Vandals Come Up Short Of Tall Basketball Players

No, vertically challenged Idaho men’s basketball coach Kermit Davis says, he’s not trying to build a team in his image.

Davis, a former point guard at Mississippi State, is surrounded by guards at Idaho. Only two Vandals stand taller than 6-foot-5. One, 6-8 Kevin Byrne, a transfer from North Idaho College, might redshirt.

The Vandals became much shorter when 6-8 senior center Nate Gardner quit the team earlier this week. Also, 7-foot David Sturing is academically ineligible and not practicing with the team. Sturing, who scored nine points while playing sparsely in nine games last year, is no longer on scholarship, though there’s a chance he could return to the team in the future.

The defections leave 6-9 senior Jason Jackman in line to play scads of minutes this season.

“There will be times this year, because Jason can’t play all the minutes, that we’ll have five guys 6-4 or smaller,” Davis said. “We knew going into the year we were going to play four perimeter players.

“We have to use quickness and speed. We’ve got nice quickness on the perimeter. And from the start, I’ve said we’ve got to have a number of guys playing different positions.”

Davis, too, will have to alter his coaching style.

“I’ve been very fortunate to coach a lot of physical, inside players, no matter where I’ve been,” Davis said. “We’ve got to do some different things, but that’s part of coaching.”

Jon Harris, a 6-5 freshman from Centennial High near Boise, has been the surprise of the first week of practices.

“He’s going to be a nice player in our program,” Davis said. “We thought we were going to redshirt him, but I think he’ll end up playing. He’s got great instincts.”

Davis said a decision on Byrne’s status probably will be made next month.

UI’s demanding schedule begins with an exhibition against Global Sports All-Stars Nov. 16 in Moscow.

Vandals tip off

The University of Idaho is holding a tip-off celebration on Nov. 14 at the University Inn. UI basketball coaches Davis and Julie Holt will discuss their respective teams.

Cost is $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Info: (208) 885-0243.

Luncheons at Chinese Village

University of Idaho booster luncheons will be held at the Chinese Village next Monday and each Monday in November.

Hoop help wanted

North Idaho College is looking for youngsters ages 7-12 to be ball boys and girls for the upcoming NIC men’s and women’s basketball seasons.

Those interested should call Erna Rhinehart at (208) 769-3315.

, DataTimes