GrizLA said:
AZDoc said:
WSUnPurple said:
just like Weber was unquestionably the favorite last season.
I'll take WSU w/ UM a close second this coming season.
I was thinking the same thing as I was reading this. I think Weber loses a huge part of their team, but at times he tried a little too hard. They may be a better "team" next season...as we were without BQ. I do agree that there are only 2 top teams in the league next season.
I think UM is undoubtedly the favorite and will remain so, even to advancing in the NCAA, but I think there are 3 others that will give some good competition...Idaho State showed real flashes of what could be with good coaching, as did Portland. Southern Utah can recruit world wide as the Mormon schools can. And NCU and EWU could surprise. But, one thing about the Big Sky is the out of conference record...from top to bottom it needs to improve.
Hmmm...interesting. I see where you are going and I'm right there with you; hoping that the Big Sky improves overall, not just at the top.
UM is without a doubt the top team returning next year. However, losing Selvig and Stewart (not to mention Evans) will cause some growing problems, but Tinkle will be up to the task. Besides, Cherry, Ward, and Jamaar should be enough to keep the Grizz moving forward. The Grizz have the best backcourt in the Sky. Weber...well, a lot depends on the development of Wheelright. Bamforth started going backwards at the end of the season and not traveling with the team for the last game isn't the best thing for my beloved Wildcats. However, Rahe gets the most out of his players, and if he has a relatively injury free year, Weber should be tough.
As for everyone else...State, YIKES!! There is talent in Bozeman, but does the coach know how to get his guys to play team ball? Huse is a solid recruiter and good assistant, but a lousy head coach. His teams excell at times, but more often than not, under-achieve. Still enough talent to get to the tourny.
NAU, ISU, and SUU...well, each will definitely struggle with new coaches, systems, and turnover. None had much coming back. On a side note -only one school gets the benefit of recruiting world-wide in Utah and thats BYU. Just because a school is in Utah doesn't mean it gets an edge in any sort of extra recruiting.- Example, Weber has 0 LDS kids on its current roster, maybe a walk on or two will appear later on, but does have 2 kids on missions (6-10 Van Pelt and 6-7 Fuller). However, Rahe hasn't been to kind to Returning Missionaries. Out of the total he has had only 1, Mahoney, has lasted. Jordan Wood is an RM, so that means Weber and Montana, last year, had an even amount.- As for SUU, ISU, and NAU Those three will sit at the bottom next year. Any win in the OOC for those three will be a huge bonus to the conference as a whole.
SAC...well, the Hornets are my dark horse next year. Katz has put together a pretty dangerous and talented team. But, I wouldn't be surprised if they don't make the tourny. If they do, it shouldn't be a huge surprise either. Finally, PSU, MSU, UNCO, Eastern and UND will take up spots in the middle with UNCO and Eastern challenging the front runners.
UM
Weber
Eastern
SAC
PSU
UNCO
MSU
UND
ISU
SUU
NAU
UM to UNCO will be anywhere in the top 175RPI, everyone else...in scary territory.