Just got off the phone with WSU sports information basketball contact Jessica Schmick - I had asked...

Just got off the phone with WSU sports information basketball contact Jessica Schmick - I had asked earlier today about postseason - and she said coach Ken Bone had decided it would be best not to pursue a berth in the CBI or any other postseason tourney. That means WSU’s season, Bone’s first in Pullman, will end 16-15.

WSU decides not to extend season - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - March 13, 2010

I have to admit, I'm a little surprised if the CBI truly was an option. That seems to be giving up a lot of potential teaching time.

5 months ago Jeff Nusser 10 comments 0 recs |

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there's a story on cougfan.com that says the players took a vote on it

and voted no.

that really hurts to hear.

Witches of Eastman

by BigWood on Mar 14, 2010 10:03 AM PDT reply actions

Saw that

Link

by Brian Floyd on Mar 14, 2010 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions

That seems to be our first real red flag in quite some time

…about the future of the program.

I’d caution against jumping to conclusions though. Some players may be tired, some may just want to see their families for Spring Break rather than playing in a second-rate tournament.

WSU should try to spin it as “we don’t accept anything less than the NIT”. I think some fans already feel like we should take that stance.

I’m conflicted. The players should want more practice time, but then again they also have all summer to work on their game. However, if we struggle next season, I think we have to point to this as a possible factor. And I think the fault would ultimately fall on Bone.

I’d wager those that voted for more play will also be the ones who improve the most in the offseason.

CougCenter

by Grady Clapp on Mar 14, 2010 11:02 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions

I guess what irks me

Is if Nik voted for more games, the rest of the team should have rallied around him.

CougCenter

by Grady Clapp on Mar 14, 2010 11:05 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions

I would also like some more confirmation

That there actually was a poll. Anonymous sources are not always reliable.

CougCenter

by Grady Clapp on Mar 14, 2010 11:06 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions

I took it with a grain of salt

Reading Grippis update with his talks with June also adds some perspective

by Brian Floyd on Mar 14, 2010 11:25 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions

yeah, i'm not sure how reliable that vote thing is

but i can’t imagine Bone being the one turning it down.

Can you honestly say that Bone thought it was a good idea to turn down more practices that this young team obviously needs and giving Nik another game or two to get that record?

Witches of Eastman

by BigWood on Mar 14, 2010 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Let's not forget that the CBI is a joke

Last year’s Oregon State team won it and the championship was played on their home court. When UW played in it, they were universally mocked by northwest fans … not to mention us.
Finally, Klay, Nik and D all played internationally last summer.

I just don’t buy the idea that they need more practice at this point in the year. Next year’s squad is going to have a different dynamic. At this point another practice might fall into the definition of insanity … doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Good season good work, see you in November Cougs.

I feel like Charlie Brown trying to kick the football. Ugh

by HitKing69 on Mar 14, 2010 12:09 PM PDT reply actions

what does "the CBI is a joke" mean?

I would agree with earlier comments that extra practice time, the opportunity to give your graduating senior another home game or two, and the chance to compete in a few more games before the season ends is a good thing, not a joke.

Damn, my eyeball tastes good.

by Gekko Mojo on Mar 15, 2010 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm a little conflicted

On the one hand, I can see the “insanity” argument. But on the other hand, this is a team that simply needs to continue to develop. I know that OSU’s success in the CBI last year didn’t translate into any kind of improved success this year, but I have a hard time believing it hurt.

Also, if it was put to the players for a vote, that’s a joke. The coach should know what’s best for the team and decide it. Players don’t always know what’s best for them.

CougCenter

by Jeff Nusser on Mar 14, 2010 1:50 PM PDT reply actions