Washington State releases favorable non-conference basketball schedule

Good morning friends and foes. I hope your excitement for the 2021-2022 version of WSU men’s basketball is as high as mine. This week’s news that Kim Aiken Jr. is reopening his recruitment (for some reason) is a bummer, but Kyle Smith and his coaching staff have done a tremendous job of assembling talent we haven’t seen in Pullman in many years.

We already know Kyle Smith’s team, and now we know the non-conference schedule. Technically, it’s the “early season” schedule, but that’s only because a couple conference games are sprinkled in.

You’ll notice that the Cougs’ won’t stray too far from home before Christmas. Their Dec. 15 and Dec. 22 games against South Dakota State and Boise State, respectively, will be the farthest they’ll travel for non-conference games. The conference game at Arizona State Dec. 1 is the only time they won’t sleep in their own beds before Christmas. That, and the game at Idaho, are the only official road games, but as WSU alums know, heading to Moscow ain’t exactly a trip.

For those looking to make it a basketball-football weekend, come to Moscow on Thursday, Nov. 18 and then stick around for the football game against Arizona the night after.

With nine of their first 13 games in Pullman, and three more not far from the Palouse, I’d say this early season schedule is favorable for Kyle Smith and his crew.

What’s Derrick Low up to these days?

Hanging with Klay Thompson, of course.

Links

Washington State reveals nonconference schedule featuring nine home dates | The Spokesman-Review
Washington State will have to leave Pullman just three times during the nonconference season and the Cougars won't have to leave the Inland Northwest until a Dec. 1 Pac-12 opener at Arizona State.

SEC welcomes Texas, Oklahoma after boards accept invitations | The Spokesman-Review
Regents at Texas and Oklahoma have voted to accept invitations to the Southeastern Conference.

Jayden de Laura found not guilty for February DUI, Washington State QB pens letter to fans | The Spokesman-Review
Jayden de Laura was found not guilty of misdemeanor DUI charges Thursday and expressed sorrow in a lengthy letter posted to his Twitter account Thursday – the Washington State quarterback’s first public comments since the incident in February.

Washington State receiver/returner Travell Harris named to watch list for Hornung Award | The Spokesman-Review
Washington State's top offensive weapon from last season has once again been named to the watch list for the Paul Hornung Award, which is presented annually to the most versatile player in college football.

Men's Basketball releases its early season schedule - Washington State University Athletics
The Cougs play 10 of 11 non-conference games at home.

WSU Alum Lisa Roman Wins Gold at the 2020 Summer Olympics - Washington State University Athletics
TOKYO – A Coug captured gold at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, as Washington State rowing alumni Lisa Roman helped Canada win the gold medal in the women's eight