First Look

Midnight Madness allegedly began back in 1971. Since then teams all across the country have given their fans their first look at their beloved teams. Last season the MWC created some buzz across the nation sending four of its teams to the big dance with the country's hoopster fans first look at Jimmer. This season should provide more than its share of excitement. A first look at the MWC teams include the following...

San Diego State (25-9 overall) Steve Fisher
It's hard to debate against the Aztecs combination. Coming off a dismal 4-22 season not much was expected in Steve Fisher's initial season. Fisher returns now for his 11th season with 4 MWC championships and 92 victories in his last 4 seasons under his belt. All five starters return starting with sophomore Kawhi Leonard (6-7) who led the MWC in rebounding. Senior Macolm Thomas (6-9) was second in the MWC for blocked shots and 3rd in offensive rebounding. Ball handling duties are in good hands with senior DJ Gay (6-0) who was 3rd in the assist to turnover ratio.

BYU (30-6 overall) Dave Rose
Another season rolls around with another title hunt very reasonably within reach. Everyone's All American Jimmer Fredette returns for his senior campaign and was ranked 7th nationally in scoring at 22 a game. The other senior half of the backcourt includes Jackson Emery who knocked down 2nd best in school history of 85 threes. Emery is probably more known as one of the best conference defensive shutdown stoppers. Local product Kyle Collinsworth should contend for MWC freshman of the year. The cougs play a worthy schedule and have every reason to believe another appearance in the big dance will certainly be on the schedule.

New Mexico (30-5 overall) Steve Alford
Alford the two time MWC coach of the year has his lobo's back again in the hunt for another conference championship. The lobo's engine starts with senior (6-1) Dairese Gary who has had 97 straight starts. Dairese is a strong poised athletic guard who will leave it all on the court leader who averaged 13 points a game and nearly 4 assists per matchup. Yes, Alford's team lost Darington Hobson but they also pick up two high profile transfers in junior 6-9 Drew Gordon (from UCLA) and sophomore Emmanual Negedu (from Tenn). Negedu (6-7) is a former McDonalds all american nominee. Gordon is a former top 50 player capable of making an immediate impact in the paint.

UNLV (25-9 overall) Lon Kruger
Senior guard Tre'von Willis will be back afterall to lead the rebels this season despite a rather tumultuous summer. Last season Willis averaged over 20 a game and 4 rebounds. UNLV will have some depth including the addition of Kansas sophomore transfer (6-8) Quintrell Thomas who is expected to add some much needed brawn to the rebels frontcourt.

CSU (16-16 overall) Tim Miles
The rams have a young coach in Miles who can certainly squeeze the most out of a rather limited roster. He might not guide his rams into the postseason but certainly Colorado State will be respected. Forward Andy Ogide is the rams most dominant inside player returning with his 12.3 points a game and 7 rebounds. Sophomore point guard Dorian Green showed promise and maturity who was forced into the starting role when 2009 standout Jesse Carr was unable to go.

Wyoming (10-21 overall) Heath Schroyer
This upcoming season the cowboys will be led by a dynamic duo in junior 6-8 Afam Muojeke and sophomore 6-5 guard Desmar Jackson. Jackson, was one of the few positives for the pokes last season returns who averaged nearly 14 a game. Afam looked like a bona fide stud before his season ending injury. Its been a while since the pokes were competitive in the MWC but Muojeke's return should certainly help.

Utah (14-17 overall) Jim Boylen
The reigning MWC defensive player of the year returns in 7-3 junior David Foster. Foster last season was ranked #4 in NCAA with 4 blocks a game and is a solid place to start rebuilding after five players left the program. Things must change soon with Boylen possibly being on notice with the yewts leaving to the Pac12. Otherwise, it will be nice of you to show up.

TCU (13-19 overall) Jim Christian
The frogs will need some players to begin stepping up. In the backcourt is a pair of juniors who both will handle the rock in Ronnie Moss and Hank Thorns who transferred from Virginia Tech). Moss can throw up a solid statline which is good and bad. He averaged 15 points a game and 6 assists. Now the bad, Moss also averaged nearly 4 turnovers a game thus with the addition of Thorns will likely move to the two spot. Thorns has some wheels, makes solid decisions and simply can run the show.

Air Force (10-21 overall) Jeff Reynolds
The falcons problem here is available height. Already lost on the season is starting center 6-11 center Sammy Schafer (concussion) as well his backup freshman Ethan Michael 6-8 who tore his ACL. The cadet's will be led by a pair of seniors in guard Evan Washington and forward Tom Fow. There is much work yet to be done to find a way to get the cadets out of the cellar. Unfortunately, their last NCAA tourney appearance was in 2006 and doesn't look like a return trip will be anytime soon.

One Game At A Time

Hoop practices have officially begun across the gyms across the country. Soon the seats in the Mariott Center will be filled with screaming fans. The sigh of cougar relief came and went when Jimmer announced he would return for his senior season. Yes, the cougs have thrown together four straight 25 win seasons. Last season the jerseys in blue even won 30 games. Yes, the cougs have also had four straight trips to the Big Dance. Considering a pair of Collingsworth brothers and names like Emerey, Abouo, Jimmer, and Davies on the cougs roster it would be only be natural to have some high expectations for the upcoming season.

Gone from the roster include Jonathan Tavernari, Chris Miles, Michael Lloyd Jr and Tyler Haws. Yes, some big spots to fill. The additions to the this season's names include Anson Winder, Stephen Rogers and Kyle Collingsworth. Winder as a senior led Bishop Gorman HS (NV) to a 30-2 record in a back to back 4a state champs while averaging 17 ppg and 7 rebs. Rogers joins the cougs via Mesa CC and could score in bunches averaging 21.3 per game. As ranked one of the nations top 80 guards by ESPN Kyle Collingsworth was had offers from Kansas, Marquette, Oklahoma State, Arizona State, Virginia and Stanford. Kyle was even named the Deseret News Mr Basketball and Gatorade Player Of The Year.

Making room in the paint will be supplied by sophomore 6-9 Brandon Davies, junior 6-10 James Anderson and 6-9 sophomore Chris Collingsworth. Davies showed serious promise as a freshman even dropping 21 on the yewts and will be looked for his work around the glass this season. Collingsworth is an all around versatile player which fits in nicely with the cougs up tempo system. Anderson a former McDonalds all american nominee has the ability to run the floor is known for his athleticism.

In the offseason 6-5 junior Charles Abouo spent time playing with the Ivory Coast national team. The former Utah 3A player of the year last season scored 22 a season high against TCU. Abouo has a sweet midgame but also has the ability to create his own shot and take the rock to the hoop. Senior 6-6 Logan Magnusson, sophomore Brock Zylstra and Nick Martineau 6-0 should be able to provide some valuable minutes.

The cougs backcourt is a rather unique senior led combination of Jackson Emery and Jimmer Fredette. Emery 6-3 is the typical blue collar defender characterized by his relentess hustle and athletic ability. Jackson could possibly even be the league's top returning defender. Fredette is most likely the most prolific scorer the cougs have had since Danny Ainge. One such example came last season against Arizona when Fredette set a new cougar record for most points in a game with 49. In the offseason Jimmer even spent 10 days working out with TeamUSA. Dick Vitale, Athlon Sports and even Sporting News named him 1st team all american.

Considering what will be stepping onto the court for the cougs this season there definately should be some high expectations. Yes, the strength of the team might be the backcourt. Thus, another trip the to the big dance is not even a question. The bar has been set. Teams win with talent; balance, confidence, consistency and sometimes a little luck. Expectations are high but noone will know how far this crew can roll until those games are played one game at a time.

Photo credit goes to Stuart Johnson/Deseret News

Conference Hoop Preview

Is it seriously already that time of year? Seems only a few months ago was anxiously awaitin for the announcement of the Cougs seeding for the Big Dance to unveiled. Yet hoops season is just around the corner with the MWC Conference recently announcing its 10th anniversary team which included current Cougar Lee "Clutch" Cummard. The Cougars open court on Oct 29th in Provo and now is a great time for a quick rundown (besides ANY distraction from the massacre flashbacks from TCU can't hurt). My predictions in order include...

1. UNLV (27-8, Lost 2nd rd Big Dance)
2. BYU (27-8, Lost 1st rd Big Dance)
3. Yewts (18-15, Lost 2nd rd CBI)
4. New Mexico (24-9, Lost 1st rd NIT)
5. San Diego State (20-13, Lost 1st rd NIT)
6. Wyoming (12-18, Lost 1st rd MWC tourney)
7. Air Force (16-14, Lost quarterfinals MWC tourney)
8. CSU (7-25, Lost quarterfinals MWC tourney)
9. TCU (14-16, Lost quarterfinals MWC tourney)

....now for a quick rundown with a few notes on the teams aphabetically....

Air Force (16-14) Lost quarterfinals MWC tourney, 8-8 Conference
Coach Jeff Reynolds (98-48 career, 2nd yr Air Force)
Evan Washington 6-4G/So
Andrew Henke 6-6GF/Sr 11.3ppg 4.5rpg
Anwar Johnson 6-5F/Sr
Matt Holland 6-6F/Sr
Grant Parker 6-7FC/Sr
The falcons first move was to lock up coach Jeff Reynolds with a five year contract. Henke is one of the MWC best shooters who came off the bench last season in all 30 games yet averaging 11.3ppg shooting 42% from behind the 3line. Beyond the starters Air Force will have some serious youth on the roster. Falcons were the leagues worst on the glass (avg 25.7 rpg).

BYU (27-8) Lost 1st rd Big Dance, 14-2 Conference
Coach Dave Rose (72-26 career, 4th yr Cougs at 72-26)
LaMont Morgan 5-10G/Jr (Redshirted last season)
Jimmer Fredette 6-2G/So 7.0ppg
Lee Cummard 6-7GF/Sr 15.8ppg 6.3rpg 3.5apg
Jonathan Tavernari 6-6F/Jr 13.1 5.3rpg
Chris Miles 6-11C/Jr 2.5ppg
The Cougs will look to three-peat as MWC Champions this season (14-2 in conference play last season). Jonathan "JT" spent the summer with his national team trying to qualify for the olmypics. Returning 2007-8 conference co-Player Of The Year returns in "clutch" Cummard who averaged 15.8ppg 6.3rpg while shooting 56.9% from the field even dead eye from the three territory at 47.2 percent. Tavernari set a school record with 88 threes spottin up 13.1ppg. Since the Rose debut back in 2005 the Cougs are unbeatable at home owning a 47 win streak in the Mariott. Morgan will replace Murdock at the point. Look for Jackson Emery, Noah Hartsock and Charles Abouo to get some looks and valuable "PT". Rose just got verbals from both Tyler Haws and Brandon Davies. Haws and Davies are major gets for the program.

CSU (7-25) Lost quarterfinals MWC tourney, 0-16 Conference
Coach Tim Myles (219-157 career, 2nd yr CSU 7-25)
Willis Gardner 6-1G/Sr 9.8ppg 3.2rpg 2.9apg
Marcus Walker 6-0G/Sr 17.1ppg
Andre MacFarland 6-6/So 8.3ppg 4.5rpb
Andy Ogide 6-9F/So
Dan Vandervieren 6-10C/So
Last season the rams were winless in conference play at 0-16. Marcus Walker was fun to watch averaging 17.1ppg (even spotted a 43 point game against Tenn State) but CSU will experience another LONG season if Walker doesn't soon embrace some serious generosity spreadin the rock around. Unfortunately the rams ranked close to last in many conference statistical categories (scoring margin, reb margin, FG percentage, etc). Both transfers Ogide (Ole Miss) and Dan Vandervieren (Purdue) should provide some frontcourt help.

New Mexico (24-9) Lost 1st rd NIT , 11-5 Conference
Coach Steve Alford (332-192, 2nd yr New Mexico 24-9)
Dairese Gary 6-1G/So 7.8ppg 4.5rpg
Chad Toppert 6-7G/Sr 10.3ppg 3.2rpg
Roman Martinez 6-6GF/JR 7.0ppg 3.9rpg
Tony Danridge 6-5GF/Sr 12.5ppg in 2006
Daniel Faris 6-9C/Sr 9.2ppg 4.5rpg
Losing JR Giddens to the NBA draft hurts but the hungry pack of lobos scoring likely will be filled by the return of Danridge who averaged 12.5ppg in 2006-7 season (missed last yr with a broken leg). New Mexico also return the schools all time most accurate 3pt shooter in Toppert. Coach Alford even signed a stellar recruiting class. Highly recruited freshman guard Phillip McDonald should see some minutes.

San Diego State (20-13) Lost 1st rd NIT , 9-7 Conference
Coach Steve Fisher (331-212 career, 10th yr SD State 127-117)
DJ Gay 6-0G/So
Kyle Spain 6-5GF/Sr 13.2ppg 5.4rpg
Lorrenzo Wade 6-6F/Sr 14.8ppg
Billy White 6-8F/So
Ryan Amoroso 6-8FC/Sr 12.6ppg 7.4rpg (Marquette transfer)
All five starters are back, maybe. First team All MWC Lorrenzo Wade was recently suspended indefinately while facing possible first degree felony charges from an incident allegedly stealing a tv last month from a womans apartment. Team captain Spain missed the final 11 games after being suspended for unspecified reasons and likely will be back.

TCU (14-16) Lost quarterfinals MWC tourney, 6-10 Conference
Coach Jim Christian (138-58 career, 1st yr TCU)
Jason Ebie 6-1G/Jr
Keion Mitchem 5-10G/Jr
Kavon Rose 6-2G/Fr
Kevin Langford 6-8F/Sr
Zvonko Buljan 6-9FC/Jr
Mass exodus after the dismissal of former coach Neil Dougherty. There is slow steady upward progress since joining the MWC (2-14 in 2005, 4-12 in 2006 and 6-10 in conference last season). Expect the eventual rise out of the conference cellar just not this year.

UNLV (27-8) Lost 2nd rd Big Dance,12-4 Conference
Coach Lon Kruger (409-275 career, 5th yr UNLV 91-42)
Tre'Von Willis 6-4G/So (Memphis transfer)
Wink Adams 6-0G/Sr 16.9ppg 4rpb 3.1apg
Rene Rougeau 6-6G/Sr 9ppg 6.2rpg
Joe Darger 6-7F/Sr 11.3ppg 4.5rpg
Beas Hamga 7-0C/Fr
Ranked #24 preseason by the Sporting News. Adams, Rougeau and Darger will provide valuable leadersip and experience with a phenomenal amount of positive chemistry. Hamga adds more size, help defensively as well as on the boards.

Yewts (18-15) Lost 2nd rd CBI, 7-9 Conference
Coach Jim Boylen (18-15 career, 2nd yr at yewts 18-15)
Tyler Kepkay 6-0G/Sr
Lawrence Borha 6-3G/Sr
Carlon Brown 6-5F/So
Shaun Green 6-8F/Sr
Luke Nevill 7-2C/Sr 15.2ppg 6.7rpg
All five starters return led by Nevill which will embark on an incredibly tough non conference schedule (Oregon, Cal, Gonzaga, LSU, Oklahoma and Utah State) that will clearly boost the RPI assuming they fare well. Boylen's initial class is highlighted by seven footer Jason Washburn from Battle Creek Michigan.

Wyoming (12-18) Lost 1st rd MWC tourney, 5-11 Conference
Coach Heath Schroyer (47-65 career, 2nd yr at Wyoming 12-18)
Brandon Ewing 6-2G/Sr
Sean Ogirri 6-2G/Sr (Wichita St transfer)
Tyson Johnson 6-6F/Sr
Ryan Dermody 6-8F/Jr
Mikhail Linskens 7-0C/So
Ewing is among the elite of Cowboy hoop players but need to cut down on turnovers and focus on distributing the rock. Wyoming averaged 17 TOs per game while shooting a league worst 31.8 percent from the field. Senior Ogirri was Mizzo Valley all freshman in 2004 and has improved ever since. Ogirri started as a sophomore for Wichita State's sweet 16 team.

MWC Three-peat Quest

With a bye week and the Cougar basketball season getting ready to kick off next month now is a great time to take a quick overview. Coming off back to back outright MWC titles and an NCAA bid this years team's quest will look to three-peat. Last year's squad and season finished at 27-8 and returns reigning MWC Player Of The Year in Lee Cummard (who flirted with a possible stint in the NBA). Whew! That was close and soooo glad he came back. The talented team amassed the second most wins in Cougar history under two time MWC Coach Of The Year Dave Rose. Gone is Trent Plaisted (selected overall at 46th by the Pistons) and the backcourt duo of Ben Murdock and Sam Burgess. According to Coach Rose "This is a team our fans will enjoy following". Despite those losses this team has plenty of firepower, experience and have even added some talented newcomers that should help vault the Cougs to contend yet again for another conference title.

Sophomore Jimmer Fredette (6.2/190) averaged 7 points in 18.5 minutes per game (played in all 35 games) while showing signs of the flash and excitement of what might be in store. With the ability to create his own shots and make sound decisions the potential is through the roof and definately will find some solid time in the rotation. Lamont Morgan (5.10/170 JR) redshirted last season is lightning quick with great ball handling skills. He comes into the season with what should be a firm grasp of Dave Rose's offense. Jackson Emery (6.3/175 SO) should definately be able to step in again to the system without losing a beat as a great defender and sharp shooter. Matt Pinegar (6.0/185 FR) was a McDonald's High School All American Nominee. Senior Archie Rose (6.5/205) didn't start playing basketball until his junior year of high school. Backups Michael Loyd (6.1/170 SO) , Rose, and Pinegar all of which should help provide added depth and valuable minutes off the bench.

Led by three year starter and all american candidate Lee "Clutch" Cummard (seems to be able to do it all in practically every statistical category available, might even sell popcorn during halftime and timeouts) will again provide valuable leadership and experience. Cummard (6.7/185 SR) has phenomenal ball handling skills, mental toughness, tenacity, superb shooting range, ability to rebound and finish amongst traffic. (Cummard photo credit Jaren Wilkey)

Recently this summer Jonathan Tavernari (6.6/215 JR) was selected for the Brazilian Olympic Team and played in the qualifying round in Athens. In 2007 Tavernari was named the MWC Freshman Of The Year. Jonathan average 13.1 ppg and 5.3rpg in the starting rotation. He has the capability to take a game over as a three point sharp shooter.

Hailing from Bartlesville Oklahoma Noah Hartstock (6.8/205 FR) comes in averaging 27.6 ppg as a senior for his high school team as a McDonald's High School All American nominee. Noah has some serious post moves, a sweet touch and stroke that could factor into some serious "PT" playing time and made an impact quickly. While back in the Logan High School days Charles Abouo was named the 3A player of the year averaging 21.1 ppg and 10.2 rpb. Last season pushing Brewster Academy to a 31-4 record Abouo (6.4/210 FR) refined those skills.

Former walk on Gavin MacGregor (6-10/235 SR) looks forward to returning from sitting out last season with a foot injury. Freshman James Anderson (6.10/220) averaged 17 ppg, 9 rpb and 6 bpg (set state record with 14 blocks in one game). Michael Boswell (6.9/220 FR) will help provide minutes off the bench. Boswell averaged 16.7 ppg and 7.5 prg for Aloha HS and was yet another McDonald's High School All American nominee on the Cougar roster. With Plaisted gone to the NBA the Cougars will look to two time 4A State MVP from Timpview High School Chris Miles (6.11/235 JR). He was rated as the #2 post player in the west coming out of high school. Miles runs the floor rather well and is an agile shot blocker.

Once again the Cougars will look to defend the home territory of the Marriott Center (houses 22,700 fans). Over the past 8 years BYU have posted a 111-10 record at home. Jimmy Dykes (ESPN basketball analyst) said "...they are unbeatable in the Marriott Center in Provo...I'm telling you what, the BYU student section has been ranked #1 in my book all season long out of all the places I've been. They are outstanding as a group". Cougar fans when those sneakers hit the court again get ready to rise and shout! Here's to a great season!