Washington State Basketball Preview
Our Washington State basketball preview 2021 - 22 notes that the Cougars have struggled for over a decade to record a winning conference mark. Last year, the Washington State Cougars were 7-12 in the Pac-12 and 14-13 overall. They finished eighth in the league. However bad that record looks, it’s actually better than all but one of former coach Ernie Kent’s season records. In two years, current WSU head coach Kyle Smith (30-29 Washington/2 years, 194-151 Overall/11 years) has started to turn this team around. This season looks to be their best in well over a decade, as the Cougars could make their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2008.
Cougars Frontcourt
Two big men, forward Efe Abogidi and center Dishon Jackson, both sophomores, return ready to mix it up in the paint. Abogidi, last season’s Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, worked out at Nigeria’s Olympic Training Camp this summer and is primed for the new season. In his first season with the Cougars, he averaged 8.9 PPG and 7.2 RPG while completing 49.1 percent of his field goals. He’s capable of recording double-doubles this season. This summer, Jackson practiced with the US U19 team. A 48.4 percent shooter, with WSU he averaged 7.2 PPG and 4.3 RPG. Again, our Washington State basketball preview 2021 - 22 projects that he’ll increase those numbers this season. Small forward is a question mark with possibilities including junior D.J. Rodman, a 3-and-D guy, and Eastern Washington Transfer and Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year Kim Aiken Jr. Also, four-star recruit Mouhamed Gueye, a 6’11” front man with a 7’5” wingspan, is a prime defender and shooter.
Washington State Basketball Preview – Backcourt
Transfer Michael Flowers (South Alabama) comes in to play point. Flowers is an explosive player who averaged 21 PPG for South Alabama last season. He was ranked sixth in the nation in overall scoring and hit threes at a 39.0 percent rate. Plus, Flowers is a premium passer. However, his assist-to-turnover ratio of plus-1.2 could use improvement. Junior shooting guard Noah Williams returns after averaging 14.1 PPG and 3.6 RPG. Last year, Williams shot 40.6/37.9/80.4. Along with being a fine offensive force, he’s also a premium defender. Division II All-American Tyrell Roberts (UC San Diego), 46 percent three-point shooter, will be an important contributor.
Washington State Basketball Preview 2021 – Final Word
Coach Smith has put together a team that possesses a lot of potential. There’s a solid combination of essential contributors from last season, experienced transfers, and talented freshmen. Our Washington State basketball preview 2021 - 22 sees the Cougars posting a winning record for the first time in a long time. They have a solid chance of getting back to the Big Dance. If not that, then look for them at the NIT. This is an up and coming team.
Pac-12 - Washington State Rankings & Projections 2021
AP Top 25 Preseason Poll Ranking: None
NCAA Men's Basketball NET Ranking: 84
Pac-12 Finish: 6
Postseason Tournament: NCAA First Four