Hot Cougar Action: Friday morning links

Men's basketball:

There has been plenty of discussion about Ken Bone's future in recent days and that continues today with an article from Bud Withers of the Seattle Times. The entire article is worth a read, but there are a couple of interesting excerpts.

Bone says the multiple arrests two years ago led him to a thorough soul-search of the program. "We've put a huge, huge emphasis on character," he said. "What happened there a couple of years ago, it's on me, because I was the head coach. I'd never in my life been associated with something like that. "I would sit in my office and say, 'This is unbelievable.' I never thought that guys breaking the law would interfere with my success, or lack, in being a successful basketball coach."

When the current roster of coaches was originally hired by Pac-12 schools, it's believed that only Arizona's Sean Miller and Oregon's Dana Altman landed seven-year deals. (Sterk, now at San Diego State, didn't respond to two messages to explain his rationale.)

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Do Cougars' troubles signal hot seat for coach Ken Bone? | Bud Withers | The Seattle Times
They don't have a column for "good guys" or "trying hard," so the most trenchant summary of the 2012-13 men's basketball program at Washington State is not a flattering one:

Klay Thompson adds local flavor to NBA's All-Star weekend - Washington State University - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington news, weather and sports
OAKLAND — Giggling at his corner locker, 11-year NBA veteran Richard Jefferson was explaining to a member of the Golden State Warriors’ staff that he should hit up Klay Thompson for donations.

Baseball:

WSU baseball season begins today. The Cougars begin the season on the road against Western Carolina. Christian Caple has an excellent season preview if you are in catch up mode.

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WSU baseball coach expects more balance this season - Spokesman.com - Feb. 15, 2013
PULLMAN – The names and numbers – some of them record-setting – have changed for Washington State’s starting lineup this season.

Cougars, Bulldogs open baseball season - Spokesman.com - Feb. 14, 2013
PULLMAN – The names and numbers – some of them record-setting – have changed for Washington State’s starting lineup this season.

Football:

After replacing two assistant coaches this offseason, Mike Leach may not be out of the woods just yet. SB Nation's Oklahoma blog mention Joe Salave'a as a possible defensive line candidate for the Sooners.

OU Football 2013 | Potential Replacements For Jackie Shipp - Crimson And Cream Machine
Joe Salave'a (Coaching Bio) - Salave'a is a current member of Mike Leach's staff at Washington State, but like Tuiasosopo also coached with Mike Stoops at Arizona. Another guy who would bring NFL experience (he played nine years in the league) as well as someone Mike would be familiar with.