#8 Idaho
Predicted Record: 8-10
Can the University of Idaho possibly improve from last season, but lose more
games? They can and will. The Vandals continue to evolve under Leonard Perry,
who prioritizes defense and demands maximum effort from his players. Carrying
the league's least effective offense, UI surprised many, going 9-9 and finishing
5th in the BWC. This year, the defense will be just as tough, the offense will
improve, but there will be no surprises.
Perry's demanding style has produced results. UI was near the top of the BWC in
every major defensive stat, leading in opponents 3-pt %. They committed few
fouls, only slightly more than Utah State, who they upset in Logan. They had
only one senior and (still) not a lot of size. By and large, the squad remains
intact and should be equally as good at rebounding and denying open looks.
The offense is led by All-BWC performers SF Tyrone Hayes (2nd team) and SG
Dwayne Williams (honorable mention). Hayes was easily the UI MVP leading them in
ppg, rpg, steals, and blocks. Williams was streaky but came on late, converting
3-pters at 46% in the final 10 reg. season games. Tanoris Shepard, whose season
ended last December (torn ACL) will bring another much-needed scorer that can
handle the ball. And JC transfer Dandrick Jones will assume the role of PG,
vacated by senior Justin Logan. Logan's leadership will be missed, but
ultimately, the tandem of Shepard and Jones is an upgrade.
The frontcourt will miss PF Jack May, banished in July for "team rules
violations." But, PF/C John Tinnon and PF Rashaad Powell (the league's
most-undersized player) return. Add JC transfers Lionel Davis and Anton Lyons
giving Perry a group of interchangeable parts that will rebound and score enough
to be effective. Soph center David Radlovic will have to battle for p.t.
As tough as Idaho will be, the BWC will be tougher. Not only are there 9 legit
competitors for the BWT (rather than 8 ) but the entire BWT incentive structure
has changed. This year, it pays to finish 2nd, not 3rd; 4th, not 5th. Every game
counts, so UI won't duplicate 4 road wins, particularly late-season steals like
last season @UCR and @USU. It also remains to be seen if Vandals fans will back
this team at home. They turn out for regional rivalries like BSU, EWU, and WSU,
but not for BW games (except USU). Cowan Spectrum (7,000 seats, opened 2001)
could be an imposing home-court, but not unless a football-crazy campus turns
more attention to basketball.