2008 Washington State Cougars Hoops Preview

Tony Bennett enters his third season as Washington State’s coach, which is a relief to Cougar fans who thought he might be at Indiana, LSU or somewhere else. For the past two years, Bennett has been hotly pursued because of his remarkable success at WSU, where he’s gone 52–17 and led the Cougars to two NCAA Tournaments, including the Sweet 16 last year.

Bennett was curiously silent about his status and eventually said that no one had anything to worry about.

“You’ve got some great advantages being in Pullman and being at Washington State,” he says. “I’m where I’m supposed to be. I love being a Coug.”

And Cougar fans love that he’s the man in charge, remaking the Pac-10’s worst team into one of its best.

With the loss of starters Kyle Weaver, Derrick Low and Robbie Cowgill, the Cougars might not be as good this year, or so goes the common perception of Bennett’s team. But two starters do return in point guard Taylor Rochestie and center Aron Baynes. Sixth man Daven Harmeling also returns, and all three are seniors, providing veteran leadership.

The addition of Bennett’s best recruiting class could make WSU a sleeper of sorts, or at least a team that should not be overlooked. “This group fits the mold of what we’re trying to do here,” Bennett says of the newest Cougars. “They’re hungry kids that want to play at an elite level and have a solid understanding of the game. Their teams have won and they know how to play the game.”

Frontcourt

An engaging Australian, Baynes is a bruiser on the court. He could give the Cougars a double-double in points and rebounds this season if he can stay out of foul trouble. This isn’t likely, though, because Baynes seems to hear whistles whether he deserves them or not. Baynes should get help from another international player, newcomer Fabian Boeke, a 6'11" German import who was forced to sit out last year by the NCAA.

Caleb Forrest figures to be one starting forward, replacing Cowgill. Forrest was surprisingly productive in the NCAA Tournament — he totaled 10 points in the Cougs’ two wins — and improvement should come with increased playing time.

Harmeling played most of last season with an injured thumb, yet he still managed to be a 3-point threat with a cast on his shooting hand. He is mostly a spot-up shooter who needs work on his mid-range game.

DeAngelo Casto, a 6'8" freshman, never lost a game in his two years at Ferris High School in Spokane and capped his career with eight blocks in the state championship. He’s an enforcer-type that the Cougars haven’t had since Ivory Clark graduated two years ago.

James Watson, a 6'8" freshman, should also contribute. Bennett favorably compares Watson to Cowgill because of his defense and ball-handling.

Backcourt

Rochestie doesn’t look the part, but he should be an All-Pac-10 candidate this year. When he’s not dishing, the Santa Barbara, Calif., native has the ability to hit big shots from long range. Rochestie plays with no fear and his unselfishness is evident off the court as well. Rochestie gave up his scholarship this year so that Bennett could give it to someone else — freshman Marcus Capers, who could be Rochestie’s backup.

If Baynes is a bruiser, then Nikola Koprivica is a banger. The junior appears to seek contact on drives to the hoop. He will be one more year removed from knee surgery, which bodes well for a bigger impact.

Klay Thompson, a 6'6" swingman, is the jewel of the recruiting class. He arrives with high praise from Bennett, who hopes he can replace the Cougars’ best player. “Some would say Klay Thompson is kind of Kyle Weaver-like,” Bennett says of the son of former NBA forward Mychal Thompson.

The Cougars will also need to find someone to take Low’s role as the designated perimeter shooter. Freshmen Nick Witherill and Michael Harthun will get an opportunity.

Final Analysis

With players from other Pac-10 schools opting to leave early for the NBA, don’t rule out Washington State as a possible sleeper in the league race. There are enough returners and solid newcomers to give this team a chance to make its third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.