The Dick Bennett project is in year three
at Washington State. The Cougars are young, but they are finally
getting Bennett’s style of players into Pullman. Last year’s
group of freshmen played very nicely, and now as sophomores,
will have to provide the leadership for the newcomers.
Who’s Out:
This list seems a lot worse than it really is. While a whole lot
of talent is gone, last year’s newcomers have plenty of
experience to fill in. Thomas Kelati led the team with 14.3
points and added 4.3 boards and 2.8 assists. He was the only
Cougar to start all 28 games last year. Guard Jeff Varem posted
10.5 points per game. Forward Chris Schlatter started 20 games,
averaging 4.8 points and 2.6 rebounds. Shami Gill only saw
action in nine games last season due to a back injury. Of those
nine, he started seven, putting up 2.9 points and 3.8 rebounds
per contest. Seldom used freshman guard Alex Kirk and senior
forward Isaiah Simmons won’t be back for WSU.
Who’s In:
Every position receives some help with this class. On there own,
they’d be a formidable starting five with Antonio Chavers at the
point, Rodney Edgerson as the shooting guard, Ivory Clark on the
wing and Caleb Forest and Aron Baynes in the post. They won’t
all be starting, but will provide a healthy amount of depth off
the bench. Chavers, a transfer from Tyler (TX) Junior College,
is a prolific scorer. He’ll play either guard spot but will see
minutes this year for his stellar defense. Rodney Edgerson
averaged 24.6 points per game last year at Illinois Central
College. The junior is a solid scorer and will compete for a
starting job. Ivory Clark, another talented junior college
transfer, will vie for quality minutes his first season at WSU.
The 6-6 small forward averaged a team high 13.2 points and 7.1
rebounds last year at Midland College. Caleb Forrest may end up
to be a sleeper pick-up for Dick Bennett. The 6-8 power forward
could stand to bulk up a little bit, but he has a nice shooting
touch and quick feet. Aron Baynes attended the Australian
Institute of Sport, which has recently brought players such as
Andrew Bogut and Alex Loughton to college basketball. At 6-10,
245 pounds, Baynes is a true center who may not make a big
impression this year, but will soon. Also joining the Cougars
this year is walk-on Steve Campbell.
Who to Watch:
Derrick Low and Robbie Cowgill made the
biggest impact of the freshmen last year. Low averaged 7.0
points and 2.8 assists per game. The point guard started the
final 22 games of the season after recovering from a fractured
foot. The Honolulu, Hawaii native should continue to improve
and, even as a sophomore, will be the floor leader for the
Cougars. Cowgill played in all 28 games, starting 19. The 6-10
center averaged 6.0 points and 3.4 rebounds. His rebounding will
need to improve, but Cowgill has the skills to become a breakout
player in the Pac 10.
Projected Conference Rank:
The Cougars are the wildcard in the
conference. Dick Bennett’s squad could make a run for the NCAAs,
but the NIT is a much more likely postseason tournament. An 8th
place finish in the Pac 10 is a disappointment, but give it just
one more year Cougar fans.
Projected Post-season Tournament:
NIT
Projected Starting Five:
Derrick Low, Sophomore, Guard, 7.0 points per game
Rodney Edgerson, Junior, Guard, DNP last season
Kyle Weaver, Sophomore, Guard, 4.8 points per game
Robbie Cowgill, Sophomore, Center, 6.0 points per game
Chris Henry, Sophomore, Center, 1.5 points per game
