Parity continues to increase in Big West Conference
Parity.
It is something Utah State assistant basketball coach Randy Rahe said continues to be on the rise in the Big West Conference.
What was a conference in which the top two teams in the league (Utah State and Long Beach State) during the 1999-2000 season combined for one BWC loss, has become more rounded.
A year ago, Big West regular-season co-champs USU and the University of California, Irvine went 13-5 in conference play. It is a trend Rahe said he expects to continue.
“There’s no question it’s [the conference] more balanced this year,” he said. “You have to play your rear end off to have a chance to win, especially on the road.”
Here’s a glance at the other teams in the BWC.
UC SANTA BARBARA
2001-02 Record (Overall/Conference) ………… 20-11/11-7
Head Coach/Record at school ……………….. Bob Williams/62-53
Starters Returning/Starters Lost ………………… 4/1
Key Returnees: Branduinn Fullove, F/G, Jr. (14.1 ppg), Mark Hull, F, Sr. (15.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg), Nick Jones, G, Jr. (9.9 ppg).
Key Losses: Adama Ndiaye, C (9.9 ppg, 7.5 rpg), Mike Vukovich, F (5.4 ppg).
About the Gauchos: With four returning starters from last year’s NCAA tournament team, the Gauchos are the hands-on favorites to win the Big West title. UCSB is loaded on the perimeter with Hull, Fullove, Jones and point guard Jacoby Atako However, UCSB did lose its top two low post threats in Ndiaye and Vukovic.
Coach Rahe Comment: “I know they’re concerned about it [the low post]. But I think they’re so good on the perimeter that they can make up for it. I still think they’re going to be the team to beat.”
UC IRVINE
2001-02 Record (Overall/Conference) ………… 21-11/13-5
Head Coach/Record at school ……………….. Pat Douglass/75-68
Starters Returning/Starters Lost ………………… 4/1
Key Returnees: Adam Parada, C, Jr. (12.4 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.79 bpg), Jordan Harris, F, Sr. (12.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg), Mike Hood, G, Sr. (8.2 ppg).
Key Losses: Jerry Green, G, (20.3 ppg, 4.0 apg), J.R. Christ, F, (.463 FG%).
About the Anteaters: UCI has a wealth of returning experience from back-to-back 20 win teams, but lost back-to-back Big West Conference Player of the Year Jerry Green. With Green gone, Parada, a 7-footer, will most likely assume the position of go-to player.
Coach Rahe Comment: “I think what they’ll do is be more balanced. I know they’re going to miss Jerry, but at the same time, more people are going to contribute.”
CS NORTHRIDGE
2001-02 Record (Overall/Conference) ………… 12-16/11-7
Head Coach/Record at school …………… Bobby Braswell/97-79
Starters Returning/Starters Lost ………………… 4/1
Key Returnees: Ian Boylan, G/F, So. (8.5 ppg), Lionel Benjamin, F, Sr. (7.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg), Curtis Slaughter, G/F, Sr. (8.4 ppg).
Key Losses: Markus Carr, G, (16.0 ppg, 5.3 apg).
About the Matadors: Like UC Irvine, Northridge has plenty of returning experience, but will have to find a way to replace its best player from a year ago in Carr. One player who could take Carr’s role is Boylan, the reigning Big West Conference Freshman of the Year. Loyola Marymount transfer Slaughter is another candidate, and came on strong at the end of last season.
Coach Rahe Comment: “They are very, very talented this year. They play a tough style to play against. They’re athletic, and can get to spots quickly [on defense].”
PACIFIC
2001-02 Record (Overall/Conference) ………… 20-10/11-7
Head Coach/Record at school …………… Bob Thomason/222-185
Starters Returning/Starters Lost ………………… 2/3
Key Returnees: Demetrius Jackson, G, Sr. (13.2 ppg, 3.5 apg), Tom Cockle (redshirted last season), F, Jr. (7.1 ppg in 2000-01).
Key Losses: Maurice McLemore, G, (11.3 ppg), Mike Hahn, F, (9.4 ppg), Mike Preston, F, (9.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg).
About the Tigers: UOP will have to replace seven players who saw significant playing time a year ago. On the other hand, the Tigers continue to recruit more athletic players, Rahe said, and will have the luxury of having Jackson back with a year of Division I experience under his belt.
Coach Rahe Comment: “They run a system that is diverse and tough to go against. They’re another one of those teams that are always very well-coached.”
CAL POLY
2001-02 Record (Overall/Conference) ………… 15-12/9-9
Head Coach/Record at school …………… Kevin Bromley/19-24
Starters Returning/Starters Lost ………………… 3/2
Key Returnees: Varnie Dennis, F, Jr. (14.7 ppg, 5.6 rrg), Steve Geary, G, Sr. (9.9 ppg), Jason Allen, G, Sr. (7.7 ppg, 3.9 apg).
Key Losses: Brandon Beeson, F, (12.1 ppg, 6.5 rpg), David Henry, F, (9.4 ppg).
About the Mustangs: The Mustangs enjoyed their most successful season in the Big West a year ago. Known as a team that could always score, Cal Poly picked up its defensive intensity last year, allowing just 67.9 points per game. Now a junior, Dennis should challenge for BWC Player of the Year honors.
Coach Rahe Comment: “When Kevin [Bromley] got the job, he made it a point to play good defense, and they did a good job at it. I think that’s the number one reason they’re a better team.”
LONG BEACH STATE
2001-02 Record (Overall/Conference) ………… 13-17/9-9
Head Coach/Record at school …………… Larry Reynolds/0-0
Starters Returning/Starters Lost ………………… 3/2
Key Returnees: Tony Darden, G, Sr. (10.1 ppg), Kevin Roberts, F, Jr. (7.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg).
Key Losses: Travis Reed, C, (14.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg), Ron Johnson, G, (12.5 ppg), James “Rudy” Williams, F, (11.0 ppg).
About the 49ers: Like UCSB, the 49ers will have to develop a low-post threat as standouts Reed and Williams have graduated. Long Beach will also need to find someone to fill Johnson’s roll as defensive and emotional leader. However, the 49ers will have the services of Lemi Williams, back after redshirting with a leg injury.
Coach Rahe Comment: “They were as talented as any team in the league [last year]. Their talent level is still very good. They have the potential to be a sleeper team.”
CAL STATE FULLERTON
2001-02 Record (Overall/Conference) ………… 5-22/2-16
Head Coach/Record at school …………… Donny Daniels/10-45
Starters Returning/Starters Lost ………………… 4/1
Key Returnees: Pape Sow, F, Jr. (15.5 ppg, 8.6 rpg), Brandon Campbell, G/F, Sr. (11.5 ppg), Babacar Camara, C, Sr. (4.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg).
Key Losses: Kevin Richardson, G/F, (9.3 ppg), Josh Fischer, F, (8.7 ppg, 5.9 rpg).
About the Titans: It’s been a long time since the Titans were a legitimate contender in the BWC, but Rahe said he feels they are on the brink of becoming one. Among Fullerton’s returning starters is 6-foot-10 power forward Sow — regarded by many as the conference’s top NBA prospect. CSF should also be bolstered by junior college transfers such as Ralphy Holmes.
Coach Rahe Comment: “They have top four talent in the league this year. They are extremely athletic, [and] they’ve gotten deeper.”
UC RIVERSIDE
2001-02 Record (Overall/Conference) ………… 8-18/5/13
Head Coach/Record at school …………… John Masi/436-215
Starters Returning/Starters Lost ………………… 3/2
Key Returnees: John Galbreath, F, Jr. (9.1 ppg), Ted Bell, G, Jr. (7.7 ppg), Mark Miller, F, Sr. (6.5 ppg).
Key Losses: Vili Morton, 10.9 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 3.2 bpg), Lloyd Cook, F, (7.8 ppg).
About the Highlanders: Because UCR is a year away from being eligible to play in the BWC Tournament, Morton decided to redshirt. This is a huge loss for the Highlanders. Morton was the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year last season, and had vastly improved his offensive game. While UCR will not have Morton, it was able to sign the California Division IV High School Player of the Year in forward Nate Carter.
Coach Rahe Comment: “[Not having Morton] is definitely going to hurt them, [but] they’ll have other players step up. I think they’ll probably spread the wealth more now.”
IDAHO
2001-02 Record (Overall/Conference) ………… 9-19/6-12
Head Coach/Record at school …………… Leonard Perry/9-19
Starters Returning/Starters Lost ………………… 1/4
Key Returnees: Justin Logan, G, Sr. (8.7 ppg).
Key Losses: Moe Jenkins, F, (9.6 ppg), Rodney Hilaire, G, (8.4 ppg), Bethuel Fletcher, G, (7.8 ppg).
About the Vandals: Unless Idaho’s newcomers learn to play at the Division I level in a hurry, it’s going to be long season for the Vandals. Logan is the only returning player who played in more than one game a year ago. Junior college transfer Jack May is the only other Vandal with D-1 experience, as he played for Duquesne his freshman year.
Coach Rahe Comment: “Coach Perry did one of the best jobs in the conference coaching his team [last season]. Idaho does have more size and more bulk this year.”
–jasonwturner@cc.usu.edu