Previewing the 2015-16 WSU men's basketball team

We are in the middle of football preview season, but that doesn't mean the men's basketball program can't also get in on the preview fun. Although the Cougars won't tip off their season until November, Myron Medcalf of ESPN is already taking a look ahead at next season.

Yeah, Seattle produces talent. But Pullman isn't any closer to the city than Corvallis, Spokane or Eugene. That trek across the snowy mountains to get to the other side of the state doesn't help the program's cause. But Kent boosted the previous season's win tally in his first year. This year's group could also provide an upgrade if the frontcourt matches the hype.

Interestly enough, Medcalf points to the backcourt as the biggest question mark. He's not wrong, but I can't remember the last time WSU's front court was the strength of the team and the backcourt was the question mark. For at least the last decade, a guard has been WSU's top player heading into the season. Whether it was Marcus Moore, Derrick Low, Taylor Rochestie, Klay Thompson or DaVonte Lacy, WSU has long been guard heavy. Now, forward Josh Hawkinson is WSU's top returning player and he's joined by some incoming depth at forward, arguably giving WSU a fairly solid post.

Hawkinson is one of the known answers for the 2015-16 team, but there are several major question marks. Depth at guard, who will fill the shoes of Lacy or even Jordan Railey and beyond. What is your biggest question mark about the 2015-16 men's basketball season?

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Basketball:

Looking ahead: Washington State Cougars - Men's College Basketball Blog - ESPN
The past summer, Ernie Kent shuffled through the parking lot of a Las Vegas high school gymnasium and the 113-degree heat that covered it as he searched for prospects at an AAU tournament. The former Oregon head coach had recently accepted the top job at Washington State. He seemed excited to move forward and begin his first head-coaching stint since he was fired by the Ducks in 2010.

Warriors’ Kerr expects former Cougar Thompson to play in Game 1 | 790 KGMI
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr says he expects All-Star guard and former Washington State Cougar Klay Thompson to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Baseball:

Bandits infielder Tanielu thrives no matter the location - Quad-Cities Online: Sports
After taking a redshirt during his freshman season in Pullman, Tanielu thrived. In his two seasons, he compiled a .364 batting average with 35 extra-base hits and 56 RBIs. Tanielu led the Cougars in batting average both seasons. "I loved it," Tanielu said. "It was an awesome experience."