Spring Football Notes

Here are some Spring Football Notes from CBS Sportsline. One of the more intriguing story lines of Spring Practice is going to be how Andy Roof handles DT after playing on the O-Line for most of his career and if Michael Willis can pick up the WR position after moving there from SS last season.
http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/report/WAST/10739693

http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/report/WAST/10739691

http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/report/WAST/10739692

Where Do NFL Hopeful Cougs Sit Now?

As the NFL Draft gets closer to being here, let's take a look at where some Cougs currently stand as far as their rankings by position go. Rankings from Football.About.Com
Alex Brink- Ranked #17 Overall for QB's
Jed Collins- Ranked #6 Overall for FB's
Hussain Abdullah- Ranked #13 Overall for FS's

It appears that no Cougar will be drafted this year. I imagine that these 3 will at least get an invitation to attend a camp but if they will make a team is questionable.
http://football.about.com/cs/positionalranking/a/nfldraftqbrank.htm

Five Cougs Make All Pac-10 Academic Teams

Five Cougar Hoops players made the Pac-10 All Academic Team this year. Robbie Cowgill, Daven Harmeling and Taylor Rochestie secured 3 of the 5 First Team spots while Aron Baynes and Nikola Koprivica made the Second Team. This shows the quality of the players and the leadership that WSU has in their system right now. Congrats!
http://wsucougars.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/032608aaa.html

Is This Really How Husky Fans Think?

"Imagine that, Washington State taking its seven-game win streak up against Washington next winter, with Bone, a former Huskies assistant coach, trying to extend it."
From the SeattlePI, Dan Raley gives his opinion on Tony Bennett, before it was announced he was staying at WSU. I think he should be more concerned with the team that he is supposed to write about.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/foulshots/archives/135341.asp

Bennett Turned Down Bigtime Money

Jack Evans of Cougfan.com is reporting that Indiana University was offering Tony Bennett upwards of 2.5 Million Dollars per season. That is much more than the 800,000 he makes at WSU. This shows a lot about Bennett's character and his dedication to WSU. From the article, "Tony is an underdog who is building a consistent winner in Pullman. He is doing so on the five core value his dad taught him were the cornerstones of success: Passion, humility, unity servanthood and thankfulness."
http://washingtonstate.scout.com/2/742083.html

Donate to WSU Hoops

It has been said that Tony Bennett wants better facilities and more luxurious accomodations on road trips for his team. One of the ways to make this happen is to donate to WSU through the Basketball Excellence Fund. Anything will help, and each dollar will help star recruits come to Pullman. That in turn, would hopefully keep Tony Bennett around for years to come.
http://wsucougars.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/ad-fund-08.html

Former Coug to Make Opening Day Start

Former Cougar Hoops and Baseball star, Mark Hendrickson will be the Opening Day starter for the Florida Marlins tomorrow. He will face the New York Mets and newly acquired pitcher, Johan Santana. Hendrickson is one of the few athletes to play in both the NBA and MLB.
http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080326&content_id=2459689&vkey=news_fla&fext=.jsp&c_id=fla

Will DeAngelo Castro Play Hoops?

An announcement is expected from WSU sometime in the near future if DeAngelo Castro, the 6'8" C from Ferris High School in Spokane, will play basketball for the Cougs. He has been getting looks from WSU, Gonzaga and UW. Rumor has it that he is interested in playing both Football and Basketball at the next level. Hopefully he will be wearing Crimson.
http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=boys18&date=20080318&query=2008+4A+All+State+Basketball

It's Official, Tony Bennett declines Indiana Offer

A writer from the Spokesman Review spoke with Tony Bennett today and it is official, he has told Indiana he is not interested in being their coach.
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/blogs/sportslink/archive/?postID=7533#more

However, read this tidbit from Andy Katz, "Bennett said he wouldn't consider the vacant Cal job because he would not move within the conference. Bennett might be interested in the LSU opening. His wife, Laurel, is from Baton Rouge, La." So the circus continues, and it will as more positions become available all across the country.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=3321105

Bud Withers on the Tony Bennett Siutation

From the article, "If he goes to Indiana, Bennett suddenly switches motherboards from everything he has known since he was a player at Wisconsin-Green Bay. He loves the underdog role. That disappears as soon as he gets to Bloomington, as do top-shelf players Eric Gordon and D.J. White, as do any illusions of patience if Bennett falls back on what he knows best — a developmental, brick-by-brick approach."
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/budwithers/2004315454_withers30.html

Looking at Michael Harthun

Another player coming to WSU next year is 6'2" G Michael Harthun. This guy is going to be the real deal. He has played in big time games against big time opponents. He is deadly from beyond the arc and steps up in big games. Can't wait to see him in Crimson. Here is what ESPN Insider has to say about him...
Evaluation: Harthun is a solid-looking prospect for the low mid-major level for the off guard position. He has a lanky frame (needs to add strength) and is a solid athlete with decent speed and quickness. Harthun took advantage of playing with ESPN 150 Class of '07 prospect Kyle Singler (Duke signee) this past year (2006-07). As defenses sagged onto Singler, Harthun was open for some clean looks beyond the three-point line. Harthun is one of the better shooters in the west. He is best when coming off of screens, where he can catch and release his shot with effortless motion. He is also quite potent when shooting off of the fast break -- he is able to set his feet as well as anybody in the high school ranks. Despite his shooting prowess, Harthun needs some work creating his shot of the dribble. He has improved in this area in the past few months, but against quick defenders, he tends to struggle. He has a solid first step to the basket but needs to polish up his left hand for him to succeed at the D-I level. Harthun plays the one (decision making needs some refining) for his AAU team (Oregon Rebels), but he's much more comfortable playing off the ball -- has that scorer's mentality.

A Look at Klay Thompson

Here is a video of Klay Thompson, the 6-6 SF coming to play hoops at WSU next year. He is the son of former #1 NBA pick, Mychal Thompson.

The Wulff Era Is Underway

The WSU Football Team held their first scrimmage of Spring Ball Friday and as expected the defense shined brighter. With a new offense and many fresh faces on that side of the ball, the defense outplayed the offense allowing only two TD's by Junior RB Chris Ivory. Gary Roger's struggled completing only 9 of 21 passes for 98 yards and 0 INT's. Andy Mattingly registered a sack from his new position of Defensive End while Marshal Pirtz and Romeo Pellum each had a INT on the day.
http://wsucougars.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/032808aaa.html

Derrick Low's Draft Status

NBAdraft.net has Derrick Low going #52 overall to the Orlando Magic. These next few months are going to be interesting to see what happens with D-Low. He has a lot to prove to NBA scouts. Most specifically his athletic ability and his shooting consistency. If he can prove that he can run the floor and hit shots consistently, the Suns and the Warriors seem like pretty good fits for him.
http://nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/derricklow.html

Kyle Weaver's NBA Draft Status

NBADraft.net has Kyle Weaver going #24 overall to the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs along with the Lakers, Pistons, Celtics, and Jazz would be great fits for Weaver. All of these teams have a focus on defense and Weaver would not be expected to score on the offensive end. Another bonus, minus the Celtics, all of these teams have great coaches that could really develop his overall skills. They have a really good write-up and ratings for him as well.
http://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/kyleweaver.html

Quick Hits

With their Coug basketball careers being over Kyle Weaver and Derrick Low will now be looking to impress scouts for the NBA Draft. Weaver is a lock to be at least a Second Round maybe First Round pick while D-Low may need to show scouts more consistency on his outside shooting and passing abilities. Here is a quote regarding Tony Bennett and his future at WSU. " He and WSU athletic director Jim Sterk have had ongoing discussions about program improvements, including added renovations at Friel Court and better travel arrangements, including more charter flights."
http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/story/321124.html

Starting to Set In..

I don't want to post too many articles saying the exact same thing over and over. We played great for about the first 15 minutes and then Carolina really put it to us. I thought a couple turning points in the game were, when Danny Green stripped Weaver after the rebound and got the lay-in and shortly after that when Carolina started their run and Nikola got the offensive foul. Things really went sour from there. It is hard to win when nobody is hitting shots though. However, it was a great season and career for these guys. I never thought when I enrolled at WSU 4 years ago, when Low, Weaver and Cowgill were Freshman, that I would watch these guys play North Carolina in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. It's a great day to be a Coug!

Tar Heel Hangover

North Carolina showed what it is like to play against one of the 4 or so Elite teams in college basketball. WSU is a system team, and when that system isn't working things can get ugly in a hurry. An article about that from Jerry Brewer.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/jerrybrewer/2004311556_brewer280.html

Tony to the NBA?

With all the rumors swirling about Tony Bennett coaching at Indiana. Dick Bennett threw out an interesting quote in this article from the Denver Post. "But one thing I've stayed away from is telling him what to do. He talks some about being an assistant at the NBA level. I think he'd be a great assistant because he's a great teacher." . ..It could get interesting when an NBA team comes calling with a huge payday and luxurious lifestyle.
http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_8665234

Comments from Roy Williams on Father Bennett

These are some comments from Roy Williams when he was a Jayhawk. “Are you going to tell me you didn’t like this more than 19-17 at halftime?” Williams said. “I’m not a nuclear physicist, but you make the choice. We’re trying to make it a game of basketball skills, not a weight-room contest.” I think Robbie Cowgill would take the gold in a weight room contest.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/27/sports/ncaabasketball/27cougars.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin

Katz showing the Cougs more love

The Coug Lover Andy Katz
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/ncaatourney08/columns/story?columnist=katz_andy&id=3314577

No Respect In Carolina

Some quotes from Daven Harmeling about the people in NC.
"They were laughing at us as we walked on," Harmeling said. "Peoples' heads were shaking like, 'You have no chance.' Even the security guy, his head was shaking like, 'Good luck, bring your running shoes." "I know they look at us as some junior high kids compared to them."
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080327/SPORTS/725645599/1004#Cougars.embracing.David.role

This UNC team better than the 05' Team?

From the Charlotte Observer comparing this UNC team to the National Champion 05 team. I watched the 05' team quite a bit to follow local product Marvin Williams. While their stats are similar the two teams have a very different feel to me. That 05' team seemed completely unstoppable as it was stockpiled with NBA talent. This team seems to have some chinks in the armor. We will find out in about 9 long hours.
http://www.charlotte.com/507/story/554462.html

Good Morning Cougs

It is gameday, finally! To start off the day here is a humorous article from UW's favorite journalist, Jim Moore.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/moore/356612_moore27.html

Late Night Readings

The News Tribune does a pretty good job most of the time of covering the Cougs. A few links to cap off the night.

A good writeup on the Head Manager, Mitch Reaves. Looks like he wants to coach someday and has a pretty good seat to watch a great coach.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/story/318343.html

Mr. Motivator Tony Bennett
http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/columnists/mcgrath/story/316122.html

To leave you fired up for tomorrow....
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/cbasketball/356471_heels26.html

Rochestie on Cover of SI (online)

Another great write up on Taylor Rochestie.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/andy_staples/03/26/wazzu.rochestie/index.html?eref=T1

CBS Preview

A very non-Coug preview from CBS Sportsline. I found the match-up edges to be very interesting. Not even a 1/10th of an inch of an edge to WSU in any category. I found it odd that Defense wasn't even listed as a match-up. Isn't that a fairly big part of the game? Also I don't know about the Frontcourt being a 100% edge to UNC. Waiting until tomorrow night is going to rough!

http://www.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/mayhem/edge/east/NC/WAST

Quick Links

Andy Katz had a short clip on his blog about the luxury of playing in the NCAA Tournament for the Cougs. It reads as follows.....
• Washington State couldn't get over how easy it was to charter to Denver for a game. The Cougars have to usually drive to Spokane for an hour-plus, then get on a commercial flight and connect. The NCAA hooks up teams with charters and allows them to get home after a game. It's normal practice for elite schools but not schools like Wazzu. The Cougs chartered to Charlotte on Tuesday for Thursday's game against North Carolina.

A story from Bud Withers of the Seattle Times today about Taylor Rochestie and his huge contribution to WSU Hoops. This guy is destined to be a great college coach someday.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/cougars/2004306353_coug26.html

Big news out of Seahawk Camp today. Former Cougar great and Pro Bowl Cornerback, Marcus Trufant signed a 6 year, 50.2 million dollar deal today. Congrats to Marcus!
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seahawks/2004307199_webtrufant26.html
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3313104

Sweet 16 Preview

In less than 24 hours WSU will be playing the biggest game in team history against North Carolina in the Sweet 16. Sounds kind of weird to say doesn't it? Here is a breakdown of all the 16 teams remaining in the tournament. Glockner is right about the 3-Point shooting. If the Cougars do not shoot well from 3-Point land they will eventually fall to the mighty Tar Heels. Can D-Low get it going against the coach who formerly recruited him? Can Harmeling make up for the missed shot against Vanderbilt last year? Only time will tell.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/ncaatourney08/columns/story?columnist=glockner_andy&id=3306176

Welcome Cougs!

Hello everyone! After searching through numerous websites day after day for Cougar sports info, I finally asked myself, "Why doesn't anyone provide all of these links and info on one site?" So here I am, hoping to be that person that brings you all the stuff you want to read. Hopefully as the site gets going I will dedicate more and more time to it because as of now, I have to pay off those beer drinking loans with a real job. Go Cougs!