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Catching up with Aron Baynes

Don't sleep on the lesser known Cougar alumni

By Scott Cresswell
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

With Klay Thompson having a starring role on one of the greatest NBA teams of all-time, it's easy to forget about our other successful alumni from the Tony Bennent era. The person I am referring to of course is Aron Baynes. I thought it would be fun to look at how he did this past season in his new gig with the Detroit Pistons.

Baynes signed a 3 year 20 million dollar contract with the Pistons this offseason after impressing with his work backing up Tim Duncan in San Antonio while earning an NBA championship ring (BTW if the Warriors defeat the Cavs in the Finals that will make three straight NBA champions with a Cougar alumni!). Baynes went from backing up one of the NBA's greatest big men of all time, to backing up possibly the next great big man in Andre Drummond. Baynes averaged 6.3 points per game and 4.7 rebounds while logging in about 16 minutes per outing. Extrapolated over 36 minutes (the average amount of time a starter clocks in) Baynes totals shoot up to 15 points, 11 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. A double-double is not too shabby. This Pistons website agrees.

I would have to think that the Pistons have to happy on their investment on Baynes and he has entrenched himself for a hopefully long career. Great to see the big Australian doing so well for himself. We may even see him match up with a former Cougar this offseason as well.

Football

What's the status of Pac-12 backup QBs? - Pac-12 Blog- ESPN
Most people aren't concerned about who a team's backup quarterback is -- that is, until te starter gets hurt. So what's the backup plan in the Pac-12?

Track

Allen 12th in 400m Hurdles at NCAA Championships - Washington State University Official Athletic Site

Swimming

Elise Locke Qualifies For U.S. Olympic Trials - Washington State University Official Athletic Site

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