Kyle Smith arrives in Pullman, plus day 4 of spring football

The news conference isn’t until Monday, but new Washington State Cougars men’s basketball coach Kyle Smith landed in Pullman yesterday to meet and greet and get his first look at the campus he’ll now call home.

By the looks of the video above, Smith traveled to Pullman in style — on a charter jet (certain people surely are pleased), then got a tour.

Let’s meet some players!

Let’s take a look around Bohler Gym and Martin Stadium!

I thought this tweet was pretty funny.

Speaking of football ...

Interestingly, in Smith’s 27-year coaching career, he has only ever spent one season on a campus with an FBS football program — he was with the Air Force Falcons as an assistant back in 2000-01.

Also, to steal a line from Craig: The glasses are very on-brand for NERDBALL. Here’s to hoping he wears them on the sidelines!

Football

Not a lot out there about the most recent practice, other than Cougfan’s VIP report that you can read with a subscription. First day with full pads and full contact; it sounds like the defensive secondary continues to take the ball away. You can decide for yourself if that makes you feel better or worse. It also seems like Cole Dubots is adjusting nicely to his new life as a running back.

Here are the post-practice interviews. The first one with defensive line coach Jeff Phelps also includes highlights mixed in — one of them is a gorgeous touchdown on a double move from Anthony Gordon to Travell Harris. If you stick around long enough, you’ll also see just one of Easop Winston’s unusually large hands haul in a TD at the back of the end zone, as well as Dubots trucking a poor walk-on DB on his way into the end zone.

Links

Kyle Smith's WSU staff: the cases for keeping a current Coug - Cougfan.com
Why it may be in Smith's best interest to keep one transitional coach

Kirk Schulz shares thoughts on state of Cougar basketball - Cougfan.com
Believes great effort and a few Ws will spark 'loud and proud' Coug fans

CFC TV: Willie Taylor sees Coug DL on top plus new wrinkles on D - Cougfan.com
Spring football: Willie Taylor III likes what he sees from young RUSH linebacker R.J. Stone

WSU Football Spring Practice No. 3 Photo Gallery – Cougar Sports Network
Washington State Football fans rejoice, as the Cougars are back on the practice field this spring for the next three weeks, all culminating in the Crimson and Gray Game in Martin Stadium on April 20th. Cougar Sports Network will be providing exclusive looks at the 2019 WSU squad as they prepare for the upcoming season.…

Analysis: Why Pat Chun and WSU already look smart with hire of basketball coach Kyle Smith | The Seattle Times
By hiring Kyle Smith from San Francisco, Pat Chun moved decisively and expediently — different than recklessly or rashly — and proved Washington State is investing in its basketball program.

Cougars Set to Face Arizona Schools - Washington State University Athletics
Tennis enters weekend with No. 35 national ranking.

WSU Academic Services Announces March Student-Athletes of the Month - Washington State University Athletics
Track and field's Tierney Silliman and baseball's Danny Sinatro have been named the Academic Services Student-Athletes of the Month for March 2019.

Cougars Host No. 2 Stanford For Weekend Series - Washington State University Athletics
The baseball series begins Friday at 5:05 p.m.

T&F Heads to California For Trio of Meets - Washington State University Athletics
Cougars are geared up to continue successful start to the outdoor season.

Washington State Stays Steady Throughout Competition - Washington State University Athletics
The men's golf team held on to its placing throughout all three rounds of the Duck Invitational.

Fun & Names
Former Washington State University quarterback Samoa Somoa wore the redundant number 11 on the front and back of his Cougars football jersey in the 1979 and 1980 seasons. The Samoan played in 11 games in each season and threw 11 interceptions in 1980.