Parsing The WAC

Chris Murray previews LA TECH

2009-07-13T21:20:00.001-07:00

Chris Murray continues working his way through the WAC with a preview of Louisiana Tech today:

Summer basketball prospectus on Louisiana Tech
Chris Murray
Reno Gazette-Journal
7/13/2009

Last season: 15-18 overall, 6-10 WAC (sixth place)

Returning starters: Three (Kyle Gibson, Jamel Guyton, Magnum Rolle)

Key losses: James Loe, Adrian Rogers

Go here for the remainder.

A bevy of recruiting mentions

2009-07-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

This is a compilation of mentions associating WAC teams to various high schoolers:

Ben Vozzola - Nevada

Kory Thieleke - San Jose State

Josh Ritchart - Nevada

Alex Tiffin - Hawaii and San Jose State

Jordan Gathers - Nevada

Please remember that 'interest' doesn't necessarily constitute a two-way relationship nor an actual offer having been made. Plus, there are other non-WAC schools pursuing these kids.

Yes, Gathers is the nephew of the late Hank Gathers.

Guess who enjoyed a fine NBA season?

2009-07-13T12:38:00.000-07:00

We're not sure why but it seems that former Fresno State star Dominic McGuire has received very little attention -- let alone adulation -- for having a productive sophomore season. Maybe this Michael Lee article will help.

Wizards' McGuire Building on Season
He Hopes Versatility Leads to Minutes
Michael Lee
Washington Post
July 13, 2009

Dominic McGuire entered summer league competition last year as an unlikely candidate to finish the season as a starter, let alone someone who would finish with the third-most starts behind Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler. Yet after embracing that opportunity during an unbearable season, McGuire probably will go back to a reserve role, with the Washington Wizards hiring a new coach, making offseason roster upgrades and other players returning to good health.

"I'm not even thinking about that hardly," McGuire said yesterday of returning to the bench after starting 57 games last season. "If I'm not starting, that doesn't bother me. My main thing is getting minutes."

McGuire plans on securing playing time under new Coach Flip Saunders by displaying the same versatility that made him a favorite of former coach Ed Tapscott.

"Everybody knows we have guys who have been all-stars in Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler, so there are not going to be too many major minutes," McGuire said. "But if you can play multiple positions, you'll be able to get a lot more minutes as a backup because you can move around."

Go here for the remainder.

Greg Graham is blogging

2009-07-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

Thankfully, it isn't t--------g (or do you really care what restaurant John Calipari had a fantastic meal at last night?). Here's Boise State's Greg Graham posting about the Bronco coaching staff activities this summer and yes, there is some substance within it, unlike 99.9% of t--------g.

THE FLIP SIDE OF COACH GRAHAM, Friday's Update
Boise State Sports Information
7/10/2009

In the midst of a month long July recruiting period that will cover dozens of cities and thousands of miles, Bronco head men's basketball coach Greg Graham provides regular blogging updates from the road.

SPRINKLE SOME MAGIC ON THE BRONCOS
July 10, 2009

When you spend so much time in the gym and then have to catch early morning flights to the next stop, you tend to try and catch up on sleep on the plane. But, for those who have flown a bunch, you know it’s not always the best sleeping accommodations. So, you end up doing a little reading. Currently, I’m working my way through Magic Johnson’s book 32 Ways To Be a Championship Business...

Go here for the remainder.

JaVale McGee trying to get wider

2009-07-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Beltway Pack Fan posting at the Nevada sports Silver and Blue site, we have an update on what JaVale McGee is doing this summer. In pro basketball as in pro football, missing the prerequisite strength is simply something that cannot be compensated for via athletic ability or a particular skill set.

McGee Attempts to Transform His Game
Wizards' Second-Year 7-Footer Wants to Fill Void in Middle
Michael Lee
Washington Post
July 11, 2009

JaVale McGee was walking around an area store last week with his cousin, Mario Coleman, when they spotted a toy from McGee's favorite character from his favorite movie of the summer, "Transformers 2." McGee purchased the Optimus Prime voice-changer helmet, then the self-professed video junkie went home and recorded a promo for his own version of the next installment of the action thriller, "Transformers 3: The Rise of McGee."

Calling himself, "OptiMcGee Prime," the second-year center posted a two-minute video on YouTube in which he spoke into a camera for a few minutes, saying such gems as, "One shall stand. One shall fall." The video proved two things. One, that McGee is still a kid at 21. And two, he has had a lot of free time on his hands since his rookie season ended in April.

"I was having fun with it," McGee said with a chuckle.

But McGee said he has done more than make silly videos this offseason. He has committed to an offseason program to add mass to his scrawny frame and worked on developing a consistent jump shot and some reliable post moves. As the Wizards hold their first mini-camp practice today in preparation for summer league games next week in Las Vegas, the 7-foot McGee said he is eager to take steps toward his own transformation from being a prospect with potential to a productive backup...

Go here for the remainder.

Travis Mason-Bushman is back with a mid-summer look at Idaho

2009-07-10T23:53:00.000-07:00

Here's Travis Mason-Bushman of Vandal Nation with a look at the Vandals in July:

Vandals looking strong in the summertime heat

Midsummer in Moscow – and already, hoops watchers have a chance to see the Vandals back in action.

Most of the 2009-10 Idaho Vandals men’s basketball squad have arrived on campus for summer workouts, and in the heat of the afternoon, Mem Gym echoes with the sound of leather on hardwood and the shouts of determined young ballplayers. Official practices are some ways off, but open gym is just that, and the Vandals are making good use of the time. From a perch in the balcony, the tension is already palpable.

It’s early in the game, but first appearances are promising...

Go here for the remainder.

The Paul George love train is picking up steam

2009-07-10T23:30:00.001-07:00

The Bulldog Bounce blog had this about an interview with Fresno State's Paul George.

Paul George Interview
Paolo_Zamorano
NBADraft.net
7/09/2009

NBADraft.net: You had an excellent freshman season at Fresno State last year. What was the transition like from high school to college?

Paul George: You know, I think my transition was real comfortable for me. I think it was a little easier for me to come out of high school and go to a conference like the WAC as opposed to going to the Big East where I think my transition would have been a lot harder. I think it went well for me though, Fresno has been a good place for me.

NBADraft.net: Your dunk against St. Mary's last year opened a lot of eyes to your talent. Did you notice a lot more recognition after that game? Have you had a better dunk in a game?

Paul George: As far as best dunk, yeah I think there have been a couple other people that I've gotten worse then that. But nothing like that where we were playing such a big game. I mean, we were playing at St. Marys who were one of the top teams in the country, we were playing on ESPN, so the exposure was all there, everybody across the country was watching. I think that dunk really did help me as far as putting my name on the map, and really speeding up the process of me being a legit draft prospect. I think people started to take a lot more notice after that game... Go here or here for the remainder.

Tyrone Garland to VT

2009-07-10T23:20:00.000-07:00

Nevada apparently worked hard in becoming part of the mix for prep backcourter Tyrone Garland out of Philadelphia. However, it's not easy to convince a youngster to come 2,500 or so miles west when multiple options from much closer by are also available.

Garland chose to go with Virginia Tech of the Big East Conference.

Bob Zagoria had this:

Tyrone Garland, a 6-1, 165-pound point guard from Philadelphia (PA) John Bartram, announced his college choice at the Reebok Camp in a room full of family, coaches and friends.

“The school that I will be attending is Virginia Tech,” Garland said.

“The [other] schools I was considering were La Salle, Temple, Nevada and Nebraska but what sold me was a great coaching staff. It’s kind of quiet up there so you can focus on basketball. [It has a] good campus and new practice facility, too.”

Bartram coach James Brown said Garland was a “special” person.

“I say from day one that young man is special,” Brown said. “Not only do you have a great basketball player but you have a great individual sitting right there...

Here's another story in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Chris Murray previews Idaho

2009-07-10T23:15:00.000-07:00

Here's Chris Murray on how Idaho is looking this summer:

Summer basketball prospectus on Idaho
Chris Murray
Reno Gazette-Journal
7/9/2009

Last season: 17-16 overall, 9-7 WAC (tied for third)

Returning starters: Four (Mac Hopson, Kashif Watson, Brandon Wiley, Marvin Jefferson)

Key losses: Trevor Morris, Terrence Simmons, Luis Augusto.

Go here for the remainder.

Hawaii in summertime

2009-07-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

Chris Murray continues with his look at the state of each WAC basketball squad:

Summer basketball prospectus on Hawaii
Chris Murray
Reno Gazette-Journal
7-9-09

Last year’s record: 13-17 overall, 5-11 in the WAC (eighth place)

Returning starters: Four (Roderick Flemings, Bill Amis, Paul Campbell, Adhar Mayen)

Key losses: Kareem Nitoto, Lasha Parghalava

Go here for the remainder.

PatrickH finishes the job

2009-07-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

This is making our summer! Patrick H returns with his remaining 'what WAC coach - what vehicle' entry that you are sure to enjoy even if your own team and coach gets grease-spotted. ESPN, SI, Scout, Rivals, et al are missing the boat because we have us a candidate -- no, may him THE candidate -- to fill the mighty hole created when Steve Rushin was let go at Sports Illustrated.

Kerry Rupp, Louisiana Tech - '69 GTO. A rebuilt old muscle car that doesn't have the acceleration of modern sports cars but with the big engine up front it's still powerful. Strangely enough, it wasn't running well last year until he ripped the spoiler off the back, then the thing began handling much better. The big spoiler must have been adding more drag than traction.

Don Verlin, Idaho - 2007 Toyota Corolla, very low mileage. Picked up for next to nothing at the Volkswagon dealership in Logan, Utah. The former owner was some older guy that stayed close to home and was very reluctant to let it go. Cherry condition but needed some accessories. Displays excellent handling in some tight places but doesn't have a lot of power. More durable than it looks as it ran over 2 donkeys last year yet encountered no problems other than angering some neighbors. It's still too early to judge it's reliability, but it looks like a great buy.

George Nessman, San Jose State - '83 Monte Carlo SS, was up on blocks when purchased. Now after adding new tires, upholstry, hydraulic shocks and a great paint job it looks better, especially when parked, but it still needs engine work as only half the cylinders seem to be firing. People no longer laugh every time it cruises by, but the hot chicks still aren't asking for rides.

Steve Cleveland, Fresno State - Funny Car, very fast on the track near home but pretty much useless out on the road. The rebuilt engine is a thing of beauty, but the expensive upkeep and a history of faulty replacement parts have lead to much disatisfaction and a lot of neighbors have complained about the noise. Once the new engine is fully broken in those problems and complaints may disappear. If not, he may have to start riding public transit.

Go here for Patrick's initial post featuring which vehicles Stew Morrill, Greg Graham, Bob Nash, Marvin Menzies and David Carter drive.

Chris Murray previews Fresno State

2009-07-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

The second chapter in Chris Murray's summer edition of WAC basketball previewing has been published:

Summer basketball prospectus on Fresno State
Chris Murray
Reno Gazette Journal
7/8/2009

Last year’s record: 13-21 overall, 3-13 in the WAC (ninth place)

Returning starters: Three (Sylvester Seay, Paul George, Nedeljko Golubovic)

Key losses: Dwight O’Neil, Bryce Cartwright, Brian Seals

Go here for the remainder.

Chris Murray comes through

2009-07-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

Just as the summer doldrums are swirling in (although PatrickH is doing his damndest to change the atmospheric conditions), Chris Murray provides a shot of energy with the opening feature in his summertime WAC team basketball preview.

Summer basketball prospectus on Boise State
Chris Murray
Reno Gazette-Journal
7/7/2009

Editor's note: Each day for the next two weeks, we will take an early look at one basketball team in the Western Athletic Conference. Today: Boise State.

Last year's record: 19-13 overall, 9-7 in the WAC (tied for third)

Returning starters: Four (Anthony Thomas, Paul Noonan, Ike Okoye, Kurt Cunningham)

Key losses: Mark Sanchez, Jamar Greene, Aaron Garner

Potential starting lineup...

Go here for the remainder.

A Coby Karl update

2009-07-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

NOTE: We mis-typed Coby's first name here and apologize for the error -- this does not allow him four more years of NCAA basketball eligibility as Cody Karl ;-) Coby Karl's situation is always fascinating, primarily because he came to Boise State as a walk-on and now is a borderline NBA-er and someone who will make a nice financial living playing ball regardless of the location. Nick Jezierny has the latest.

Karl hoping to use summer league as avenue back to NBA.
The former BSU standout is playing for the Celtics' summer league team in Florida
Nick Jezierny
Idaho Statesman
7/07/09

Former Boise State standout Coby Karl started his quest to make it back to the NBA on Monday night.

Karl is playing for the Boston Celtics' summer league team in Orlando, Fla., but did not see action in an 87-56 win Monday against the Utah Jazz.

The 2007 BSU graduate is hoping to use this week's games in Orlando as a steppingstone to get back in the NBA. Karl played for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2007-08.

"My goal is to be on an NBA roster at the beginning of the season," Karl told the Idaho Statesman before Monday's game...

Go here for the remainder.

UH and Bob Dylan

2009-07-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

Oh lordy, what is PTW up to now in connecting Robert Zimmerman to a college in paradise?

Well, with a tio o' the hat to Sam Wasson at BleedCrimson.net for pointing us in this direction, we came across a Ferd Lewis column that says 'Hawaii - you ain't going nowhere.' The same applies to every other WAC member, Boise State and the blue turf included.

For better or worse, UH needs the WAC
Ferd Lewis
Honolulu Advertiser Columnist
June 28, 2009

In an anniversary likely to pass with little fanfare Tuesday, the University of Hawai'i completes its 30th year of membership in the Western Athletic Conference, the only home shared by both its men's and women's teams.

Time sure flies when you're having fun.

So, too, of course, has the membership. The comings and goings — goings mostly — of members since UH came aboard numbered 26 at last count.

But the one constant for the Warriors/Rainbow Wahine/Rainbows/Rainbow Warriors over that span is how much UH needs the WAC...

Go here for the remainder.

We do have a taker -- PatrickH

2009-07-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

We offer a hearty congratulations to PatrickH for jumping in and taking a turn at identifying what vehicles WAC coaches surely drive. C'mon, let's get some more, even from you anonymous-ites. Hey, here's your chance to rip into PTW for lowering our usual sterling standards (hah!) and offering such a post.

Stew Morrill, Utah State - Volkswagen Jetta GLS - Runs on diesel, but it gets better mileage and has more power than a Prius without all the expensive technology. Does more with less but it's just not hip and few people know about it...or seem to care. An outstanding performer around Utah, but when it comes to a road race versus a real power car it's lack of muscle is exposed. But it's the best at what it's supposed to do. Great car for commuting close to home or trips to visit the poor folk out in the rural areas of the country. Doesn't impress the in-laws in the big city, but that's ok since it only goes there if they agree to return the visit to Logan, Utah - and they hate Utah.

Greg Graham, Boise State - '87 IROC Z28. Runs great for a while but breaks down every other year or so. Parts are hard to find so you have to look far and wide. Usually you have to buy used parts just because they are easier to find and they save money, plus you have to wait too long for new parts to arrive and get the car running again. When it's right, the thing is quick, but because of the occasional breakdown a lot of people want to get something more reliable.

Bob Nash, Hawaii - 1972 Citroen with oxidized paint and a lot of dents, but a plush interior. It's ugly and it's slow but it's sturdy and fun to crash into things. Nobody likes having it on the road with them as you often end up with dents or scratches. It sucks having to always order new parts from overseas as the quality isn't always what you expected. A lot of people miss the old car even but this one is quite similar though it is a different color.

Marvin Menzies, New Mexico State - A Nascar Stock Car with loose steering and bald tires. Looks like the fastest car in the race but requires constant course correction to keep it going in a straight line. You never know when a tire will blow out causing an untimely pit stop or on occasion a violent collision. If it ever stays on the road for the whole race it will be tough to beat. Or the whole thing could crash through the infield leaving carnage in it's wake. Not as pretty as the last car, but that one broke down on it's most recent owner so they probably got all they could out of it.

David Carter, Nevada - '98 Porsche 911. After it sat in the garage for the last 10 years, some idiot crashed into it just as it was leaving the driveway on a test drive. Most of the engine and drive train were unnaffected, but a lot of new body parts had to be installed, and we're not sure of the quality of the work that was done. Since the last car was recently sold it's now the sole source of transportation. Is it reliable? Who knows? But it's supposed to be faster than the old ride. The last car had a governor on the throttle but it was extremely reliable so some people are concerned, but most are excited that they get to drive a sports car instead of a sedan.

I'm having a little trouble with the rest, but I'm thinking about it.

An Arizona prepster with a Boise State mention

2009-07-06T12:08:00.000-07:00

Here's an Arizona high schooler connected to Boise State recruiting among many others.

Anthony Ray
ArizonaPreps.com Recruiting Analyst
July 6, 2009

One of Arizona's top rated overall prospects in the state's very talented 2010 class is Gilbert High School's 6-foot-5 senior forward/wing Shawn King.

Gilbert HS 6-foot-5 senior Shawn King has suffered a summer-ending knee injury.
King is coming off a very good junior season and a strong spring performance on the aau/club circuit, but a recent injury will now keep him out the remainder of the summer...

Go here for the remainder and a Rivals sub is required.

Boise State scouting a Congo kid

2009-07-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

Here's a fascinating story on a propsect from the Congo with a mention of Boise State as one of his suitors.

Jon Perryman
ArizonaVarsity.com
July 5, 2009

During the weekend of our celebration of 4th of July and of our independence, there is one player in this land that has overcome more hardship and turmoil than most others will ever see in a lifetime. A young man who cannot call himself an American.

Blondy Baruti, a 6-foot-11, 205-pound power forward from the Congo, has seen his share of personal strife. He watched in horror as his father was killed. He hid under his bed as bullets sprayed through his home. He endured weeks of starvation and the bloodshed that riddled his family that had previous ties to the leadership of the Congo.

And through it all he found his way to America, the Promised Land...

Go here for the remainder and a Rivals sub is required.

A basketball movie must-see

2009-07-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

This should really be interesting.

A summer flick I can't wait to see
Mike Miller
July 4, 2009

Summertime means movie time.

I’ve seen “Transformers 2” (a little long, but lots of loud action), “Public Enemies” (stylish, interesting and worthwhile) and the “Hangover” (hi-LAR-ious, even if it’s not overly quotable), but if there’s a movie to see, it’s “The Street Stops Here.”

The documentary focused on legendary high school coach Bob Hurley and his St. Anthony team during the 2007-08 season. Two things will assuredly keep the flick from being a standard-feel good sports movie: the hoops quality and Hurley...

Go here for the remainder.

Wendell McKines goes on-line

2009-07-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

All credit goes to Born An Aggie for a post at the New Mexico State SCOUT site Sports Trough message board that alerted us to a Wendell McKines blog.

Go here to read McKines' initial entry.

What can we do with this?

2009-07-05T19:35:00.000-07:00

What motorized vehicle would you associate with each WAC head coach? Yes, maybe we are groveling for an entry here but we found the following (which spurred this post:

Brent Tubbs
8inthebox
July 1, 2009
What vehicle do you associate with coaches in the SEC?

1. Les Miles - Crazy Train
2. Gene Chizik - Moped
3. Lane Kiffin - Tricycle
4. Mark Richt - Convertible Sebring
5. Steve Spurrier - Chrysler Missfire...I mean Crossfire
6. Rich Brooks - K-Car
7. Bobby Johnson - Prius
8. Houston Nut - 1987 Camero (black with t-top)
9. Dan Mullen - Mini Cooper
10. Urban Meyer - Audi R8
11. Bobby Petrino - Pontiac Sunbird
12 Nick Saban - Monster Truck

Well, the concept is good if maybe not all the execution or it just could be our ignorance of the SEC football coaches. We'll go with the latter.

So without further ado, here's your WAC basketball coaches:

Boise State's Greg Graham -
Fresno State Steve Cleveland -
Hawaii's Bob Nash -
LT's Kerry Rupp -
Nevada's David Carter -
New Mexico State's Marvin Menzies -
San Jose State's George Nessman -
Utah State's Stew Morrill -

Yes, the above is not exactly the rowdiest collective nor a bunch of larger-than-life personalities but are we up for the challenge? Please send along your best offerings and we'll print them along with your name.

How about a Peterbilt truck for Stew Morrill? After all, Utah State has been leading the WAC convoy for a while.

Kerry Rupp seems a bit of a chance taker (with a number of cross your fingers transfers) so maybe a tricked out tow truck picking up sidelined vehicles that still have some shine emanating?

Greg Graham has to be a 1970s-era VW Bug -- no frills dependable and steady.

Anyone have more?

The U.S. versus Europe in basketball development

2009-07-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

From this month's Basketball Times.

Basketball development: Europe vs U.S.
A thorough exam of the Euro
Marc Isenberg
June 30, 2009

Editor's note: What are the differences between the U.S. and European developmental systems? Marc Isenberg visited the Reebok Eurocamp in Treviso, Italy, to find out. He discovered a system that has much to envy, and some parts to be ignored.

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”

—Mark Twain

We have a dysfunctional basketball development system in the United States. The Redeem Team might have gotten USA Basketball back on track last summer at the Beijing Olympics, but the problems run deeper. Youth development is lagging. There are too many disparate and self-serving agendas involved.

Yes, we want to be competitive in basketball and mold fine young men and women. But we also want to use basketball as a vehicle to drive revenue. Just like politics and business, we start out with great, noble concepts, then sell it, milk it, bid up the price and finally wonder why things go awry. It’s the American Way.

When a problem emerges in college athletics, the response is often predictable. Downplay controversy. Absolve blame. Shoot the messenger. Form a “blue-ribbon” task force. Rinse. Repeat...

Go here for the remainder.

It's not just talent that provides the separation

2009-07-05T12:11:00.000-07:00

The question isn't why LeBron James, already the NBA MVP, works so hard to get better -- it's why so many others don't? It's the same with Kobe. How many players, pro and college, spend time in gyms during the off-season but with little or no planned purpose and goals in mind? That's like getting in your car and driving with no determined destination -- you simply end up where you end up.

James' offseason: Stretch, lift, shoot
Terry Pluto
Cleveland Plain Dealer
July 4, 2009

For LeBron James, the journey to repeat as the NBA's Most Valuable Player begins Monday morning.

That's when the Cavs star will meet assistant coach Chris Jent at the team's practice facility in Independence.

"LeBron is driven to win a championship," said Jent. "Most people have no idea how hard he works. He wanted to start last week, but I told him to rest his body. Let's start after July 4th."

Go here for the remainder.

Fresno State adds a player

2009-07-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

Spoke to Damon Powell this a.m. and he is heading to Fresno State and not College of Southern Idaho. He is eligible and will play next season as a Bulldog. He's a 6-foot-5 small forward out of Oakland's (CA) McClymonds High, with phenomenal hops and a non-stop motor. His ball and shooting skills need work but he has the time to improve those.

Look for a number of stories to come out soon.

In the meantime, enjoy these vids: here and here.

Ferd Lewis not impressed with Hawaii's '09-'10 schedule

2009-07-04T13:47:00.000-07:00

It is hard to get entertaining teams to come in to play on a one-and-one basis in either of the NCAA major sports. Plus, you can just about forget the powers-that-be doing so. But Ferd Lewis is still skeptical about the Hawaii home schedule for the upcoming season.

It seems like Hawaii should have an attraction advantage -- warm temperatures, inviting sandy beaches and blue water, micro bikinis and Speedos -- whichever way you roll -- in November in December. But maybe the cost in getting there ameliorates these lures.

Our sense is that Rainbow Warrior fans will take a winning record over a hum-drum home schedule -- at least for now. Bob Nash certainly will, with a multitude of good reasons.

Still, UH men's basketball will need to make some noise in the WAC and the WAC tourney sooner rather than later. That will make or break Nash's tenure.

A schedule guaranteed to bring success
Ferd Lewis
Honolulu Advertiser
July 3, 2009

Now we know why University of Hawai'i men's basketball coach Bob Nash so enthusiastically "guaranteed" an 18-win (or better) season at the team's postseason banquet three months ago.

To look at the Rainbow Warriors' 2009-10 schedule is to see Nash's "guarantee" as very attainable.

No venturing out on long limbs there.

Eighteen became the "magic" number because 18 victories — or a postseason tournament appearance — is the bottom line on a contract rollover, according to UH. Nash has two seasons, 2009-10 and 2010-11, in which to achieve it. But with the most significant performers, including the top three scorers, back as seniors, this is, as they are calling it in Manoa, the "payoff" year...

Go here for the remainder.