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.

#94 Washington State Cougars

Pac 10

 2003-04: 13-16, 7-11, 7^th

2003-04 postseason: none

By Joel Welser

Head coach Dick Bennett is still working on bringing his type of players into Pullman.  This years’ sound class is another step in that direction.  There won’t be a lot of players whose names are well known, but that’s the style of Bennett at work.  It took Bennett five years to take the Wisconsin Badgers to the Final Four.  Washington State might have a little further to go, but they’ll start getting some big wins in the coming years.

Who’s Out: Marcus Moore was the leading scorer and assist man for the Cougars, averaging 13.5 points and 3.7 assists per game.  His floor leadership will be greatly missed by Washington State.  Center Ezenwa Ukeagu and forward Justin Bellgarde both played in 25 games.  Both big guys provided a couple of dependable options off the bench.  Little used Justin Garcia and Lance Den Boer have both decided to transfer.

Who’s In: Derrick Low is a smart point guard.  He should see some major minutes off the bench.  The only concern about Low is his athleticism might not be up to speed with the rest of the Pac 10.  Freshmen shooting guards Kyle Weaver and Josh Akognon will add to the backcourt depth.  Center Chris Henry should help to immediately replenish the frontcourt.  At 6-9 and 250 pounds, Henry is a bruiser and a fighter under the basket who can battle underneath with anybody in the conference.  Forwards Robbie Cowgill and Daven Harmeling should see a few minutes of action off the bench.

Who to Watch: Thomas Kelati was right behind Marcus Moore in points and assists with 11.1 and 2.2, respectively.  The 6-5 guard/forward will have to become the senior leader in order for the Cougars to improve on their 7-11 conference record of a year ago.  Kelati has a nice stroke from behind the arc going 71 for 160 from three point land.  He has a great ability to pass the ball when he has to, which he might need to do more of this year with the absence of Moore.

Projected Conference Rank: They were 7^th last year and going to 8^th this year isn’t as bad as it sounds.  With Moore not around to run the point, things won’t come as easy.  The talent is here to take some quality teams in the conference down to the wire. 

Projected Post-season Tournament: none

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Email Joel Welser: jwelser_chn@ameritech.net

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