You all remember Aron Baynes, right? The big Aussie manned the center position for the Washington State Cougars under Dick and Tony Bennett. He was a threat inside, but that was about it. That’s really all WSU needed him to do, of course. Baynes famously made just one of three from beyond the arc during his WSU career.
Through Baynes’ first six NBA season, he attempted just seven three-pointers. Three seasons ago he tripled that with 21 attempts (he connected on three of them). Last season he hit 21 of 61 three-point attempts and this season he’s definitely not afraid to launch from three-point land.
It showed last night as Baynes went off for 37 points and 16 rebounds, including nine—NINE!—three-pointers in the Phoenix Suns’ 127-117 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Is this really the Aron Baynes we know? Apparently.
37 points
— SunOfficial Aron Baynes Fan Club (@BaynesFanClub) March 7, 2020
16 rebounds
9 three pointers made
4 Physical Tone Setters
25 wins for the first time in half a decade
Hit the freaking music pic.twitter.com/BBsqzuZXsp
As you can see, Phoenix Suns fans are thrilled to have 25 wins. Here are more highlights of Baynes’ night:
Aaron Baynes is having one of those nights for the Suns (+3.5).
— Action Network NBA (@ActionNetNBA) March 7, 2020
19 PTS, 5 three-pointers, 8 RBS. pic.twitter.com/OTzMCkgzWQ
Baynes met with WSU Athletic Director Pat Chun earlier this week, too. Clearly, this is what led to his monster night.
In AZ means a must visit with @WSUCougarMBB great & @NBA Champ @aronbaynes. Wonderful to spend time w/ Aron & Rachel (not pictured ). Appreciate his ❤️ & loyalty to the Cougs! Another #WSU alum doing amazing things! Good luck with the rest of the @Suns season. #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/Z6nUrVCYHb
— Pat Chun (@pat_chun) March 5, 2020
As Mark said on our Slack channel, a WSU alum hit nine 3-pointers and it wasn’t Klay Thompson.
Baseball wins second in a row
Kyle Manzardo hit a three-run home run in the eighth inning to break a 3-3 tie and help WSU beat Niagara 6-3 Friday at Bailey-Brayton Field. It was the second win in a row for WSU.
Emma’s BFF Zane Mills went six innings and allowed two earned runs on five hits. The teams get together again this afternoon, weather permitting.
Late home runs from Smith and Manzardo lift Cougs past Niagara!
— Washington State Baseball (@wsucougarbsb) March 7, 2020
RECAP | https://t.co/x7IvR8ZHbh#GoCougs | #CougsVsEverybody pic.twitter.com/hu8fDf4y82
Late Homers From Smith, Manzardo Lift WSU Past Niagara - Washington State University Athletics
Kyle Manzardo’s 3-run home run in the eighth gave WSU a 6-3 win Friday.
WSU apparently nabbed a JC defensive tackle
Amir Mujahid out of Laney College will reportedly sign with Nick Rolovich and WSU, according to Laney College itself:
Another DL headed to the PAC-12! @Ali7848Am signing with @WSUCougarFB! pic.twitter.com/kFqSoKwRRh
— #ProtectTheNest (@LaneyCollegeFB) March 6, 2020
To be clear, it looks like he’ll be part of the 2021 class. (EDIT: His Twitter account says he has his AA so perhaps he’ll be on the team this fall) Laney College will be featured on Netflix’s Last Chance U this fall summer, which will give Coug fans some time to scout the future d-lineman.
Links
‘It was the deal’: Two former Queen B’s – Davenport’s Jen Greeny and Manson’s Katie Smith – relive their record-setting high school careers | The Spokesman-Review
It’s been more than two full decades since Katie Smith has owned a mailing address in Manson, but a funny thing happens almost every time she returns to the small, shore-side community on Lake Chelan.
Nick Rolovich Announces Cougar Football Staff Additions - Washington State University Athletics
The Cougars begin spring practice March 27.
Colts predicted to sign Philip Rivers, draft Anthony Gordon
Pro Football Focus predicts the Indianapolis Colts will sign QB Philip Rivers in free agency and draft QB Anthony Gordon.
Big second half pushes Arizona past Washington State 83-62 | The Spokesman-Review
Nico Mannion scored 15 of 23 his points in the second half, Zeke Nnaji added 21 and Arizona raced away from Washington State for an 83-62 victory.