Perry’s last hurrah?
In what many expect to be his last stand as Idaho’s men’s basketball coach, Leonard Perry and his Vandals face long odds tonight.
No. 8-seeded Idaho (4-24) takes on No. 1 Nevada (24-5) at 6 in the first round of the WAC tournament at the Lawlor Events Center in Reno, Nev. The Vandals have lost eight in a row and one more setback would break the school record for losses in a season. The Wolf Pack, No. 21 in the AP poll and No. 24 in the coaches’ rankings, are on an 11-game winning streak and have won 14 of 15 on their home court this season.
“Tough game, in terms of playing the best team in the league,” Perry said, “but it’s a fun time of year. It’s March and anything can happen and that’s the way we’re approaching it.”
Perry has maintained his focus, even though it appears he won’t return for a sixth season at Idaho, barring an unlikely run in the tournament.
“I’ve put absolutely no thought into it,” said Perry, when asked about his job security. “I don’t read any publications. I’ve just focused on coaching this team and trying to get some momentum going.”
Perry is 48-96 in five seasons, including a 12-46 mark over the last two seasons. Athletic director Rob Spear has said he won’t make a decision on Perry’s future until after the season. Spear made the trip to Reno and a meeting could take place as soon as tonight or Friday, depending on the outcome of tonight’s game.
Perry said his players haven’t asked him about his future, but he’s been pleased with their recent efforts. The Vandals led by five late in regulation before losing in overtime to Boise State last Saturday. In recent weeks, Idaho has held double-digit leads against No. 4-seed Hawaii and No. 5 New Mexico State only to lose both games. The Vandals fell 74-68 to Nevada three weeks ago.
“We’re going to have to play better than we did in Moscow,” Nevada coach Mark Fox said.
Nevada is not only the best team in the WAC, but the hottest. The Wolf Pack has the third-longest winning streak in the nation. Forward Nick Fazekas, the two-time WAC player of the year, has 44 career 20-point games, including 26 at the Cowan Spectrum last month.
“I think it’s human nature,” Perry said of the possibility Nevada might overlook Idaho. “They’ve beaten us twice and we’re in last place.”
The Vandals have won just once since Christmas. That victory came against Fresno State, which finished sixth in the conference but is ineligible for the tournament.