It may not be Christmas but the Washington State basketball team better begin putting it's wish list together for the 2008 tournament draw...because if they don't get what they need they may be one and done. In order for WSU to make a run in the "Big Dance" they need the right team in the right place. So I have sent a letter to the NCAA tournament committee on their behalf...I hope it works.
Dear Tournament Committee,
I know you are busy this time of year and you probably don't remember us too well, but we are the team that surprised the nation last year by going 26-8 in the tough PAC 10 Conference under a first year coach and then winning a game in the tournament. Well, we have been really good this year, going 24-8 and would really appreciate it if you could help us out today with the tournament draw.
Here is our wish list:
1. A team that does not have a dominant center. We struggle against bigger people. I don't know why but 5 of 8 losses came against teams with a strong inside presence (3 to Stanford and 2 to UCLA). Aron Baynes and company are no match for really talented big men such as the Lopez twins or Kevin Love.
Dear Tournament Committee,
I know you are busy this time of year and you probably don't remember us too well, but we are the team that surprised the nation last year by going 26-8 in the tough PAC 10 Conference under a first year coach and then winning a game in the tournament. Well, we have been really good this year, going 24-8 and would really appreciate it if you could help us out today with the tournament draw.
Here is our wish list:
1. A team that does not have a dominant center. We struggle against bigger people. I don't know why but 5 of 8 losses came against teams with a strong inside presence (3 to Stanford and 2 to UCLA). Aron Baynes and company are no match for really talented big men such as the Lopez twins or Kevin Love.
2. A team that is not in the top 50. We are only 4-7 against those teams so we would like to avoid them until the championship.
3. A team that is ranked 100 or worse. We are 12-0 against these type of teams. We would love to play a Winthrop (107 RPI) or Mt. St. Mary's (159 RPI) but if you can't do that then maybe you could set up a game against Washington (we just beat them for the 7th straight time you know).
4. A team that does not have a good offense. Our strength is with our man to man defense and we don't play a zone. We also have a hard time scoring at times so we want a low scoring outcome. We have only won 3 games when our opponent has scored 70 or more (and one went into double overtime). Somebody like Mississippi Valley State (62.7 points a game) or even Illinois (64 points a game) would do.
5. A game outside the West Coast but not in the Midwest. We don't seem to do well at home (4 losses) and all of our losses have been to teams close to home...well as you know nothing is truly close to Pullman. We also want to stay out of the Midwest if possible. If Tony Bennett sees how nice it is for recruiting he may just stay and we would be back to watching the Big Dance on Television.
and last but not least
6. We would like to play Indiana. Give us a chance to prove that our program is more deserving of Tony Bennett's services.
Thank You Tournament Committee,
Signed Concerned
6 comments:
I notice you dont have any comments on what Washington needs to happen in any tournamnent. Oh, that is right they did not even get invited to the NIT. LOL:)
"5 of the 8 losses have come against a team with a dominant inside presence".
Actually, it's 6 of 8, as Cal's Ryan Anderson fits that bill.
It's weird, last year, teams that just tried to post up inside were useless against the Cougs (UA, UW, Cal) but teams that shot the 3-ball (UO, Vandy) killed them.
This year, it's the exact opposite. Try to fire away from deep all day, you're not going to win. But, get a versatile big guy, and good night.
I fear Notre Dame in the second round for this very reason as Harongody could go off much as Love, Lopez, and Anderson have this year.
I think the Cougs miss Ivory Clark more than anyone (but me) thought. Baynes is just not athletic enough.
Coach
Leave it to the Cougs to have to get in the obligatory anti-UW shot. When the roles are reversed, as they mostly are in both athletics and life, the Huskies care not one whit of the fortunes of their country cousins. We certainly do not take joy in their hardships which would qualify as a full time job if a person allowed it to be. 7 wins in a row against the Huskies is impressive, although it strikes most observers that it is far more important to the band wagon WSU fan base than it is to their team. Good luck, Cougs, in the tournament and may you triumph over the petty nature of your supporters.
dawg4life
p.s. Ryan Anderson is not a "big." His game is built around the three and his post up opportunities come when opponents are forced to play a smaller defender on him to take care of the perimeter challenges he presents.
Ok, how about this: Versatile big men give the Cougs trouble.
I put Ryan Anderson in that category b/c he can post up, and can also go outside, sort of in the same vain as Kevin Love. Anderson was too strong for Cowgill to handle down low and too quick for Baynes to handle on the perimeter and was therefore trouble for the Cougs.
On the other hand, Jon Brockman, who is more of a traditional big man, did not give the Cougs as much trouble b/c he was not too quick for Baynes to handle.
Brooke (yes, the "e" was intentional)Lopez, another "traditional" big man, gave the Cougs fits b/c he is possibly the best low-post player in America, and the Cougs are unlikely to see someone of his caliber for a while.
Dawg4life:
You have an extremely short memory of the Mutt fan base if you think they are not prone to talking smack. How many times have I heard the phrase "Couged it" in my tenure as a fan of the Crimson and Grey? In short, a ton, and I know many times deservingly. It is just hard to talk smack from the position that Husky athletics are in at the moment. An example of fair weather fan was demonstrated by the half full Hec Ed Pavilion for the CBI. I believe the new era of "Dawged it" has begun with the CBI debacle. In the spirit of cross state rivalries I salute you (and not with the middle finger). One final note, I always route for the Huskies if they are not playing the Cougs.
Post a Comment