mar 1: vs. Columbia Basin, 5:30 p.m.

T20 • Friday • November 4, 2022

Special Section

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2022-23

WSU puts support behind sidelined teammates Rice, Jackson

By Colton Clark

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

On Sept. 29, Washington State reserve guard Myles Rice announced that he had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a form of cancer that will disrupt his basketball career.

Three days earlier, center Dishon Jackson announced that he would be out of action as he works through a medical issue.

The Cougs are rallying around

their sidelined teammates.

“We have to cherish these moments we have, because you never know when it’s taken from you,” forward TJ Bamba said. “What they’re going through, it caught them offguard. They’re being strong.

They’re getting through it and telling us to keep our heads up.

We’re cherishing the moments, competing, doing it with them and for them, and making them proud.”

Rice and Jackson are still

around the team and attending practices. Rice is undergoing chemo treatment while juggling his academic responsibilities.

“They’re resilient,” WSU coach Kyle Smith said. “We see them every day. It’s probably pretty inspirational (for teammates).

“We had two daggers, and I’m still very optimistic (about the team).”

Washington State center Dishon Jackson smiles from the sidelines during a recent practice in Pullman.

TYLER TJOMSLAND THE SPOKESMANREVIEW

Colton Clark can be reached at coltonc@spokesman.com.

WSU MEN Continued from 13

long way.”

WSU opens its season at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at home against Texas State.

The Cougars’ backcourt boasts intriguing potential. WSU signed a pair of 6-foot-6 transfer guards in Justin Powell (Tennessee) and Jabe Mullins (Saint Mary’s), both of whom will take on starting duties after playing reserve roles at their former schools.

“They’re really smart and they’re really skilled on both sides of the ball,” Smith said of the junior sharpshooters, who have appeared in a combined 93 collegiate games. “They come from really good, NCAA Tournament programs. They really make things easier.”

The two will pair nicely with the 6-5 Bamba to make up a lengthy WSU perimeter. The Cougars were undersized at the guard positions last year.

Smith expects his team’s offense to be more rhythmic and balanced than it was last season, when WSU posted low assist numbers and often relied on two or three high-volume scorers.

“Our ball-handling and passing will be better. Our shooting should be better,” he said. “In general, our ‘playing together’ on offense should be better.

“We’re going to be more

TYLER TJOMSLAND/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Washington State forward Carlos Rosario rebounds the ball against guard TJ Bamba during a recent practice in Pullman. sleek of an offensive team with a lot of interchangeable parts.”

Key backcourt reserves include versatile true freshman Kymany Houinsou, a 6-6 France native, and Dylan Darling, a dynamic freshman from Spokane.

Ball-handling and scoring responsibilities will be shared between sever-

al assist-minded guards.

Smith shined a light on Bamba when asked to predict WSU’s leading scorer.

Gueye also “will take a big step forward” on offense.

“Mo and Bamba, talent-wise, they’re in different roles now but I feel like they have put in the time and they have the respect of their teammates,” Smith said.

Gueye, a preseason first-team all-conference pick, will be a force underneath, but the Cougars’ frontcourt might be a work in progress. Starting center Dishon Jackson announced Sept. 26 that he’ll be sidelined indefinitely due to an unspecified medical issue.

WSU will space the floor, starting Jakimovski at the

“4” position. WSU is planning to ease true freshman Adrame Diongue into the lineup. The four-star 7-footer is one of WSU’s highest-rated recruits of all time, but he’ll need some time to develop.

“We’re going to have to find a way to survive on the glass,” Smith said. “Defensively, it’s not gonna be the same, where we’re block-

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ing every shot.

“Being able to rebound against some of the big, bulky teams (will be challenging), but I also think we might be able to chase them off the floor with our offense. Hopefully, we can make that work.”

Colton Clark can be reached at coltonc@spokesman. com.