Never Too Early: 2012-2013 BSC rankings

[PeauxRouge]

http://www.bigskybball.com/2012/04/earl ... kings.html

I had been thinking about rankins today and came across these rankings for next season. Thoughts? I have no doubt that UM and WSU will be one and two. I don't disagree with NCU being three on the list as they came on strong towards the end of the season. I actually think PSU will be higher than seven, too.

1. UM
2. WSU
3. UNC
4. EWU
5. Sac St
6. MSU
7. PSU
8. UND
9. SUU
10. NAU
11. ISU

[HighLineGRIZ]

What's happened with NAU? They used to be a perrenial contender?

[PeauxRouge]

Man, I know. It sucks when they aren't near the top. I imagine they are speculated that low just because of the uncertainty. I don't think they know which players are returning at this point. They at least have a coach now but I imagine it will take them a little while to get back to where they were.

[MT Jack]

Re: player movement with NAU's new coach...Colin Gruber announced this week that he is transferring. Young player who showed some promise with his outside shooting last season. Sad to see him go. I'm sure there will be more leaving as that always seems to be the case with a new coach.

On a positive note, NAU signed a "big" from Las Vegas - link is on bigskybball.com - and a walk-on guard from Phoenix -( http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/R ... ert/160566 ) for next season. Coach Murphy is young and has experience at two very successful collegiate programs as well as a sucessful stint working for George Karl/the Denver Nuggets.

There's nowhere to go but up after last season.

-MTJack

[jon]

Hearing that James Douglas might be gone as well, which would be a blow... it was between him and Dylan Garrity for the freshman of the year in the conference.

I like Murphy, think he comes with great qualifications and should do nice things there... but it will take some time to rebuild. Their roster configuration is still poor (though as MT Jack said, helps that they signed someone to play in the frontcourt) and they don't have tons of talent... but they will helped by at least having competent coaching, which I'm not really sure was the case last year with the interim coach.

[EverettGriz]

1. MONTANA



2. Weber

























3-11: Everyone else.


(showing relative separation)

[PeauxRouge]

I think Weber definitely has more unknowns than we do, but I believe that Rahe will have them challenging us for the top spot by the time the conference play opens. It's going to be a fun season, I really hope the crowds carry over to next season and maintain as well.

[WILDCATFAN]

Montana is unquestionably the favorite for next year, I cant wait to see what new look Weber has to offer.

[WSUnPurple]

Montana is unquestionably the favorite for next year, I cant wait to see what new look Weber has to offer.

just like Weber was unquestionably the favorite last season.

I'll take WSU w/ UM a close second this coming season.

[mtgrizrule]

Montana is unquestionably the favorite for next year, I cant wait to see what new look Weber has to offer.

just like Weber was unquestionably the favorite last season.

I'll take WSU w/ UM a close second this coming season.

As for Weber State, I can honestly say, "As long as Rahe is the head coach at Weber State, I will never pick them lower than 2nd." I am not going to buy them struggling a lot after losing Lilliard. Rahe can X, and O with the best of them, and just needs some luck on his side. Weber State has very full cupboards, and I will not be surprised to see a few unknowns come into their own this season. Basically, they again, will be in the top 2, in conference play. I love their bigs they have coming back.

[EverettGriz]

Rahe can X, and O with the best of them

I would have agreed with that until mid-way through last season. Frankly, I thought he got out-coached at ISU, and certainly did in both games against Montana. I wonder if teams are beginning to catch-up with what he's doing at Weber.

[WSUnPurple]

Rahe can X, and O with the best of them

I would have agreed with that until mid-way through last season. Frankly, I thought he got out-coached at ISU, and certainly did in both games against Montana. I wonder if teams are beginning to catch-up with what he's doing at Weber.

Ya, it didn't have Anything to do with losing 3 key big men. Otis (Starter) played in 1 conference game, Hajek
Played in 4 conference games. After Bullinger (Starter) came back he was largely ineffective.



He was not even close to being the same player who earned him 1st team in '10-'11 after this injury

[Growler1]

http://www.bigskybball.com/2012/04/early-2012-13-big-sky-rankings.html

I had been thinking about rankins today and came across these rankings for next season. Thoughts? I have no doubt that UM and WSU will be one and two. I don't disagree with NCU being three on the list as they came on strong towards the end of the season. I actually think PSU will be higher than seven, too.

1. UM
2. WSU
3. UNC
4. EWU
5. Sac St
6. MSU
7. PSU
8. UND
9. SUU
10. NAU
11. ISU

As usual, it will be a two-team league, with the rest pretenders. One of the reasons the Big Sky Conference gets no national respect.

[PeauxRouge]

After reading about the cats and the players they have lost, I think the cats are going to be around the bottom feeders. Somewhere around #9 or lower. This could be a terrible season for them, perhaps Huse's last?

[EverettGriz]

Rahe can X, and O with the best of them

I would have agreed with that until mid-way through last season. Frankly, I thought he got out-coached at ISU, and certainly did in both games against Montana. I wonder if teams are beginning to catch-up with what he's doing at Weber.

Ya, it didn't have Anything to do with losing 3 key big men. Otis (Starter) played in 1 conference game, Hajek
Played in 4 conference games. After Bullinger (Starter) came back he was largely ineffective.



He was not even close to being the same player who earned him 1st team in '10-'11 after this injury

Yeah, that happens in college sports: kids graduate; get hurt; don't qaulify, etc. The Griz lost to graduation the best big man the conference has seen in years, then lost his likely replacement to grades, and Tinkle still out X'd and O'd Rahe.

Look, I don't mean to diss Randy. I think he's a terffic coach. But he clearly got out-coached in 3 huge games.

[AZDoc]

Montana is unquestionably the favorite for next year, I cant wait to see what new look Weber has to offer.

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.

[GrizLA]

Montana is unquestionably the favorite for next year, I cant wait to see what new look Weber has to offer.

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.

[WSUWALDO]

Montana is unquestionably the favorite for next year, I cant wait to see what new look Weber has to offer.

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.

[GrizLA]

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.

I forgot about Sacto..every year they are predicted to be more than they ever are...would be great to see them reach the potential everyone seems to think they have, like Cal Davis in football...the performance is rarely up to the reality...As for SUU, they are the training ground for Mormon kids to go abroad...the rules can be thrown out...obviously, I am no fan of Utah colleges athletics. I do admire the way Weber supports its basketball team..much like the Griz and football.

[jon]

After reading about the cats and the players they have lost, I think the cats are going to be around the bottom feeders. Somewhere around #9 or lower. This could be a terrible season for them, perhaps Huse's last?

It will depend. They have three guys kind of in flux... Antonio Biglow was supposed to be one of the best recruits in the conference last year (JUCO PG), but didn't qualify... he is back on campus and supposedly will be ready to go this year. Jamie Stewart was one of their leading scorers and best players last year, but then he was ineligible 2nd semester due to grades. Xavier Blount was their best player last year, and then was lost near the end of the year after major injuries from a bar fight.

All those guys COULD be there next year, but who knows. If they are all there, MSU has the talent to be top 4, but that was also the case heading into this year and seemingly every year. They lost some guys, but as usual they brought in decent talent, including guys that are ready to step in and play right away. But there are lots of question marks.

If they do again what they have done the past couple years, I think it will be the end of the road for Huse.

[mtgrizrule]

You guys have covered about everything already. I also love Weber States basketball program, and other than Montana, It is the only BSC program I 100% respect. Hard to say it, I gain more and more respect every year for UNC, and EWU.

I used to hate PSU, but like them much better of late. I see it as
Montana
Weber State
EWU
UNC
Portland State
Sac State
MSU
UND
ISU
SUU
NAU- I hate to say that, because I like rooting for them. They have their hands full in getting this program on track, again. I give it 2 years to be competitive again.

It will be a cluster, and battle for the 3 through 6 spot.

[jon]

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.

If ever the Hornets are going to compete, this should be the year. They have pretty good roster balance and returning talent.

Up front Konner Veteto and John Dickson is a nice combo... one of the best in the conference in terms of inside scoring. Joe Eberhard on the wing was a revelation for them last year, and is a solid all-around player.

In the backcourt, Dylan Garrity was the freshman of the year and solid running the offense. Led the BSC in assists. If he can add a consistent jumper he could trail only Cherry as far as PGs in the conference go. Jackson Carbajal does some interesting things at the 2 guard spot. So their starting lineup is solid.

Their depth could be an issue, as they will be relying on a lot of new guys (they're bringing in 5 guys)... if 2 or 3 of them can really contribute right away, Katz might have something. That is, of course, if nobody transfers or quits, which is far from a given with that program.

[jon]

I think things are kind of in 3 tiers, which is similar to last year.

Montana
Weber State
Again the two best teams.

Eastern Washington
Northern Colorado
Portland State
Sacramento State
Montana State
North Dakota
On paper, you could make an argument for any of these teams finish top 4 in a "best case scenario" type of way.

Southern Utah
Idaho
Northern Arizona
I like all of their new coaches, but they are a bit bereft of talent.