Accentuate The Positives Eastern’s Aggers Tries To Get Team To Take A Can-Do Approach
Big Sky Conference basketball preview
There is renewed hope among the traditional also-rans in the Big Sky Conference men’s basketball race this year, courtesy of Northern Arizona.
The Lumberjacks, coming off a dismal 6-20 season in 1995-96, went 21-7 last winter and won the regular-season conference title, losing only two of 16 league games. The turnaround was the best in the country and bolstered the spirit of teams throughout the conference.
“NAU proved to all of us that have been in the bottom tier of the league that it can be done,” said third-year Eastern Washington coach Steve Aggers, whose Eagles open the Big Sky portion of their schedule tonight at 7:05 at home against the defending champion Lumberjacks.
“It’s just a matter of changing attitudes into a can-do approach.”
Actually, it wouldn’t hurt to have a few 3-point snipers on your roster, too. At least that’s what seemed to put NAU and third-year coach Ben Howland over the top last season.
The Lumberjacks, who were shown little respect in the preseason polls, led the nation in 3-point shooting with a percentage of 41.9 and became just the third Big Sky team to win as many as 14 league games.
But there are still those who question whether a team that relies so heavily on long-range shooting can establish itself as a perennial contender. And among that group, there seems to be a general consensus that Montana State - not NAU - is the team to beat in this year’s conference race.
The Bobcats have all five starters back from last year’s 16-14 team that lost three of its last five Big Sky games to finish 10-6 in league play. And with 6-foot-8 junior center Nate Holmstadt, the Big Sky’s top returning scorer and rebounder, they appear to have the kind of inside consistency a champion needs.
“There’s no question that everyone involved in the program wants to pick up where we left off last year - improving and growing with every game,” said MSU coach Mick Durham. “We said at the outset last season that it was a two-year team and that with only one senior … if we didn’t accomplish everything last year that we wanted to, we’d be back together this year.”
Aggers, in just his third season at EWU, likes the Bobcats’ chances, along with those of NAU, Cal State Northridge and Portland State.
“But from top to bottom, this is as balanced as I’ve seen the league since I’ve been here,” he added.
Montana, which earned last year’s automatic NCAA berth by beating Weber State and Northridge to win the Big Sky Conference tournament, was expected to challenge for the regular-season title this season but has struggled through the non-conference portion of its schedule.
That seems to leave a first-division spot open for PSU, which has made amazing progress since reestablishing its program last season.
Eastern looks like the best of the second-tier teams, with Weber State, Idaho State and Cal State Sacramento ready to step in at the back of the line.
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: BIG SKY CONFERENCE MEN’S BASKETBALL CAPSULES Following, in predicted order of finish, is a brief look at each Big Sky team, along with a summary of how each should do this season:
1. Montana State 1996-97 Record: 16-14 overall; 10-6 in Big Sky, 3rd. No postseason play Coach: Mick Durham (7th year overall, all at MSU) Record: 94-105 overall Top returnees: C Nate Holmstadt, 6-8, 255, Jr.; G Danny Sprinkle, 6-2, 170, Jr.; F Damon Ollie, 6-6, 230, Sr.; F Dan Sullivan, 6-5, 195, Sr. Top newcomers: G Jamie Hooper, 6-1, 170, Fr. Outlook: Bobcats return all five starters from last year’s team and have perhaps the finest freshman in the Big Sky in Hooper. Holmstadt is the leading conference player of the year candidate and Sprinkle seems to have recovered fully from the late-season wrist injury that shelved him during last year’s stretch run. Near lock for postseason play.
2. Northern Arizona 1996-97 Record: 21-7 overall; 14-2 in Big Sky, 1st. No postseason play Coach: Ben Howland (4th year overall, all at NAU) Record: 37-43 overall Top returnees: F Andrew Mavis, 6-6, 210, Sr.; C Casey Frank, 6-9, 240, Jr.; G Ross Land, 6-5, 195; C Dan McClintock, 7-0, 255, So. Top newcomers: G Kawika Akina, 5-10, 175, Jr.; G Patrick McGrath, 6-6, 220, Jr.; G Brendon Polyblank, 6-5, 210. Outlook: Lumberjacks surprised nearly everyone with last year’s sudden rise from obscurity to the regular-season conference championship. Four starters, along with several key reserves, are back, but don’t look for NAU to sneak up on anyone this winter. Howland’s offense relies heavily on the 3-point shot. Postseason chances probably hinge on conference tournament.
3. Portland State 1996-97 Record: 9-17 overall; 6-10 in Big Sky, 7th. No postseason play. Coach: Ritchie McKay (2nd year overall, all at PSU) Record: 9-17 overall Top returnees: G Brian Towne, 6-3, 185, Jr.; G Derek Nesland, 6-6 180, So.; F Jamaal Sanford, 6-8, 220, Sr.; F Matt Ambrose, 6-6, 220, Sr. Top newcomers: F Jason Hartman, 6-7, 230, Jr.; G Wayne Rhymes, 6-3, 160, Fr.; G Jamie Snook, 5-11, 160, Jr. Outlook: Vikings, after bringing their program out of mothballs after 16 dormant seasons, were a surprise last season, winning nine games. McKay returns all five starters, along with several key reserves and Hartman, a transfer from Washington. PSU is ready to challenge for the Big Sky title. Postseason hopes shaky at best.
4. Cal State Northridge 1996-97 Record: 14-15 overall; 8-8 in Big Sky, 6th. No postseason play. Coach: Bobby Braswell (2nd year overall, all at Northridge) Record: 14-15 overall Top returnees: G Derrick Higgins, 6-3, 185, Sr.; G Trenton Cross, 5-11, 175, Sr.; G Lucky Grundy, 6-0, 165, Sr. Top newcomers: G Greg Minor, 6-3, 185, So.; C Brian Heinle, 6-9, 220, Fr.; F Mike O’Quinn, 6-6, 205, Sr. Outlook: Matadors made huge strides under Braswell last season and seem destined to push their way into the first division this year. Higgins is a big-time defender who can score, but Northridge’s hopes rest on several transfers and how quickly they can adapt to Braswell’s up-tempo style. Postseason play highly unlikely.
5. Montana 1996-97 Record: 21-11 overall; 11-5 in Big Sky, 2nd. Lost in first round of NCAA Tournament. Coach: Blaine Taylor (7th year overall, all at Montana) Record: 126-51 overall Top returnees: G J.R. Camel, 6-2, 180, Jr.; F Ryan Dick, 6-8, 220, Sr.; G Mat Seidensticker, 6-4, 180, Jr.; C Bob Olson, 6-10, 240, Jr. Top newcomers: F Jared Buckmaster, 6-8, 215, Fr.; G Cory Reiser, 6-0, 170 Jr. Outlook: Grizzlies looked like a legitimate title contender heading into the season, but they have struggled mightily against mediocre non-conference opponents. Last year’s Big Sky tournament title put Montana into the NCAAs, but it’s unlikely Taylor can continue his streak of four consecutive 20-win seasons. Postseason play is only a dream.
6. Eastern Washington 1996-97 Record: 7-19 overall; 3-13 in Big Sky, 8th. No postseason play. Coach: Steve Aggers (14th year overall, 3rd at EWU) Record: 198-182 overall, 10-42 at EWU Top returnees: F Karim Scott, 6-6, 190, Sr.; C Kevin Lewis, 6-10, 250; F Mike Sims, 6-8, 220; G Michael Lewis, 6-6, 205. Top newcomers: G Deon Williams, 6-2, 195, So.; G Shannon Taylor, 6-3, 200, Jr.; C Jason Humbert, 6-10, 240, So. Outlook: Eagles should be greatly improved, but they are still a solid post player away from challenging for a first-division finish. Scott is as productive as any small forward in the Sky and Taylor and Williams form a solid backcourt. Kevin Lewis is still fighting effects of off-season knee surgery and needs to become a factor. No chance for postseason play.
7. Weber State 1996-97 Record: 15-13 overall; 9-7 in Big Sky, 4th. No postseason play Coach: Ron Abegglen (7th year at WSU, 12th overall) Record: 222-107 overall, 113-63 at WSU Top returnees: G Damien Baskerville, 6-3, 210, Jr.; G Alex Fisher, 6-0, 200, Sr.; F Ryan Jama, 6-5, 215, So.; F Eric Ketcham, 6-9, 240, Jr. Top newcomers: F Jake Shoff, 6-8, 230, Fr.; G Mark Lawson, 6-2, 175, Jr. Outlook: Wildcats’ long stay among the Big Sky’s elite seems to be over. Four starters return, but Abegglan’s troops are stinking it up in the early season. Baskerville and Fisher can score, but the rest of the roster is littered with role players who have yet to step up. Postseason chances are dismal.
8. Idaho State 1996-97 Record: 14-13 overall; 9-7 in Big Sky, 5th Coach: Herb Williams (7th year overall, all at ISU) Record: 92-103 overall Top returnees: G Stephen Brown, 6-1, 165, So.; G David Culbreath, 6-1, 180, Sr.; G Chadd Sukut, 6-1, 170, So. Top newcomers: F Tywan Meadows, 6-5, 180, Jr.; F Johnny Mitchell, 6-9, 240, Jr.; C Odell Stokes, 6-9, 250, Jr.; G Dedrick Bell, 6-0, 165, Sr. Outlook: Williams has beefed up his front line with junior-college transfers, but Bengals have few returnees who have experienced the rigors of a Division I schedule. Meadows has averaged nearly 20 points per game against non-conference foes, but no one else has emerged as a consistent scorer. No chance for postseason play.
9. Cal State Sacramento 1996-97 Record: 3-23 overall; 2-12 in Big Sky, 9th. No postseason play. Coach: Tom Abatemarco (5th year overall, 1st at Sacramento) Record: 59-51 overall. Top returnees: G David Drakeford, 6-1, 185, Sr. Top newcomers: G Sadessa Fisher, 6-0, 175; F Leland Matthews, 6-5, 190; F Eric Jorissen, 6-6, 215; C Tad Hoogenbosch, 6-11, 240. Outlook: There are 11 players on the roster who weren’t on it last winter, which means Abatemarco has severe chemistry problems to deal with - not to mention a lack of tradition and talent. Fisher is the real deal, but this team will be hard-pressed to win even one conference game this season. No postseason hopes.
1. Montana State 1996-97 Record: 16-14 overall; 10-6 in Big Sky, 3rd. No postseason play Coach: Mick Durham (7th year overall, all at MSU) Record: 94-105 overall Top returnees: C Nate Holmstadt, 6-8, 255, Jr.; G Danny Sprinkle, 6-2, 170, Jr.; F Damon Ollie, 6-6, 230, Sr.; F Dan Sullivan, 6-5, 195, Sr. Top newcomers: G Jamie Hooper, 6-1, 170, Fr. Outlook: Bobcats return all five starters from last year’s team and have perhaps the finest freshman in the Big Sky in Hooper. Holmstadt is the leading conference player of the year candidate and Sprinkle seems to have recovered fully from the late-season wrist injury that shelved him during last year’s stretch run. Near lock for postseason play.
2. Northern Arizona 1996-97 Record: 21-7 overall; 14-2 in Big Sky, 1st. No postseason play Coach: Ben Howland (4th year overall, all at NAU) Record: 37-43 overall Top returnees: F Andrew Mavis, 6-6, 210, Sr.; C Casey Frank, 6-9, 240, Jr.; G Ross Land, 6-5, 195; C Dan McClintock, 7-0, 255, So. Top newcomers: G Kawika Akina, 5-10, 175, Jr.; G Patrick McGrath, 6-6, 220, Jr.; G Brendon Polyblank, 6-5, 210. Outlook: Lumberjacks surprised nearly everyone with last year’s sudden rise from obscurity to the regular-season conference championship. Four starters, along with several key reserves, are back, but don’t look for NAU to sneak up on anyone this winter. Howland’s offense relies heavily on the 3-point shot. Postseason chances probably hinge on conference tournament.
3. Portland State 1996-97 Record: 9-17 overall; 6-10 in Big Sky, 7th. No postseason play. Coach: Ritchie McKay (2nd year overall, all at PSU) Record: 9-17 overall Top returnees: G Brian Towne, 6-3, 185, Jr.; G Derek Nesland, 6-6 180, So.; F Jamaal Sanford, 6-8, 220, Sr.; F Matt Ambrose, 6-6, 220, Sr. Top newcomers: F Jason Hartman, 6-7, 230, Jr.; G Wayne Rhymes, 6-3, 160, Fr.; G Jamie Snook, 5-11, 160, Jr. Outlook: Vikings, after bringing their program out of mothballs after 16 dormant seasons, were a surprise last season, winning nine games. McKay returns all five starters, along with several key reserves and Hartman, a transfer from Washington. PSU is ready to challenge for the Big Sky title. Postseason hopes shaky at best.
4. Cal State Northridge 1996-97 Record: 14-15 overall; 8-8 in Big Sky, 6th. No postseason play. Coach: Bobby Braswell (2nd year overall, all at Northridge) Record: 14-15 overall Top returnees: G Derrick Higgins, 6-3, 185, Sr.; G Trenton Cross, 5-11, 175, Sr.; G Lucky Grundy, 6-0, 165, Sr. Top newcomers: G Greg Minor, 6-3, 185, So.; C Brian Heinle, 6-9, 220, Fr.; F Mike O’Quinn, 6-6, 205, Sr. Outlook: Matadors made huge strides under Braswell last season and seem destined to push their way into the first division this year. Higgins is a big-time defender who can score, but Northridge’s hopes rest on several transfers and how quickly they can adapt to Braswell’s up-tempo style. Postseason play highly unlikely.
5. Montana 1996-97 Record: 21-11 overall; 11-5 in Big Sky, 2nd. Lost in first round of NCAA Tournament. Coach: Blaine Taylor (7th year overall, all at Montana) Record: 126-51 overall Top returnees: G J.R. Camel, 6-2, 180, Jr.; F Ryan Dick, 6-8, 220, Sr.; G Mat Seidensticker, 6-4, 180, Jr.; C Bob Olson, 6-10, 240, Jr. Top newcomers: F Jared Buckmaster, 6-8, 215, Fr.; G Cory Reiser, 6-0, 170 Jr. Outlook: Grizzlies looked like a legitimate title contender heading into the season, but they have struggled mightily against mediocre non-conference opponents. Last year’s Big Sky tournament title put Montana into the NCAAs, but it’s unlikely Taylor can continue his streak of four consecutive 20-win seasons. Postseason play is only a dream.
6. Eastern Washington 1996-97 Record: 7-19 overall; 3-13 in Big Sky, 8th. No postseason play. Coach: Steve Aggers (14th year overall, 3rd at EWU) Record: 198-182 overall, 10-42 at EWU Top returnees: F Karim Scott, 6-6, 190, Sr.; C Kevin Lewis, 6-10, 250; F Mike Sims, 6-8, 220; G Michael Lewis, 6-6, 205. Top newcomers: G Deon Williams, 6-2, 195, So.; G Shannon Taylor, 6-3, 200, Jr.; C Jason Humbert, 6-10, 240, So. Outlook: Eagles should be greatly improved, but they are still a solid post player away from challenging for a first-division finish. Scott is as productive as any small forward in the Sky and Taylor and Williams form a solid backcourt. Kevin Lewis is still fighting effects of off-season knee surgery and needs to become a factor. No chance for postseason play.
7. Weber State 1996-97 Record: 15-13 overall; 9-7 in Big Sky, 4th. No postseason play Coach: Ron Abegglen (7th year at WSU, 12th overall) Record: 222-107 overall, 113-63 at WSU Top returnees: G Damien Baskerville, 6-3, 210, Jr.; G Alex Fisher, 6-0, 200, Sr.; F Ryan Jama, 6-5, 215, So.; F Eric Ketcham, 6-9, 240, Jr. Top newcomers: F Jake Shoff, 6-8, 230, Fr.; G Mark Lawson, 6-2, 175, Jr. Outlook: Wildcats’ long stay among the Big Sky’s elite seems to be over. Four starters return, but Abegglan’s troops are stinking it up in the early season. Baskerville and Fisher can score, but the rest of the roster is littered with role players who have yet to step up. Postseason chances are dismal.
8. Idaho State 1996-97 Record: 14-13 overall; 9-7 in Big Sky, 5th Coach: Herb Williams (7th year overall, all at ISU) Record: 92-103 overall Top returnees: G Stephen Brown, 6-1, 165, So.; G David Culbreath, 6-1, 180, Sr.; G Chadd Sukut, 6-1, 170, So. Top newcomers: F Tywan Meadows, 6-5, 180, Jr.; F Johnny Mitchell, 6-9, 240, Jr.; C Odell Stokes, 6-9, 250, Jr.; G Dedrick Bell, 6-0, 165, Sr. Outlook: Williams has beefed up his front line with junior-college transfers, but Bengals have few returnees who have experienced the rigors of a Division I schedule. Meadows has averaged nearly 20 points per game against non-conference foes, but no one else has emerged as a consistent scorer. No chance for postseason play.
9. Cal State Sacramento 1996-97 Record: 3-23 overall; 2-12 in Big Sky, 9th. No postseason play. Coach: Tom Abatemarco (5th year overall, 1st at Sacramento) Record: 59-51 overall. Top returnees: G David Drakeford, 6-1, 185, Sr. Top newcomers: G Sadessa Fisher, 6-0, 175; F Leland Matthews, 6-5, 190; F Eric Jorissen, 6-6, 215; C Tad Hoogenbosch, 6-11, 240. Outlook: There are 11 players on the roster who weren’t on it last winter, which means Abatemarco has severe chemistry problems to deal with - not to mention a lack of tradition and talent. Fisher is the real deal, but this team will be hard-pressed to win even one conference game this season. No postseason hopes.