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Beginning Monday, June 21st,
2004 CHN began unveiling 144 Team previews in 144 Days. CHN ranked the
nations top 144 teams, and is unveiling one per day leading up until the
opening day of the 2004-05 Season.
Bookmark the
144 Teams in 144 Days home page, and check back
each day to see which team is previewed next.
#91 Utah State Aggies
Big West
2003-04: 25-4, 17-1, 1st
2003-04 postseason: NIT
By
Joel Welser
 A
disappointing finish left a bad taste in the mouth of Aggie fans last year.
The returning frontcourt is the best in the conference with Nate Harris,
Spencer Nelson and Jason Williams, but questions remain at both guard
spots. The point guard position that has been left void by the graduation
of Mark Brown is the biggest concern. There is plenty of experience,
though, at both guard positions.
Who’s Out: The backcourt
duo of Cardell Butler and Mark Brown will certainly be missed. Butler led
the team in scoring with 14 per game and Brown racked up 9.6 points and 4.9
assists per outing. Roleplayers Mike Ahmad, Chad Evans and Quenton Harvey
all played in over 20 games for the Aggies and will be difficult to replace.
Who’s In: Everybody will be
replaced with a nice mix of talent and experience. Sophomore junior college
transfer Robert Cox will compete with returning players Calvin Brown and
Chris Huber for the point guard spot. Junior college transfers Marques
Crane and David Pak will compete for the starting shooting guard role.
Freshman Jaycee Carroll could also get some minutes as the two guard, but he
is expected to redshirt this year. Junior college transfer Danny Gray and
incoming freshmen Tai Wesley and Matt Formisano will be backups this year
for the returning frontcourt trio. Junior Cassiano Matheus, who redshirted
last year, could see some more minutes then the rest of the backups at the
center position. The 6-10, 235 pounder has been in the program for a year
and could make an immediate impact.
Who to Watch: While the
point guard as a position may end up to be the pivotal situation to insure
success this year, the guy to watch is Spencer Nelson. The 6-8 power
forward has solid strength and can score with his back to the basket and can
face-up to score as well. He averaged 11.5 points per game last year, and
added 7.8 boards. Nelson crashes the boards with persistence. He is better
then a sound passer, dishing out 2.8 assists per game. Nelson’s age is
another major advantage. He started his career in 1998 at USU, before
leaving for two years to go on a church mission. Upon his return he
redshirted after an injury. His senior leadership will be invaluable. The
only knock on Nelson is his uncanny ability to pick up fouls.
Projected Conference Rank:
The new faces at the point drop Utah State down to 3rd in the Big
West. Yet, by the time the conference schedule comes around those questions
will be answered and the Aggies will compete for the conference title once
again.
Projected Post-season
Tournament: NIT
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Email Joel Welser:
jwelser_chn@ameritech.net
Chat About CHN's Top #144
Ranking:
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