Cougar Basketball announces new signees

Good morning. If you’re like me, you had no idea that Wednesday was the beginning of college basketball’s regular signing period. I don’t know about you, but I was unaware of this due largely to the fact that recruiting under Ernie Kent has been an eminently forgettable affair. Nonetheless, the Cougs welcomed two players to the fold.

The day’s first official signee was Aljaž Kunc.

I don’t know if he’s any good, but spelling his name out would certainly give you a big lead in Scrabble. Kunc hails from Slovenia, but spent his most recent year at Impact Academy in Sarasota, Florida. Oh, and I know I’m old an all, but that photo would lead me to believe that Kunc was getting ready to play for his seventh grade team; he looks incredibly young and thin. Kunc reported no other offers, but he apparently drove by the freeway exit that takes you to West Lafayette, IN recently.

WSU’s second signee was an extreme outlier for Ernie Kent, in that he hails from a junior college. I’m almost certain this is the first JuCo signee of Ernie’s tenure.

Isaiah Wade spent his first two collegiate years at Iowa Western CC. In his sophomore season, he was third on the team in scoring, with 12.1 points per game. The power forward also led his team in rebounding, with 9.5 boards per game.

Wade reported offers from Coastal Carolina, Montana State, SIU-Edwardsville and Idaho (Suck it, Verlin! You may have beaten WSU by 27 but you better respect Ernie’s crootin’ hustle!) One more Isaiah Wade fun fact: His step father is former Oklahoma State great Byron Houston. Maybe Byron has some eligibility left?

Here is the latest scholarship chart, thanks to Jeff.

Given the attrition WSU suffered this offseason, we might get another announcement or two before the May 16 deadline. Go Cougs. Whatever.

Basketball

Washington State receives letters of intent from Slovenian-born small forward Aljaz Kunc, JC power forward Isaiah Wade | The Spokesman-Review
The Cougars likely need to replace five scholarship players from the 2017-18 roster.

Beer

Best beer I’ve had so far this week: I’m moving this summer, which has necessitated a considerable acceleration in my beer consumption, as I need to empty out the beer fridge in the garage. My favorite this week comes from local brewery Hidden Springs Ale Works. It’s a zero IBU pale ale called Zero F**ks Given. The name is almost as great as the taste. Hopefully a couple cans make it safely to the PNW next week.

This Might be the Best Airport Bar for Beer Drinkers :: Drink :: Features :: airport bar :: Paste Look past the “crafty” beer bars and you might find a legitimate watering hole in some of our airports.

Non-Sports

Many People Taking Antidepressants Discover They Cannot Quit - The New York Times
Long-term use of the medications is surging in the United States, according to an analysis by The Times. One reason: withdrawal symptoms that make it difficult to stop.