COTY Final: Tony Bennett vs. Kyle Weaver

by Grady Clapp on Feb 2, 2009 7:00 AM PST in Coug of the Year

It's up to you, Coug Nation. Who wins Coug of the Year for 2008?

No campaigning by me this time. No bios, no YouTube videos. I leave the award in your capable hands. Both are deserving.

Poll

Who is the Coug of the Year?

Tony Bennett

66 votes

Kyle Weaver

43 votes

109 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I had to go with Tony, although it was tough

Not just coaching a team to the Sweet 16, but coaching a team to the Sweet 16 that had expectations on it. Keeping that team focused through a ridiculously easy nonconference schedule, getting the most out of everything that team had … I dunno. This was a tough call, and I guess I’m just a little surprised that the margin isn’t closer than it is.

CougCenter

by Jeff Nusser on Feb 2, 2009 3:15 PM PST reply actions

I also went with Tony

He has given our program a face. Players come and go, but in College Basketball great programs are often associated with a single great coach that started the tradition of winning. (Duke, UCLA, Arizona, Michigan State, North Carolina) I hope Tony stays around long enough to become that guy!

by Craig Powers on Feb 2, 2009 5:34 PM PST reply actions

I would have to say Weaver was on the floor. More impact there?!? Right?

I agree Tony has given WSU a face now. Players probably love playing for a coach like him. So yes he will probably continue to attract players anywhere he goes and he does seem to have a thingfor picking up on strong character guys. I mean there can only be so many O.J. All About ME ME ME Mayos out there. I don’t mean to bash Mayo he is a great player. But he was high profile.
The thing is regardless of who he has recruited today the players had to execute on the floor to bring him to the status he is at now. Kyle Weaver should thank him for the opportunity to play Pac 10 basketball. But he also did the work to get his game to where it is today. He is even getting some good minutes (as a result of injuries and well a very…iffy team). But he shows he is a strong minded player who gives his all and thats the character WSU wants.
So in the end Good luck to not only Kyle Weaver, but every player from the 2006-2008 team. They did great things and it would be a shame to only credit coaching or just players alone. It is a team game.

IM OUT!
Tom 2k9 Its time to shine!

by TwBrooks509 on Feb 2, 2009 5:49 PM PST reply actions