Eagles Prepare For Life On The Road
Ray Giacoletti expects to learn quite a bit about his Eastern Washington University men’s basketball team in the next 28 days, hoping all the while that Eagles fans won’t forget about it.
Giacoletti has his first EWU team on a decent roll. Since a season-opening loss to Gonzaga, the Eagles (4-2) have won four of five games, with their only defeat coming against national champion Michigan State.
The players seem to be buying into Giacoletti’s teachings, and the Eagles faithful have been flocking to Reese Court in impressive numbers - through last Saturday, at least.
But tonight at 7, the Eagles play at Cal Poly (3-2) in San Luis Obispo, Calif., to open a stretch of six consecutive road games. And they won’t return to Reese Court until Jan. 11 - 28 days from today.
Giacoletti admits there is a chance some of the excitement surrounding his program could wane during the extended period between home games. But he understands he has no control over such matters and is focused instead on making the most of a difficult stretch.
“I’ve never been on the road for this long,” Giacoletti said. “It is unusual, but I think it’s good for us right now for a couple of reasons.
“First, we’re out of school (on quarter break), which is one advantage. And, two, with this team where it’s at after six games, I think we’re ready for a challenge like this road trip. We’re going to find out what we’re all about and, hopefully, have a chance to face some adversity for the first time.”
After tonight’s game, the Eagles will stay on the road for games at Kansas State (Saturday) and Oregon State (Tuesday). They will scatter for an abbreviated Christmas break, return to Cheney on Christmas Day to begin preparation for a Dec. 30 road game against Idaho and then head to Montana to open Big Sky play with games at Montana State (Jan. 1) and Montana (Jan. 6).
When asked about the potential for a drop in fan interest during his team’s long absence from Reese Court, Giacoletti said:
“I can’t worry about that. I’m just worried about the 12 or 13 guys on our team and where we’re at. Those people - the fans and the students - will come back once school starts again. But in the meantime, we need to try to continue to get better.” The Eagles embarked on their epic trip Wednesday morning at less than full strength.
Senior guard Aaron Olson, the top returning scorer off last year’s team, remains sidelined by a bone chip in the little finger on his shooting hand. He is not expected to play again until after the holidays. In addition, senior point guard and scoring leader Jamal Jones continues to be slowed by an ankle sprain, and freshman walk-on guard Clint Hull - one of the biggest early season surprises - has been bothered by a nagging nerve problem in his foot.
The injury problems mounted earlier this week when starting guard Jason Lewis was kneed in the thigh during practice. According to Giacoletti, the 6-foot-3 junior has “limped around” at practice the past two days but should play tonight.