Freshman helps lead young USU squad
In the center of an empty Dee Glen Smith Spectrum, a subdued David Collette sits on the court wearing a hoodie and sweats, still an hour away from the start of practice.
Utah State basketball, still the new kid in the tough Mountain West neighborhood, wasn’t expected to do much this year after last season’s mass exodus left USU’s roster with just four returning players — none of whom had much experience shouldering a starting job.
But being picked next-to-last in the conference is far from Collette’s mind. The player known to fans for being the emotional catalyst of the team is relaxed, not at all surprised at the Aggies’ place in the top half of the conference, two games out of first place.
“For us, that’s settling,” Collette said. “We know that we’re a contender to finish at the top of the league, and that’s what we’re going for. It’s exciting, because going into the tournament, we’re going to make a big run and have a chance to win it.”
Such a matter-of-fact statement at the start of a season shrouded in so much mystery may have carried with it some hint of overconfidence, but with a win Saturday at New Mexico and an unprecedented offensive display against Nevada on Tuesday, perhaps USU basketball does have a little magic up its sleeve.
To opponents who haven’t watched him play in person, the words “freshman forward” don’t exactly shout “defensive nightmare.” However, Collette’s game is that of an experienced veteran, one who learned how to play Stew Morrill basketball as a redshirt freshman in 2011 before leaving for two years on an LDS church service mission.
His return couldn’t have come at a better time for the Aggies. Sophomore wing Jalen Moore compliments Collette well, together forcing opponents to pick which threat they’d rather deal with on defense. Moore leads USU in scoring with 15.5 points per game — Collette is close behind with 13.
Morrill, whose run as the Aggies’ head coach will end following this season, played a significant role in Collette’s choice to become an Aggie.
“I really liked the coaches. That was the biggest reason I came here,” Collette said.
He added that the team was surprised at Morrill’s announced retirement but wasted little time in re-focusing on playing basketball.
“We were all really shocked when we first heard about it,” Collette said. “I think for a minute everyone was kind of like, we were all wondering, ‘What’s going to happen next year? What’s going to happen now?’ but we cleared the air pretty quick and decided we’re going to stay right here right now and finish the season strong.”
With six games remaining, USU has a chance to threaten San Diego State’s hold on the top spot in the MW, playing its next four games against teams in the bottom half of the conference.
“Everybody left last year, and I wasn’t really sure what was going to happen,” Collette said. “So I just decided to roll with it for the year and see what happened, and it’s turned out pretty good so far.”
While the Aggies’ inexperience has cost them a few winnable games this year, “just rolling with it” has also brought USU some defining victories. Walking out of The Pit with a win is a rarity, especially for a program winless in New Mexico since 1979.
Getting a road win in Boise is also a tall order. The Broncos are 9-1 on their home floor this season. It took Collette heaving a 3-point prayer at the rim as time expired for the final score to favor the Aggies.
“That’s basketball,” Morrill said following the Boise win. “Every once in a while you get a Hail Mary.”
Morrill echoes what every fan in attendance feels about the forward’s propensity for big plays.
“He’s very, very active,” Morrill said, “We sometimes forget David’s a freshman.”
Following a 10-point, four-assist, four-block game at New Mexico, Collette ranked No. 17 in the nation in shooting percentage with 57.6 percent and 8th in the conference in points per game. All that plus a game-winner to his credit has the freshman thinking this season is going “pretty good.”
Nothing demonstrates Collette’s laid-back style than his pregame ritual — or lack thereof.
“Honestly, I come in when I’m supposed to be here. I usually go home and do whatever, watch TV or take a nap or whatever I feel like,” Collette said as he laughed. “I’ll get ready, and I’ll watch TV until it’s time to be here down on the court.”
Collette said the transformation from his relaxed personality to the emotional heart-beat of the team happens in part because of the home crowd.
“I’ve always been an emotional player,” Collette said. “I came in thinking I was going to be quiet and do what I do best, but once you start playing here, the crowd loves reactions from the players. That’s mainly why I do it — get the crowd pumped and get them more involved in the game.”
Aggie fans have every reason to cheer for him. With a host of young talent and Morrill’s farewell tour in full effect, Collette simmers with the quiet confidence of an athlete who knows how far his team can go, even if he is the new kid on the block.
— logantjones@aggiemail.usu.edu
Twitter: @Logantj