If it were up to me, I'd change a lot of things about college basketball. I'd expand the tournament so that every team makes it (just kidding, but I don't mind expanding to 96 teams and having more of a good thing), I'd get rid of the one-and-done and use the system baseball uses (none-or-three-years), and I'd set aside championship weekend for the Tier 1 conferences. I'd also set aside the weekend before Selection Sunday (that would be last weekend in this case) for the Tier 2-4 championship and give the Tier 1 teams the weekend off to prepare for their conference tournament. That way, conferences like the WAC wouldn't be relegated to the usual secondhand status. Well, here at CFHI, the WAC is right next to the big boys, so let's take a look at what is going to happen this weekend in Reno, NV on the campus of the Wolf Pack.
Schedule (All times Pacific)
Thursday, March 11
G2 - #1 Utah State vs. #8 Boise State Noon
G3 - #4 Louisiana Tech vs. #5 Fresno State 2:30 p.m.
G4 - #2 Nevada vs. #7 Idaho 6 p.m.
G5 - #3 New Mexico State vs. #6 San Jose State 8:30 p.m.
Friday, March 12
G6 - Winner of Game 2 vs. Winner of Game 3 - 3 p.m.
G7 - Winner of Game 4 vs. Winner of Game 5 - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 13
WAC Championship Game 7 p.m.
Sleeper: Nevada Wolf Pack
If you've read my other Tier 2 conference tournament previews, you know that I have been very stubborn about naming schools that host tournaments as sleepers. In the case of Tulsa and UNLV, I've even named them as busts. However, in the case of the WAC, I am going to go with the home team - Nevada - and I think they'll outperform their two seed and win the tournament. They are led by Luke Babbitt, but he is complemented by guards Armon Johnson (16 points, 5.6 rebounds) and Brandon Fields (14.6 points, 1.9 threes). While New Mexico State might have the most talent, the Wolf Pack have home court advantage and have won six straight home games. Their last loss in Reno was on Jan. 13 against Utah State, a loss I believe they will avenge.
Bust: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
It has never made sense to me why the Bulldogs are even in the WAC, but that's neither here not there. Louisiana Tech had the best start to the season of any team in the conference and their record at one point was 15-2. They have since cooled off to go 7-7 to finish out the regular season, and I do not like their first round matchup against Fresno State, who they lost to last weekend in Fresno. The Bulldogs do have talent in high-scoring guard Kyle Gibson (19.1 points) and forward/center Magnum Rolle. Olu Ashaolu is one of the best rebounding guards in college basketball (8.3 rebounds). Nevertheless, Louisiana Tech lost four of their last six games and looks to bow out early.
Players to Watch
Luke Babbitt, F, Nevada Wolf Pack
Babbitt was my January non-Tier 1 player of the month and while his February was not quite as piping hot as his January, the 6-foot-8 sophomore continued to put up admirable numbers. Babbitt finished the season with 21.7 points on 50.9% shooting, 9.3 rebounds, and a 90.3% conversion rate on free throws. He is a dynamic offensive player who is very adept at pulling up and taking mid-range jumpers. Babbitt had 16 double-doubles this season and should have the backing of the Wolf Pack crowd to buoy him to a potential Tournament MVP award.
Adrian Oliver, G, San Jose State Spartans
Because Hawaii didn't make the eight-team tournament in a nine-team league, I can't mention Roderick Flemings. Yet, if you are looking for a one-game player to score you a bunch of points, you need look no further than the 6-foot-4 senior. Oliver led the WAC in scoring at 22.5 points and, like Babbitt, can score in a variety of ways. He is at his best slashing to the basket and creating contact, and he made 88.7% of his free throws. Oliver had 22 points in both meetings with New Mexico State this year and should get more than that in their first round battle.
Paul George, F, Fresno State Bulldogs
George is the type of talent that might be too big for the WAC. At least some of the country regularly gets to see the Mountain West because of their connection with the Versus network (at least I did), but the Bulldogs don't get much national publicity and George gets lost in the shuffle. The 6-foot-9 sophomore had a tremendous statistical season with averages of 16.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.2 steals, and 2.1 threes. He missed four games in January and early February with a sprained ankle, but took little time to start amassing stats again. He averaged 18 points in the two meetings with Louisiana Tech and should be good for 20 in their first round meeting.
Magnum Rolle, F/C, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
As mentioned above, this set of Bulldogs has not fared well down the stretch. (And, as a side note, how is it that there are sets of Aggies and Bulldogs in the same nine-team conference? That bugs me.) The mediocre play of the team has not dulled the breakout season of their 6-foot-11 post player from the Bahamas. Rolle had 12 double-doubles and added 2.2 blocks. He finished the season with a 22-point, 17-rebound game in a loss to Nevada. Against Fresno State, he averaged 15.5 points and 12.5 rebounds.
Tai Wesley, F, Utah State Aggies
I almost made it through the column without mentioning the top team, the Utah State Aggies. With apologies to the talented roster of the other Aggies, New Mexico State (who have Jahmar Young, Wendell McKines, Troy Gillenwater, and Hamidu Rahman - now they've been mentioned), Utah State is the team to beat and Tai Wesley is their best player. The Aggies have won 15 straight games, and the 6-foot-7 forward has been a consistent presence. For the season, he averaged 13.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and shot 57.8% from the field. Wesley scored 45 points in the last two Aggie wins of the regular season, so expect him to stay hot against an overmatched Boise State team.