CBS sportsline WAC preview

[Dawg04]

WAC: Reeling league is Tulsa's to dominate
By Tony Mejia
SportsLine.com Staff Writer







Opening Tip
Ten teams, one bid?

That seems to be a definite possibility for the once-proud WAC, which has undergone more changes than almost any other conference in recent years.

The '02-'03 version of the league race should be one-sided, giving Tulsa a good chance at running the table.

John Phillips won 27 games in his first season as coach, and (gasp), didn't bolt after the season. In fact, he's pledged to remain at Tulsa, possibly putting an end to the parade of star coaches who have used the Golden Hurricane as a stepping stone to higher profile gigs.

This year's reward for staying is a squad that returns four starters from last year's regular-season co-champs, led by player of the year favorite Kevin Johnson.

Hawaii, which split the regular-season title with Tulsa and beat them in the league final, also returns four starters, but lost top scorer Predrag Savovic and key reserve Mike McIntyre. With players being forced into new roles, the Warriors could find it hard to make their third consecutive NCAA appearance.

SMU and Louisiana Tech are the league's up and coming teams, capable of emerging as league powers if the right pieces fall into place.

Beyond those teams, the WAC is weak. Rebuilding Fresno State lost two stars to the NBA and is still the next-best of a weak pack that would struggle among low mid-majors. Depth in this conference is non-existent, as the Boise States and UTEPs of the league struggle to find their way.

WAC Projected Finish
1 - Tulsa 6 - Nevada
2 - SMU 7 - San Jose State
3 - Louisiana Tech 8 - UTEP
4 - Hawaii 9 - Rice
5 - Fresno State 10 - Boise State

Not all is necessarily lost. If this past recruiting period is any indication, the conference may find salvation in young talent. SMU's Bryan Hopkins and San Jose State's Antonio Lawrence were once ranked among the nation's top 25 prep prospects. They should team with a group of sophomore studs scattered throughout the league to give the sagging WAC a much-needed infusion of energy.



Louisiana Tech
Pluses: PF Antonio Meeking could have a breakout year as La. Tech's first option. He has plenty of help up front in C Zack Johnson and swingman Darrian Brown. PG Lavelle Felton is a steady influence.

Minuses: Henderson shot it poorly last year, but was still the impact scorer opponents focused on, opening things up for his teammates. With his presence gone, the Bulldogs have to be more efficient. Senior Michael Wilder will likely take his spot in the lineup, although the team's recruiting class is filled with promise. Freshman Eric Woods, one of the top prospects in Louisiana, may be a perfect fit.

Parting shot: The Bulldogs' starting lineup may consist entirely of seniors. That's always a good thing. Fifth-year coach Keith Richard had an excellent first season in the league and filled out his veteran roster with some exciting newcomers. If they mesh, Louisiana Tech will be a threat. Opening the season at Florida will give us a quick indication of how good they will be.


Bulldogs report: Getting inside
Very few Division I men's programs live in the shadow of its women's team. But that's the way it has been for the Louisiana Tech men, who haven't been to the NCAA Tournament since 1991. That might change this season.


Bulldogs report: Strategy and personnel
SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: Two state prep recruits should provide depth -- Jeremy Johnston, a promising post player with a good scoring touch, and guard Eric Woods, who was selected all-state last season. JC transfer Barry Thompson was selected as one of the nation's top 10 small forwards by Lindy's, and is another versatile perimeter player to add to Tech's stockpile.


Bulldogs report: Notes and quotes
STRENGTHS: The Bulldogs are flush with as many, if not more, athletes than anyone in the WAC. With their array of guys who can create and slash to the basket, the Bulldogs could be NCAA-bound for the first time in more than a decade.

[inudesu]

It's interesting to see how different this is from the ESPN preview. I wonder why they put Hawaii so low.

[Dawg04]

Hawaii
Pluses: SG Carl English inherits Savovic's role of go-to guy. He's a good shooter and serves as the sparkplug. C Haim Shimonovich showed flashes of brilliance down low; those need to appear more often this year.

Minuses: PG Mark Campbell always seems to find the open man, but shooting 40 percent from the field won't cut it. The safety net provided by McIntyre is no longer there. Slovenian Dane Dmitrovic would've been an interesting fit inside, but he quit the team in late October. Senior Phil Martin is Hawaii's only proven forward.

Parting shot: There is some talent back, but the 39 points per game lost with the departures of Savovic, McIntyre and Mindaugas Burneika could push the Warriors to the NIT. How English and Shimonovich handle their enhanced roles will ultimately dictate how far Hawaii falls.