COUGARS

FROM PULLMAN -- Funny how much different this place looks when the weather is nice. Or maybe it's just because I actually left my apartment yesterday. Either way, we have links -- Easter links, even -- so read on.

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From WSU's spring practice yesterday, we wrote this story about Robert Lewis and what his speed might mean for the Cougars' offense. We also had a blog post with some more notes from practice. ... The Cougars picked up a verbal commitment yesterday from Peyton Bender, a quarterback for the class of 2014 from Cardinal Gibbons High School in Florida. Here's Bender's highlight video (fast-forward to about the 4-minute mark for in-game stuff):

Around the Pac-12 ... Not exactly the splashy hire that UCLA fans were probably hoping for, but the Bruins announced yesterday that Steve Alford has been hired as the school's new basketball coach. Is this really an upgrade? ... Arizona, along with a couple of other Pac-12 basketball programs, awaits the decision of prized recruit Aaron Gordon. ... Arizona State's receivers are stepping up their game this spring. ... There's some concern at USC's cornerback position. ... Utah's coaches are happy with the offense's explosiveness so far. ... Colorado's basketball coach wants to stay and build a powerhouse. ... Previewing Oregon State's defensive backs. ... Previewing Oregon's defensive backs.

Christian Caple can be reached at christianc@spokesman.com. Twitter: @ChristianCaple

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