Media Roundup: Nov. 30 (Part II)

• Sportslink has a game recap and notes from the Washington State University men's basketball win over Baylor.
• Additional post-game coverage is available from Scout.com and Rivals.com.

Cougars rally to beat Bears, 67-64

Robbie Cowgill scored 18 points, including a tip-in with 11 seconds remaining, to help lead the Washington State University men's basketball team to a 67-64 win over Baylor Friday night in Waco, Texas.

The Cougars trailed 38-26 at the half before rallying for the win. WSU raised its season record to 6-0 and the team is off to its best start since opening the 1991-92 season with 12 straight victories.

The official WSU athletics site has an Associated Press game recap and boxscore.

Media Roundup: Nov. 30

• SI.com's Seth Davis picks Washington State University's game with Baylor as one of the top five contests in men's basketball this weekend. Davis predicts the Bears' homecourt advantage will be tough for the Cougars to overcome.
• WSU coach Tony Bennett is quoted by The Lawrence Journal-World in a feature on freshmen making the jump to play Division I basketball.
  

NCAA rules Boeke's former club teammate will miss season and lose year of eligibility

The official Iowa State athletics site reports that the NCAA student reinstatement committee has ruled that Iowa State basketball player Lucca Staiger will miss the entire 2007-08 season and lose a year of eligibility.

In mid-October the NCAA ruled that a club team Staiger and Washington State University freshman Fabian Boeke played for in Germany was professional because of the amount of compensation two of their teammates received. Both players were subsequently denied certification to compete in the NCAA; since that time WSU and Iowa State have been working collaboratively with the NCAA to review the facts and circumstances of each case.

According to an NCAA press release, Iowa State can appeal the decision to the NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee, an independent group comprised of representatives from member colleges, universities and athletic conferences.

Media Roundup: Nov. 29 (Part III)

• Sportslink has a copy of the Washington State University men's basketball game advance that will appear in tomorrow's Spokesman-Review.
  
• The Waco Tribune Herald previews tomorrow night's game and reports Baylor players and coaches see this as an opportunity for their program to gain national respect.
  

Media Roundup: Nov. 29 (Part II)

• FoxSports.com has an Associated Press preview of the Washington State University men's basketball game with Baylor.
• The Daily Evergreen examines the Cougars' upcoming matchup with the undefeated Bears.
  

Media Roundup: Nov. 29

• The Washington State University men's basketball team remains in the eighth spot of SI.com's latest power rankings.
• The Cougars are tied for seventh with the University of Texas in ESPN's Power 16.
• FoxSports.com's Beyond the Arc (video) includes a look at WSU.
  

Media Roundup: Nov. 28

• The Washington State University men's basketball team is halfway through the nonconference portion of its schedule and Sportslink assesses where things stand after the Cougars' 6-0 start.
• CSTV.com rates WSU's fall recruiting class among some of the best in the nation.

WSU set to meet Baylor in battle of unbeatens

The Washington State University men's basketball team will be traveling to Waco, Texas, on Friday, Nov. 30, to take on Baylor University as part of the inaugural Big 12/Pac-10 Hardwood Series. The official WSU athletics site has a preview of Friday's matchup of unbeaten teams.

Harmeling motivated by tourney loss to Vandy

The official Washington State University athletics site has a feature on junior men's basketball player Daven Harmeling. Harmeling is reportedly channeling his disappointment from last year's 78-74 double-overtime loss to Vanderbilt into motivation for the 2007-08 season.

Media Roundup: Nov. 26

• The Washington State University men's basketball team has climbed three spots to sixth place in both the Associated Press Top-25 poll and ESPN/USA Today coaches poll.
• The Cougars have also risen three slots to No. 6 in the latest FoxSports.com power rankings.
• WSU is projected as a No. 2 NCAA tournament seed in ESPN.com's latest Bracketology feature.
• ESPN.com senior basketball writer Andy Katz writes he is looking forward to seeing if Baylor can knock off the Cougs in their Big 12/Pac-10 matchup on Friday in Waco.
• The Daily Evergreen has a recap of WSU's win over Air Force yesterday in the Cougar Hispanic College Fund Challenge.

CougHoops.com Fan Poll Results: Nov. 25

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, what aspect of WSU basketball are you most thankful for?

Results (43 votes)
Last year's sweep of the Huskies, 5 votes (11%)
Last year's NCAA tournament appearance, 11 votes (25%)
Taylor Rochestie's decision to free up a scholarship, 4 votes (9%)
The 2008-09 recruiting class, 1 vote (2%)
Tony Bennett's return to the sidelines for another season, 22 votes (51%)

Cougars down Falcons, 71-62

Derrick Low made six 3-pointers in the second half to lead the Washington State University men's basketball team to a 71-62 comeback win over Air Force Sunday in the Cougar Hispanic College Fund Challenge.

The official WSU athletics site has an Associated Press game recap, box score, and photo gallery. Additional coverage is available from Sportslink and Rivals.com.

WSU routs MVSC, 71-26

The Washington State University men's basketball team defeated Mississippi Valley State College 71-26 on Saturday in the Cougar Hispanic College Fund Challenge. The Cougar defense held the Delta Devils to a 27.9 shooting percentage and MVSC was 0-for-15 from 3-point range.

The official WSU athletics site has an Associated Press game recap, box score, and photo gallery. Additional coverage is available from Sportslink and Rivals.com.

Media Roundup: Nov. 24

• Rivals.com has a feature on Washington State University men's basketball guard Taylor Rochestie.
• Sportslink has a game recap and notes from the Cougars' win over Montana last night.

Rochestie helps lead Cougs past Griz, 66-55

Taylor Rochestie tallied 17 points to help lead the Washington State University men's basketball team past the University of Montana 66-55 on Friday night in the Cougar Hispanic College Fund Challenge.

The official WSU athletics site has an Associated Press game recap, box score, and photo gallery. Additional post-game coverage can be found on Rivals.com.

WSU set to host three-day tournament

Starting today, the Washington State University men's basketball team will host Air Force, Mississippi Valley State and Montana for the three-day Cougar Hispanic College Fund Challenge at the Spokane Arena. Previews can be found on the official WSU athletics site, Tacoma News Tribune, and Sportslink.

Happy Thanksgiving from CougHoops.com

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. We'll be traveling out of state to be with family for the holiday and won't be able to post updates to this site for a few days. We plan to resume operations on Saturday (Nov. 24). Have a great holiday and go Cougs!

Media Roundup: Nov. 20 (Part II)

• The Des Moines Register reports that a small fire at the NCAA's headquarters in Indianapolis, Ind., may have delayed progress on a final decision regarding Iowa State freshman basketball guard Lucca Staiger's playing eligibility. In mid-October the NCAA ruled that a club team Staiger and Washington State University freshman Fabien Boeke played for in Germany was professional because of the amount of compensation two of their teammates received. Both players are currently awaiting word from the NCAA regarding their playing status.
• The Cougars remain ninth on the FoxSports.com's weekly power rankings.

Media Roundup: Nov. 20

• The Washington State University men's basketball team remains at No. 8 in SI.com's Power Rankings.
• The Seattle Times reports dental records have confirmed that former Cougar basketball star Tony Harris' body was found Sunday in Brazil.

Media Roundup: Nov. 19

• The Washington State University men's basketball team remains ninth in both the Associated Press Top-25 poll and ESPN/USA Today coaches poll.
• ESPN.com has the Cougars' Nov. 23 game against Montana on its weekly upset watch list.

Media Roundup: Nov. 18

• The Sporting News has a Q&A with Washington State University senior basketball guard Derrick Low.
• Senior guard Kyle Weaver is "Mr. Everything" in The Sporting News' all-senior rotation.

Body of former WSU star believed found in Brazil

The Seattle Times reports a body believed to be that of Tony Harris, a former Washington State University basketball star who disappeared in Brazil recently, was found in that country today.

CougHoops.com Fan Poll Results: Nov. 18

How many regular-season games will the WSU men's basketball team win in 2007-08?

Results (47 votes):
16-18, 2 votes (4%)
19-21, 2 votes (4%)
22-24, 15 votes (31%)
25-27, 14 votes (29%)
28+, 14 votes (29%)

Media Roundup: Nov. 17

Sportslink has video interviews and post-game analysis from the Washington State University men's basketball team win over the University of Idaho last night. Additional coverage can be found on The Seattle Times and Tacoma News Tribune.

Media Roundup: Nov. 16

• Post-game coverage from the Washington State University men's basketball win over the University of Idaho is available from the official Cougar athletics site, Sportslink, and Seattle P-I.
• The WSU athletics site has a photo gallery and Associated Press action photos from tonight's game with the Vandals.

Cougars manhandle Vandals, 74-43

Aron Baynes grabbed eight rebounds and scored 12 points to help lead the Washington State University men's basketball team past the University of Idaho 74-43 Friday night in Pullman.

Baynes, a 6-foot-10 junior center, was one of six Cougars to score in double figures. Derrick Low had 12 points, and Robbie Cowgill, Daven Harmeling, Taylor Rochestie, and Kyle Weaver each tallied 10 points.

ESPN.com has an Associated Press game recap and box score.

Feature profiles recent WSU signee Harthun

The Mail Tribune features recent Washington State University men's basketball signee Michael Harthun and reports coach Tony Bennett sees some similarities between the 6-foot-3 guard and Cougar senior Derrick Low.

Media Roundup: Nov. 15 (Part II)

• FoxSports.com has an Associated Press game advance for tomorrow's matchup between the Washington State University men's basketball team and University of Idaho.
• The Daily Evergreen previews tomorrow's contest against the Vandals and next week's four games in the Cougar Hispanic College Fund Classic.

Final ruling on Boeke may come later this week

FoxSports.com reports that a final decision on Washington State University freshman Fabien Boeke's playing eligibility could come from the NCAA later this week.

In mid-October the NCAA ruled that a club team Boeke and Iowa State freshman guard Lucca Staiger played for in Germany was professional because of the amount of compensation two of their teammates received.

FoxSports.com reports that both players have appealed the ruling and the NCAA is working collaboratively with WSU and Iowa State to review the facts and circumstances of each case.

Cougars set to host cross-border rivals

The Washington State University men's basketball team will host the University of Idaho on Friday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m.

Idaho (1-1) lost a road game with Gonzaga on Tuesday night, 80-43. The Vandals only trailed the Bulldogs by three points (38-35) with 17 minutes remaining in the second half, but the Zags proceed to go on a 21-point run to put the game out of reach.

The official WSU athletics site has a game advance.

Media Roundup: Nov. 15

• The Washington State University men's basketball team has moved up one spot to No. 8 in the ESPN Power 16 rankings.
• The Seattle Times and Tacoma News Tribune have reports on the Cougars' recruiting class for 2008-09.
• The Orlando Sentinel has quotes from new WSU signee Marcus Capers about Taylor Rochestie's decision to relinquish his scholarship for next year.
• The Wichita Eagle picks the Cougs as a Sweet 16 team.

Media Roundup: Nov. 14 (Part II)

• Overviews of the Washington State University 2008-09 men's basketball recruiting class can be found on the following sites: Sportslink, The Daily Evergreen, and The Sporting News.
• The Orlando Sentinel has a short note on future Cougar Marcus Capers, and reports the 6-foot-4 guard is best known for the way he slashes to the basket.

Five players sign with WSU for 2008-09

High school seniors Marcus Capers, Michael Harthun, Klay Thompson, James Watson and Nick Witherill each signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the Washington State University men's basketball team next season. Details are available on the official WSU athletics site and Sportslink.

Media Roundup: Nov. 14

• Rivals.com ranks the 2008-09 Washington State University men's basketball recruiting class seventh in the Pac-10. Rivals.com writes that while none of the Cougars' incoming freshmen are nationally ranked they do bear some similiarities with WSU's current squad.
• ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla designates Derrick Low (No. 13) as one of college basketball's top floor generals.
• Sportslink has notes about WSU's win over Boise State.

WSU rallies in second half to beat BSU, 86-74

The visiting Washington State University men's basketball team rallied from a six-point halftime deficit to defeat Boise State University 86-74 on Tuesday night. Senior guards Derrick Low and Kyle Weaver combined on 10-of-12 shooting in the first 8 1/2 minutes of the second half to help spark the Cougars' comeback.

• Sportslink has a game recap and notes.
• The official WSU athletics site has an Associated Press game summary, team notes and a box score.

Media Roundup: Nov. 13

• The Idaho Statesman has a preview of tonight's basketball game between Washington State University and Boise State.
• Sportslink has some Cougar basketball notes and reports that Taylor Rochestie is sporting a new look.
• The early signing period for national basketball letters of intent tips off on Wednesday, and Scout.com takes a look at the five prep athletes who are expected to sign with WSU.

SI.com has scouting report on Cougs

SI.com has a scouting report on the Washington State University men's basketball team and places the Cougars ninth in its top 20 rankings.

Former WSU hoops star reportedly missing

The Seattle P-I has a column on former Washington State University guard Tony Harris, who has reportedly vanished after traveling to Brazil to play profesional basketball. Harris was a leader on the 1993-94 Cougar team that earned a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

WSU rises to No. 9 ranking in AP poll

Washington State University moved up one spot to a No. 9 ranking in the Associated Press Top 25 men's college basketball poll.

Cougars move up spot in latest coaches poll

The Washington State University men's basketball team moved up a spot to a No. 9 ranking in the second ESPN/USA Today coaches poll of the season. The Cougars received a total of 502 points, up 38 points from last week's total of 464.

Cougs heading to Boise for first road game

The Washington State University men's basketball team will play its first road game of the season when the Cougars take on Boise State University on Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m. PST.

The Broncos opened their season on Saturday night with a 73-72 overtime victory over visiting Utah Valley. BSU was paced by 6-foot-6 senior forward Reggie Larry's 20 points and 10 rebounds.

The official WSU athletics site has a game advance.

CougHoops.com Fan Poll Results: Nov. 11

With a game on the line, which WSU player would you choose to take the final shot?

Results (44 votes):
Aron Baynes, 1 vote (2%)
Daven Harmeling, 13 votes (29%)
Derrick Low, 24 votes (54%)
Taylor Rochestie, 3 votes (6%)
Kyle Weaver, 3 votes (6%)

Media Roundup: Nov. 10

• Sportslink has news and notes from the Washington State University men's basketball team's 68-41 win over Eastern Washington University.
• Additional post-game coverage is available from The Seattle Times, Tacoma News Tribune, and Rivals.com.

Cougars cruise past Eagles, 68-41

Aron Baynes scored 15 points to lead the Washington State University men's basketball team to a 68-41 victory over Eastern Washington University Friday night in Pullman. The Cougars led 31-19 at the game's midway point and then proceeded to outscore the Eagles 14-2 in the first six minutes of the second half.

• Sportslink has links to a game recap and post-game video interview with coach Tony Bennett.
• The Seattle P-I has a game story.
• The official Cougar athletics site has a game summary and box score.

WSU basketball season tickets nearly sold out

The official Washington State University athletics site reports that only 34 men's basketball season tickets remain available for purchase. A total of 4,203 season tickets have already been sold, which is nearly 2,000 more than last season's total of 2,308.

Cougs ready to tip off new season

The Washington State University men's basketball team is just hours away from tipping off the 2007-08 season. The following new game advances are available:

• The Seattle Times previews tonight's matchup of the Cougars, the 10th ranked team in the country in both major polls, and an undermanned Eastern Washington University program that is searching for stability.
• The Tacoma News Tribune reports that coach Tony Bennett noted two areas he wants to see improvement in tonight – defensive rebounding and the number of free throws attempted.
• CSTV.com examines the intrastate matchup of EWU and WSU. The Cougars lead the all-time series 50-11, and have won 18 of the last 19 games between the teams.
• Sportslink links to today's Spokesman-Review article and promises lots more coverage this evening.

WSU set to host season opener with EWU

The Washington State University men's basketball team will open the 2007-08 regular season by hosting Eastern Washington University on Friday, Nov. 9, at 6:30 p.m. According to an Associated Press game preview on FoxSports.com, the visiting Eagles will probably only suit up seven players.

Media Roundup: Nov. 8

• The Seattle Times has a package of Washington State University men's basketball items including a feature on Derrick Low and Kyle Weaver, team overview, and team notes. The Seattle Times also has a column on the state of basketball in Washington.
• The Tacoma News Tribune has a feature on Kyle Weaver and a list of five issues facing the Cougars in 2007-08.
• Uni Watch reports the Cougs have made a minor uniform update, changing from outlined numbers to solids on front and back.

Media Roundup: Nov. 7 (Part II)

• The Seattle P-I has a feature on Washington State University men's basketball power forward Robbie Cowgill.
• Cougar coach Tony Bennett is No. 59 on ESPN Page 2's list of "65 reasons to gorge on college basketball."
• The 2007-08 Cougar basketball media guide is available on the official WSU athletics site.

Media Roundup: Nov. 7

• SI.com's Seth Davis has a column profiling the Washington State University men's basketball program and writes that perhaps no team in America does a better job playing to its strengths
• Andy Katz at ESPN.com examines coach Tony Bennett and the Cougars' remarkable rise to prominence.
• Sportslink includes quotes from the basketball coaches' press conference and links to a basketball preview from today's Spokesman-Review.
• The official Cougar athletics site previews Friday's season opener against Eastern Washington University.
• The Honolulu Advertiser checks in with senior WSU guard Derrick Low.

WSU duo earns mention in ESPN.com column

Washington State University senior guards Derrick Low and Kyle Weaver are given a brief mention in Andy Katz's ESPN.com column about the search for the face of men's college basketball in 2007-08.

Cougars' season-opening men's basketball game to be televised

The official Washington State University athletics site reports that the season-opening men's basketball game against Eastern Washington University will be televised in various regions of the Northwest. The Cougars are scheduled to tip off against the Eagles at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9.

Media Roundup: Nov. 5 (Part II)

• ESPN.com's Pat Forde makes multiple references to the Washington State University men's basketball program in his latest column. Forde ranks the Cougars eighth in the nation, picks Kyle Weaver as one of "Five Players The Minutes Just Likes To Watch," and designates coach Tony Bennett as one of "Five Coaches Who Stayed in Great Spots."
• CBSSports.com has the Washington State University men's basketball team as a No. 2 seed in its 2007-08 NCAA tournament projections.
• Sportslink has links to several video clips from the Cougars' exhibition game with Lewis-Clark State College.

Media Roundup: Nov. 5

• ESPN.com's Joe Lunardi projects the Washington State University men's basketball team as a No. 3 seed in his weekly bracketology feature.
• The Cougars are ranked 10th in ESPN.com's Power 16.
• WSU fans can show their support for the Cougs by casting votes in separate ESPN.com polls for All-American selections, conference champions, and top-25 teams.
• The Seattle P-I has a recap of yesterday's exhibition win over Lewis-Clark State College. Additional game info can be found at Sportslink, Scout.com, and The Seattle Times.

Media Roundup: Nov. 4 (Part II)

• The Washington Post has an in-depth feature on the Washinton State University men's basketball program and reports the Cougars are, "the most unknown and unlikeliest nationally ranked team in the country."
• Rivals.com previews the Pac-10 and selects WSU as the team with the deepest bench and Tony Bennett as a coach on the rise. In a separate piece, Kyle Weaver is selected to the Rivals.com preseason All-Pac-10 Team and Derrick Low is a second-team selection.
• The Pittsburgh Tribune Review picks the Cougs as one of five teams to watch in the 2007-08 season.
• The Daily Evergreen has a writeup on the Cougars' win over LCSC.

Media Roundup: Nov. 4

• The official Washington State University men's basketball site has a recap and boxscore from the Cougars' decisive win over Lewis-Clark State College.
• Sportslink has notes on today's win and reports that Charlie Enquist will be redshirting this season.

WSU wins exhibition with LCSC, 80-42

The Washington State University men's basketball team defeated Lewis-Clark State College 80-42 earlier today. The Spokesman-Review has a writeup on the game and reports that Cougar coach Tony Bennett said his team needs to work on protecting the ball and solidifying its defense.

CougHoops.com Fan Poll Results: Nov. 4

Which Pac-10 opponent will be the toughest matchup for WSU?

Results (38 votes):
Oregon, 9 votes (23%)
UCLA, 24 votes (63%)
USC, 3 votes (7%)
Washington, 2 votes (5%)

WSU to host exhibition game at 4 p.m.

The Washington State University men's basketball team will host Lewis-Clark State College in an exhibition game today at 4 p.m. at Friel Court. Admission is free and details can be found on the official Cougar athletics site.

The Warriors are 4-0 on the season and will be playing their third game in three days. Last night LCSC beat Cascade College 59-52 in the Cannon's Build Materials Center Tournament. The Warriors won their first three games by an average of 42 points.

LCSC is the defending Frontier Conference champion, and the Warriors are led by two returning starters: 6-foot-5 senior forward Mike Gordy, the conference MVP and Second Team All-American selection who led LCSC in scoring (16.4 points per game), and 5-11 sophomore guard Napoleon Gordon, Jr., who was the Frontier Conference Freshman of the Year (8.3 points per game and a team-high 57 steals). A season outlook is available on the official LCSC athletics site.

Media Roundup: Nov. 3

• CBS Sportsline has a season preview of the Washington State University men's basketball team. Sportsline predicts the Cougars will finish second in the Pac-10 Conference and that only injuries can prevent WSU from stockpiling wins.
• The Sporting News has 10 things to love and hate about the Cougar basketball program. The Sporting News also has an Associated Press feature on senior guards guards Kyle Weaver and Derrick Low.
• The Seattle Times has an Associated Press story on the AP preseason Top 25 poll.

Media Roundup: Nov. 2

• The Washington State University men's basketball team is ranked No. 10 in The Associated Press preseason Top 25 poll. Details on the Cougars' first-ever preseason ranking are available from the official Washington State University site and The Spokesman-Review.
• FoxSports.com has a season preview for WSU and ranks the Cougars seventh in the nation. In a separate piece, FoxSports.com places Kyle Weaver on its Preseason All-America third team.
• Sportslink has links to a summary of yesterday's Pac-10 media event and a Pac-10 overview.
• The official Washington State University site reports that tickets for the March 8 game against the University of Washington are sold out.

Media Overview: Nov. 1 (Part III)

• The Tuscon Citizen leads off its Pac-10 men's basketball media day overview by taking a look at Washington State University's recent revival.
• CSTV.com has an Associated Press report on Pac-10 media day.
• Yahoo! Sports has notes from around the Pac-10 and reports guard Nikola Koprivica is recovering nicely from the ACL tear he suffered last season.
• The Daily Evergreen runs through the media rankings for each of the teams in Pac-10.

Media Roundup: Nov. 1 (Part II)

• The official Pac-10 Conference website has quotes from Washington State University men's basketball coach Tony Bennett as he addressed the press assembled in Los Angeles for media day.
• The official WSU athletics site reports the Cougars' predicted second-place finish is its highest placing since the media poll began in 1992-93.
• Sportslink has notes from media day and includes Cougar beat reporter Vince Grippi's predicted order of finish for the Pac-10 in 2007-08.
• Scout.com has a story detailing the Cougs' defensive philosophy and shut-down-the-transition approach to basketball.
• ESPN.com's Fran Fraschilla weighs in on the Fabian Boeke situation.

Media Roundup: Nov. 1

• The Sporting News previews the Washington State University men's basketball team and predicts it won't be easy for the Cougars to recapture what they had last season, even with four starters returning.
• The Sporting News profiles the Pac-10.
• Yahoo.com features the rapidly improving Pac-10.
• The official WSU athletics site reports that less than 100 tickets remain for the Cougs' regular-season men's basketball finale against Washington.

WSU picked to finish second in Pac-10 poll

Washington State University is picked to finish second in the 2007-08 Pacific-10 Conference men's basketball race, according to a poll of media members who cover Pac-10 men's basketball.