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BIG SKY
The Weber State Wildcats dominated the Big Sky conference last season, going 15-3 against conference foes to capture the regular season title, and then took care of things in the conference tournament to advance to the NCAAs, where they promptly fell as a 15 seed to Xavier in the Round of 64. Montana finished second in the conference standings and lost to Weber State in the tournament finals, earning a berth in the CBI. Two other Big Sky teams, Idaho and Eastern Washington, also played in the CBI while North Dakota, finally armed with a nickname (Fighting Hawks) participated in the CIT.
This season expect more of the same as Weber State, despite losing Joel Bolomboy to the NBA, appears ready to take the league by storm again. Montana may slip back, and the top challengers could come from a handful of teams that have not made as much noise in recent years. Idaho, Idaho State, North Dakota and Sacramento State are all lined up to make a run at the top. Yours truly is particularly looking forward to seeing how Idaho performs this year, if only because one of their star players will be none other than . . . Chad Sherwood (no relation). The Vandals may prove to be the second best team in the conference, but even they will be hard-pressed to dethrone Weber State.
Predicted Order of Finish
1. Weber State – Even without Joel Bolomboy, the Wildcats remain one of the league’s deepest teams. They also have a star player in guard Jeremy Senglin. Simply put, there is no reason why they will not win this conference again.
2. Idaho – If the Vandals can stay healthy this year, they may be able to put pressure on Weber State. They will be led by guard Victor Sanders and brothers Nate and Chad Sherwood.
3. North Dakota – The Fighting Hawks return all of their starters and key reserves, led by Quinton Hooker and Geno Crandall in the backcourt. With Carson Shanks and Drick Bernstine providing options down low, this team has the pieces to be right near the top of the standings.
4. Sacramento State – The Hornets may be the dark horse team in this conference, as they have the bodies down low that many other teams are seriously lacking. Justin Strings, Nick Hornsby and Eric Stuteville all provide much needed size. If the team can replace the leadership of departed senior Cody Demps, they could be right in the thick of things.
5. Idaho State – Ethan Telfair is a legitimate star, finishing last season among the league leaders in points, assist and steals. Geno Luzcando will complement him well in the backcourt, but the Bengals need someone to step up down low if they want to contend.
6. Montana – At first glance, the Grizzlies look like they should finish higher than this with four starters returning and the addition of Oregon transfer Ahmaad Rorie. The problem is that the one starter they lost, Martin Breunig, was their only big presence down low, and there doesn’t appear to be anyone on the roster ready to fill that hole.
7. Montana State – Tyler Hall will score a ton, but may need to run the point as well this season. If the Bobcats can develop some help on the boards, they could surprise.
8. Eastern Washington – The top two scorers from last year are gone, and the Eagles have a lack of size down low, but Felix Von Hofe and Bogdan Bliznyuk are both able to light up the scoreboard.
9. Portland State – The healthy return of forward Braxton Tucker and the addition of a couple of key junior college transfers will be needed to make up for the offseason loss of three starters.
10. Northern Colorado* – Anthony Johnson should lead the team offensively, but this looks like it could be a long first year for new head coach Jeff Linder, made longer by the school’s decision to self-impose sanctions including a postseason and Big Sky tournament ban.
11. Northern Arizona – The bad news for the Lumberjacks is that this team is coming off a 25 loss season. The good news is that half a dozen sophomores will be key contributors this year, meaning that the future does look bright . . . just not this season.
12. Southern Utah – Todd Simon takes over head coaching duties after running things for UNLV’s final 17 games last season. Seven newcomers will join the roster this year to begin the rebuilding project.
*Northern Colorado is ineligible for the postseason, including the Big Sky tournament, due to a self-imposed postseason ban.