Difference maker for Idaho men

Last year the Vandals weren’t sure what they would get from Kyle Barone. The skilled big man exploded for at least 18 points five times – but also went quiet offensively for much of the last month.

Coach Don Verlin knows that needs to change.

“Kyle has got to be our steady guy night in and night out,” he said. “He can’t be inconsistent like he was last year.”

Barone, a 6-10 junior with a soft touch and solid ballhandling skills, will be more of a roving power forward after playing center in 2010-11. “I’m ready to step up to be that leader, to be that guy these guys look up to,” Barone said.