CSU Coach Larry Eustachy trying different approach

Matt Stephens writes that Colorado State Coach Larry Eustachy is coaching 'differently' this season.

Eustachy and now senior Daniel Bejarano almost went at it last season as Kelly Lyell reported back in early February but it appears to be one of those heated moments that look worse than they really are.

Here's another side of Eustachy.

SI on the MWC

SI's Zac Ellis projects a 4-14 conference record for San Jose State University this season.

In a bit of a surprise, he envisions a 9-9 finish for New Mexico, which won't go down well in Albuquerque.

More on what's happening up in Nevada

Dan Hinxman catches up with the 2014-15 Nevada basketball squad.

An informative look at the top talents at UNLV this season

It does requires some clicking through (hate that) but Taylor Bern does a solid job of analyzing each prominent 2014-15 UNLV player.

It's already arrived in the MWC

Per Dave Southern, Boise State athletics is making an upgraded commitment to its student-athletes.

New Mexico with most NBA-ers of the MWC teams

This seems like a surprise but probably shouldn't be: "Mountain West players on NBA rosters (Lobos have the most)"

You would think it would be San Diego State since the Aztecs are receiving so much current adulation. But that's of late.

Air Force coach displays good sense of humor

Geoff Grammer previews Air Force in the 2013-14 season. It concludes:

“Three years ago, my first year as a head coach, we were selected last in the conference,” [Dave] Pilipovich noted. “Last year, we were next to last. This year, now we’re two spots from the bottom. So we’re trending in the right way.

“Eight more years, we’re going to be No. 1 in the country, definitely in the conference.”

Spartan Daily previews this season's squad

Samuel Brannan/Spartan Daily serves up a 2014-15 San Jose State University basketball preview.

Grammer on SJSU in 2014-15

Geoff Grammer, the Albuquerque beat reporter for New Mexico athletics, previews this season's San Jose State University Spartans.

A snippet:

“I know where we’re headed here,” Wojcik said. “That’s what I’m excited about. Where it’s going and how we’re getting there. We’re building it. In my opinion it’s never really been built here and sustained over a period of time.”

That's not just an opinion, it's a fact. Of course, it's also never been competitively funded. Let us hope that has seriously changed.

Has this ever happened before?

Colorado State Coach Larry Eustachy may just employ a starting lineup this season consisting of all transfers:

"...In fact, Eustachy's entire starting lineup could likely be comprised of transfers — as guards Antwan Scott (Grambling State) and Daniel Bejarano (Arizona) and forwards J.J. Avila (Navy), Stanton Kidd (North Carolina Central) and Tiel Daniels (Southern Illinois) all began their college careers elsewhere. Guards Gian Clavell (Northwest Tech), John Gillon (Arkansas-Little Rock), Fred Richardson III (Lee College/Oregon) and forward/center Marcus Holt (Paris Junior College) are also with (at least) their second school..."

So there's no competition in calling CSU Transfer U.

Karapetyan looking for a new home

A former Spartan recruiting target, 6-foot-7 James 'Jack' Karapetyan, is leaving Kansas State. The talk is that he will return home to southern California. Long Beach State (the most likely if they have room) and UC Davis also offered back when. He medically redshirted in Manhattan last season. Went too high.

Duruisseau to the Pac-12

Call this one a shocker (to me) -- Reggie Rankin tweeted: "6'9 Devenir Duruisseau (Fishburne Military School) has committed to Washington. Athletic versatile scorer Confirmed"

Let's see what height he is listed at next season in Seattle.

So he turned down Long Beach State, then SJSU and lands in the Pac-12. Gotta say he wins the day in recruiting.

The Bulldogs want to progress defensively

Robert Kuwada reports that Fresno State is looking to make the same leap forward defensively this season as took place at the offensive end in 2013-14.

Another MWC preview

Matt Norlander of CBSSports previews the Mountain West Conference. Below is his SJSU entry:

San Jose State

You wonder when a program like this can not only climb out of the basement, but actually get to the top half of the league. Resources and facilities are part of the prob, but in general, this is a league when SJSU isn't set up to have success in most years. The team won seven games last year and was ranked 302 overall in KenPom. It was relatively young, so perhaps getting to double digit wins this year is a possibility. Rashad Muhammad is the star, and if he really breaks out he'll have a good shot at making Mountain West Third Team.

Wyoming will be tough this season

Here are a couple of features on Wyoming basketball in the 2014-15 season -- link  link

It remains mind-boggling how the coaching staff there can get talent to both spend time in Laramie and 'enjoy' the wonderful winter weather.

Utah State will be young and inexperienced

Shawn Harrison writes about this being an unusual Aggie team this season.

Teague goes with Ball State

Kyle Neddenriep writes: "Ball State coach James Whitford scored a big win on the recruiting trail with the commitment of Pike 6-8 forward Tahjai Teague on Tuesday. Teague picked Ball State over San Jose State, but had interest throughout the recruiting process from high-major Division I programs. Jerry Meyer, a national recruiting analyst from 247sports.com, tweeted that he had Teague as a four-star prospect and that he was "vastly under recruited."

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Ben Breiner wrote about the announcement.

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The following is also from Kyle Neddenriep:

Pike senior Tahjai Teague committed to Ball State on Tuesday.

The 6-8 Teague took an official visit to the Ball State campus over the weekend. He picked Ball State over San Jose State, where he also took an official visit.
"It was mostly about the coaches," Teague said of his decision. "I think Ball State is definitely heading in the right direction. Coach (James) Whitford said he likes my athleticism, I can rebound and that I can get up and down the court."

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Here's another article on the Teague commit.

No idea if the Cody Schwartz commit had SJSU backing off here. Teague is 6-foot-8, 190 and Schwartz 6-foot-8, 180. Schwartz is the better outside shooter although Teague looks to have more defensive potential.

Coach Wojcik's MWC Tipoff tweets

Some tweets from Coach Wojcik today at the MWC Tipoff via MW Men's Basketball:

Wojcik: we’ll be better w/ the ball this year. We value it better & we’re not turning it over as much

and

Wojcik: these guys may not look big, but they’re wirey strong and mentally tough

and

Wojcik: I think we’re good at shooting and we’ll be better this year as a year older

Fresno can now practice five-on-five

Robert Kuwada writes about Fresno State basketball finally having some roster depth and, strange as it sounds, five-on-five practices are now commonplace for the Bulldogs.

Hinxman predicts SJSU at #10

Dan Hinxman, the Nevada athletics beat reporter for the Reno Gazette-Journal, offer some different team prognostications: "For full disclosure, my MW preseason ballot: 1. SDSU, 2, Wyo., 3. CSU, 4. BS, 5. UNLV, 6. FS, 7. UNM, 8. Nev., 9. USU, 10. SJSU, 11. AFA.

Wyoming sports beat reporter and his MWC predictions

Mike Vorel's MWC pre-season team prognostication: "In case you were wondering, my MW hoops poll: 1. SDSU 2. Wyo 3. Boise 4. UNM 5. CSU 6. UNLV 7. Fresno 8. AFA 9. Nevada 10. USU 11. SJSU." 

He's a reporter for the Casper Star-Tribune.

Lowery back to Texas?

Via HoopDirt:

"I have heard from two separate sources that former San Jose State assistant Omar Lowery is the leader for the vacant assistant spot at Sam Houston State. Both sources told me that the official word could come as early as today. Lowery spent one season at SJSU before resigning this past spring. He has also been an assistant at Cal Poly (2009-2013), and Texas State (2006-2009). Lowery has been back in his native Wisconsin teaching since his departure from SJSU."

Former Spartan Assistant Coach Talvin Hester is at Houston.

SJSU Digital Tipoff on Tuesday morning

San Jose State Basketball is having a Digital Tipoff tomorrow (Tuesday) (make that Wednesday) beginning at 10 a.m. Head here for the link.

Chris Murray's MWC pre-season selections

Chris Murray reveals his Mountain West Conference pre-season choices. He has New Mexico coming in seventh.

Four MWC pre-season polls

Geoff Grammer provides the Mountain West Conference pre-season polls from four different sources.

A Colorado State preview

Matt Stephens writes about the 2014-15 Colorado State Rams.

Chris Murray ranks Nevada's 2014-15 roster

Chris Murray details the top 10 talents on the Nevada squad this season. There doesn't appear to be any Luke Babbits or Deonte Burtons so the emergence of a player or two is needed for the Wolf Pack to contend.

Anthony Drmic and the Boise State Broncos

Anthony Drmic if finally healthy and that bodes well for Boise State's chances in the MWC.

Note: The Broncos will scrimmage at Bronco Gym at 7 p.m. Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet for fans. Entry and parking are free. What's SJSU doing?

Looking at Air Force this season

Take a couple of looks at Air Force basketball this season: here and here.

More on the commit from Cody Schwartz

Evan Flood talked with new SJSU commit Cody Schwartz:

West De Pere (Wis.) 2015 Forward Cody Schwartz made San Jose State very happy on Tuesday. The senior stretch forward committed to the Spartans after taking an official visit there this past weekend, giving them a huge addition to their 2015 recruiting class. 

“It’s a great area,” Schwartz told NY2LA Sports. “I was surprised how welcoming the guys were. Hanging out with the coaches and players, they were just a really great group of guys. I just felt like they were guys I really wanted to be with. 

“Coach (Dave) Wojcik is a guy that would run through a wall for you, do anything for you to help you succeed. I just had a good vibe from everything. I gave it a day and I just felt like I had to commit there. I liked it so much, I had to take that opportunity...” 

Hit this link for the remainder.

One other snippet: "I had other offers get taken away from me because guys took the offer. San Jose State had another recruit coming in this weekend. I liked them so much, I couldn’t second guess myself and take other visits. I went with my gut and felt like it was a good decision for me.” 

This is big

Now there are no guarantees in life minus the proverbial death and taxes but San Jose State University landing Cody Schwartz is big. First, the announcement:

Per Doug Ritchay, FOX11Sports:

West De Pere basketball standout Cody Schwartz tweeted Tuesday he has committed to play college basketball at San Jose State.

Schwartz tweeted, Tuesday, “After a long recruiting process I am so happy to say I have made my choice to play college basketball at San Jose State! #GoSpartans”

Schwartz had other offers from Green Bay, Marquette, Creighton, Nebraska, Northern Iowa, St. Joseph’s and Toledo

Schwartz is a 6-8 small forward with 3-point range. Last season, he averaged 18.5 points per game in leading the Phantoms to the Division 2 state tournament for the first time since 1933...

Here is a July 20 feature.

Below is video from 2013:



Schwartz can do something no one else at his position on the Spartan roster, whether it be at the wing or eventually the power forward spot, does -- shoot accurately from outside. The potential is there to be a top flight Mountain West Conference performer, an element seemingly missing from Coach Wojcik's second recruiting class.

The 24/7Sports folks has predicted him to become a Creighton Bluejay.

Hendricks to SJSU

In a momentary change of sports, here's my article on Folsom High defensive end Lukas Hendricks who has given a commitment to San Jose State University.

Now back to our regularly scheduled sport.

SJSU offers 2016 big Klay Stall

Compton Magic tweeted: "6-8 Klay Stall #Basha has picked up an offer from San Jose State. @iklaystall_5 is currently on an unofficial there."

It is his third DI offer thus far for the 2016 210 pounder (Eastern Washington, Portland State)

He also visited UC Santa Barbara this weekend.

Keegan Pope takes a turn in the barrel with his forecast of the Mountain West Conference finish and the players to be honored. His Spartan thinking:

11. San Jose State

Simply put, the Spartans just aren’t very good. While they return four starters and standout freshman Rashad Muhammad, there also isn’t much to look forward about in San Jose. Due to NCAA APR violations, San Jose State is ineligible for postseason play, including the Mountain West conference tournament. Expect them to struggle yet again, possibly leapfrogging only Utah State or Air Force in the final league standings.

Dave Southern goes Miss Cleo

Dave Southern bravely details his Mountain West Conference ballot, detailing the league finish and those who will earn honors. His Washington Square take::

11. San Jose State

Old friend Dave Wojcik, in his first season, quickly made the Spartans a reflection of himself — tough and gritty. Some good players are back, but the climb out of the basement will take at least another year after going 1-17 in MW games in 2013-14.

Geoff Grammer plays Karnak the Magnificent

Geoff Grammer has posted his pre-season selections for post-season honors in the Mountain West Conference.

His SJSU forecast:

"11. San Jose StateThe rebuilding job continues. The team has four returning starters and a 13 points per game scorer off the bench in sophomore Rashad Muhammad. They should win more than one league game as they did last season, but I’m not sure it will be many more."

The top MWC squads with major holes to fill

Mark Ziegler writes that it's 2014-15 if ever there was a year for top team vulnerability in the Mountain West Conference as:

...San Diego State must replace Xavier Thames and Josh Davis, which means it lost its leaders in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, free throws and 3-pointers – plus the Mountain West player of the year and newcomer of the year...

...It’s [UNLV] replacing all five starters...

...The [New Mexico] Lobos lost their top three players and 73 percent of their scoring...

...Utah State coach Stew Morrill has only four returnees...

What is SJSU basketball doing?

From Santa Clara athletics:

"Catch a sneak peek of the 2014-15 Bronco men's basketball team as they play an inter-squad scrimmage in the Leavey Center during Grand Reunion Weekend on Sat., Oct. 11 at 9 am. The Red and White Scrimmage will last from 9 am - 10:30 am. It is free and open to the public.    

Due to new NCAA rules, college basketball is returning to practice earlier this year - hence the official start of practice for the Broncos is Oct. 3 and not Oct. 15 as in year's past.

The team will be available after the scrimmage to speak with fans and sign autographs.  Fans will have their first opportunity to meet and see our four new additions to the team, Kai Healey, Matt Hubbard, Evan Wardlow and Stephen Edwards!  

As part of the Grand Reunion, there will also be food and drink provided by the Alumni Office.

All Santa Clara University Basketball Alumni are invited to join the staff for a light breakfast at 8:00am in the Leavey Center Suite.  Please contact Kyle Bailey at Kjbailey@scu.edu to RSVP!"

Craig Neal gets it

New Mexico Coach Craig Neal gets it: "Coach Neal thanking the early birds in this morning's season ticket line. Lobo fans are the best!"

The Wolf Pack in 2014-15

Chris Murray previews the Nevada Wolf Pack, a squad that is minus three of last season's bigtime contributors.

Looking at Boise State

Dave Southern previews this season's Boise State Broncos, who need to replace center Ryan Watkins but look to have some candidates to do so.

Fresno State this coming season

Robert Kuwada previews this season's Fresno State Bulldogs. To think, that some were calling for Coach Rodney Terry to be let go mid-way through last season. Can you spell f-i-c-k-l-e.

Nevada's projected starting five

A Chris Murray tweet: "Wolf Pack hoops had first press conference of year. Sounds like starting lineup is Coleman-Perez-Fenner-Stevens-West."

That's:

* Marqueze Coleman junior 6-foot-3 6.0 ppg.
* Michael Perez senior 6-foot-3 11.5 ppg., 3.1 assists
* D.J. Fenner sophomore 6-foot-6 2.5 ppg.
* Ronnie Stevens senior 6-foot-8 3.3 ppg., 2.1 rpg.
* A.J. West junior 6-foot-9 6.8 ppg., 6.8 rpg., 48 blocks (21 games)

Both guards shot under 40% last season.

Cal Bears basketball getting it right

"Join @CalMensBBall this Saturday for an open practice, free t-shirts and more! #GoBears" 

Every Bay Area college basketball program should be emulating this. Sadly, some get it, others haven't a clue.

Nance getting back for the Cowboys

Larry Nance, the key to Wyoming's 2014-15 aspirations, is gently returning from injury.

Chris Murray's pre-season MWC team finish

Chris Murray tweeted:

MW sent out preseason ballots. Initial thoughts.1. SDSU2. UNLV3. Boise4. Fresno5. UNM6. Wyo7. CSU8. Nevada9. USU10. SJSU11. AFA

The rich getting richer

Jeff Borzello writes that UNLV has already landed a top 2016 forward.