Enough is enough - let's talk hoops

by Jeff Nusser on Oct 18, 2008 2:30 PM PDT

OK, it's only halftime, but I'm really tired of focusing on this awful football team. For the first time in my life, I'm embarrassed to be associated with Washington State University. Every time I think it can't get any worse, we hit a new low.

Right now, we have 18 rushing attempts and five passing attempts. From the moment we stepped on the field, we weren't even trying to win this game. I'm speechless.

So let's focus on the team that isn't a total waste of time to write about.

Tony Bennett has closed practices to the public, but not to the media. So in lieu of being a first-hand witness, there's this nice little second-hand breakdown from Vince Grippi at the Spokesman.

There's a ton of interesting info in there, but the most encouraging to me is this:

Speaking of (DeAngelo) Casto, the freshman's defensive abilities are already Pac-10 caliber, other than he has a tendency to try to do too much sometimes and is still learning how hard has to compete at this level. But his feet are exceptional and he gets off the floor as quickly as anyone I saw in the conference last season.

This could be the single most important key to the team this season. We'll be OK with all the freshman talent in the backcourt, but without Robbie Cowgill, this team appeared to be frighteningly thin up front -- especially with the way Aron Baynes likes to collect fouls from time to time. If Casto can give the Cougs some actual playmaking ability up front, it completely changes the dynamic of this team.

If you're looking for even more inside info, the athletic department has started a basketball blog of its own. It's pretty vanilla so far with just a couple of posts, but it should be a nice access point for information, designed to be a "behind-the-scenes look at Cougar Basketball with photo galleries, practice notes and updates you can't get anywhere else. In addition we will bring you a look at the off-the-court life of all your favorite Cougars."

That's all for today. You should see a lot more basketball content in the coming days, including the first in our series of player profiles leading up to the season

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to be completely honest I didn’t read the article yet, but I just wanted to get something off my chest, before I try to enjoy the remainder of my Saturday.

F Paul Wulff. We only had one thing left to take any pride in this year (our scoring record), and he didn’t give his players a chance in this game to save face or even compete. I will forever support WSU, but I will not continue to support a football program that is not trying to compete. Under 10 passing attempts when we are losing by 40 points at half time? If you are trying to institute a mentality of fighting til the end, this is not the way to do it. Our coaching staff came into this game knowing they were going to lose, knowing they would not be giving their senior players the best opportunity to win a ballgame. Classless.

And I’ll finish it with… Go Cougar Basketball!

by LeaveItToWeaver on Oct 18, 2008 3:26 PM PDT reply actions

You know, I was tempted to think it was because Lopina's back was worse than reported

But then I watched him throw a block on that reverse in the third quarter. And I wanted to throw something at the television. I’m so embarrassed right now, I can’t even describe it.

CougCenter

by Jeff Nusser on Oct 18, 2008 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions

I have this fear

that because Cougar basketball is the absolute last bastion of hope for Washington sports this season, it too will crumble.

Not based on anything rational, but I guess that’s what watching the Sonics, Mariners, Huskie and Cougar football and now the Seahawks all fail in abysmal record setting fashion have done to my psyche.

There is a lot to like about this young team…but I’m still worried.

by Omerta on Oct 18, 2008 4:15 PM PDT reply actions

Don't worry

Cougar basketball is safe. We still have Tony Bennett, and while it may not be a tournament team out on the floor this year, there is tremendous upside potential for the future. Enjoy the ride – this year’s recruiting class looks like it will become something special.

Also, watch out for Cougar women’s basketball. I know, some people hate it, but they are going to start becoming very competitive.

And as far as pro teams are concerned… may I recommend the Blazers? [ducks water bottles thrown from angry Sonic fans]

by Grady Clapp on Oct 18, 2008 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions