A change of seasons?
A GRIP ON SPORTS
After watching the second game of the World Series last night, did you think, "It's a good time for college basketball to start?" Well, if you did, you are in luck. Read on.
• If you have a Jones for college hoops, it gets fulfilled tonight. Gonzaga, picked yesterday to win another West Coast Conference title, hosts Division II Simon Frazier tonight in the Kennel, the first tipoff in the area. If you are wondering what type of competition Gonzaga will receive from the Clansmen, don't worry about a reputation-destroying defeat. But, despite a 1-17 record in the Great Northwest Conference last year, Simon Frazier is good enough for the Bulldogs to learn some things. The Clansmen have some size, some length on defense and will play hard, three things that will make the exhibition worthwhile for Gonzaga. Oh, and the Zags won't be going up against each other. That's always a good thing. Just ask the players.
• We mentioned GU was picked to win the WCC title again. So were the women, as the conference held its annual media day in Los Angeles. The Pac-12 held its women's media day – the conference splits the men from the women – and Washington State was picked well down the poll by the coaches. The Big Sky women's poll, as picked by the coaches, was released yesterday as well, with Eastern the top choice to win the conference.
•••
• Gonzaga: The WCC media day receives a lot of ink, of course, from Jim Meehan covering the men for the S-R and Thomas Clouse with a story on the women. But there is more up and down the West Coast. ... While in Los Angeles, coach Mark Few met with former GU players Robert Sacre and Elias Harris, both currently with the Lakers. ... BYU was the second choice in the men's poll and the Cougars are eager to chase the Bulldogs. ... Newcomer Pacific didn't fare that well in the poll. ... San Diego hopes to finish higher than the predicted fifth. ... St. Mary's, dealing with a handful of off-court issues and a huge loss on, was the third choice. ... Want to know more about Simon Frazier?
• WSU: Yesterday was not only Thursday Night Lights on the practice field, but it was also media day at WSU, what with the next game not until Halloween night. Jacob Thorpe passes along video from Mike Leach, Justin Sagote, Deone Bucannon and Elliott Bosch along with some links this morning. ... Graduation rates were released yesterday and most schools in the conference did better. ... We always like to pass along picks for the weekend.
• EWU: As we said, there was some basketball news yesterday, so we pass along that short story. But the main thrust this week is the rivalry game with Montana. Jim Allen has a feature on Eagles receiver Cooper Kupp, a redshirt freshman that is having a great season, along with links this morning and a transcript of yesterday's live chat.
• Idaho: It's been a long time since Idaho has won a game against a BCS foe, as Josh Wright's blog post details.
• Preps: The high school football weekend kicked off last night, with South Hill rivals Ferris and Lewis and Clark defeating U-Hi and North Central, respectively. Greg Lee has the coverage. ... It was also a big volleyball night, with Chris Derrick at Shadle Park's win over Central Valley. He has the story and Jesse Tinsley adds the photographs. ... We also can pass along a roundup of other prep action.
• Seahawks: Why does the Monday night game in St. Louis smell like a trap? Is it because the Rams will be without quarterback Sam Bradford, replaced by a properly reverential Kellen Clemens? Or is it because the Cardinals will be playing Game Five of the World Series that night just down the road, taking most of the city's attention away from the football game? Or is because the Rams are saying all the right things about the Hawks? Don't know which it is, but there is something in the air. ... Get this. Marshawn Lynch talks. To ESPN, of course. ... Speaking of talking, the Hawks did a lot of it yesterday. There were the usual interviews with coach Pete Carroll and the offensive coordinator, Darrell Bevell. And, yes, Percy Harvin's name came up. ... The tight ends are becoming a key part of the Hawk offense, which is still limited by injuries. ... If you play Seattle, you lose the next week.
• Sounders: Sunday is Fan Appreciation Day. I'm sure what the 50,000 or so in attendance would appreciate more than anything is a win and higher seed in the playoffs.
• Mariners: A billion dollars? The Mariners are worth a billion dollars? And they don't spend money? Holy heck.
•••
• Is it Friday already? Wow, time flies when you are constantly hacking up your lungs, as I am doing this morning. Sometimes stubborn is the only word you can use to describe a cold. Until later ...
