Farrar Dials In TV Gig

Idaho’s Dave Farrar might be the only college basketball coach in America who doesn’t have ESPN, ESPN2 or Fox.

But that doesn’t mean he’s not getting TV time.

Farrar was the guest sportscaster for KLEW-TV’s evening news Friday.

“Depends on if we can win some games,” mused Farrar when asked if it was a one-time gig. “It’ll be full time if we can’t get some things going.”

Farrar doesn’t have cable. The only channel he receives is Lewiston-based KLEW, which produces his weekly coach’s show.

“I just told them on Friday nights before Saturday games I oughta come over and make a fool of myself,” Farrar said. “I like having fun. It doesn’t show all the time - I’m not a real enjoyable person this time of year, according to someone I spend a lot of time with.

“One, it was to have fun. Two, it was to promote Saturday’s game.”

Buoncristiani sidelined

Idaho freshman point guard Lance Buoncristiani underwent surgery to remove his appendix Monday night.

He’ll miss Thursday’s game at Boise State and Sunday’s home date with Cal Poly.

Buoncristiani was out of the hospital Tuesday and he has an outside chance of playing next week. Freshman Justin Logan, who started last Saturday, figures to remain as the starting point guard.

Senior Devon Ford (shoulder) was held out of practice Monday and might not start Thursday.

Lyons hurtin’

The roller-coaster season of Boise State senior Justin Lyons continues. He won’t start and may not play Thursday because of an upper respiratory infection and bronchitis.

Lyons has had chronic knee problems, too. In fact, he’s averaged 21.4 points and shot 64 percent the last four Thursday games. In Saturday-Sunday games, he’s at 14 points and 41 percent shooting. The theory is that he wears down after Thursday.

Lyons made the first 3-pointer of his career to send Boise’s game with New Mexico State into overtime. However, Lyons, normally a 71 percent foul shooter, went 0 for 4 at the stripe in OT.

In the first UI-BSU game, Lyons scored 20 points, but he also had a turnover on the Broncos’ final possession. UT won, 73-71.