SPOKANE, Wash. – Seattle Pacific has won or shared three Great Northwest Athletic Conference men’s basketball titles, but still the Falcons enter the 2009-10 season in unfamiliar territory.
As the favorite.
For the first time in the history of the GNAC Coaches pre-season poll, SPU has been selected to win the conference title. However, not by a big margin
The Falcons, under first-year coach Ryan Looney, edged defending champion Western Washington by four points in the balloting. SPU and WWU, which also is a three-time conference champion, each received four first-place votes.
The Falcons, however, also received five second-place votes to outpoint Western Washington 76-72 in the balloting.
Central Washington received the lone remaining first-place vote and finished third in the balloting with 59 points. Alaska Anchorage, which won the title two years ago posting a GNAC record 16 conference victories, edged Montana State Billings 53-52 for fourth place.
Northwest Nazarene, Alaska Fairbanks, Saint Martin’s and Western Oregon ended up sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth, respectively, in the balloting.
The No. 1 ranking is a bit of a surprise to Looney, but at the same time was somewhat expected.
“Over the entire summer out on the road recruiting, the coaches in the conference told me that they were probably going to pick us No. 1,” Looney said.
“That is an interesting situation for anyone in their first year as a head coach. Normally, regardless of who the coach is, you wouldn’t expect a team with a new coach to be ranked No. 1.
“That’s a credit to the players that we have returning in our program. If our staff has done one thing right during the transition, it was to hurry up and get here and to make sure all of the guys are back on board.”
That is certainly one mission that was accomplished as SPU returns 12 letter winners from a year ago. The only missing piece is Casey Reed, who graduated and is now an assistant coach at Alaska Anchorage.
All the numbers support SPU’s No. 1 ranking. Its 12 letter winners far surpass anyone else (Western Washington ranks second with nine and only one other team has more than six).
The Falcons are one of only two teams with four returning starters – the conference wide average is 2.33 – and they have a conference-best three returning all-stars including second team pick Chris Banchero, who finished 11th in scoring with a 15.7 average.
The rest of the league combined has only five returning all-stars.
Banchero is one of seven players back that ranked in the Top 15 in scoring – SPU’s Brandon Larrieu finished 14th – and the Falcons’ Rafael Moreira is one of six back from last year’s Top 10 rebounding list earning a No. 8 rank.
Both Larrieu and Moreira earned honorable mention honors a year ago.
Western Washington guard Morris Anderson is the lone returning first team all-star. Four others – forward Kendall Gielow and center Brian Barkdoll, both of Northwest Nazarene; Saint Martin’s forward Blake Poole and Alaska Fairbanks guard Emmanuel Jenkins were all honorable mention picks.
Poole and Anderson are the lone returning 2008-09 GNAC statistical champions. Poole led the league in rebounding, averaging 10.6 per game, and Anderson, who ranked second in assists, won the steal title netting 2.7 per contest.
The top returning scorer from a year ago is Jenkins, who ranked third averaging 18.7 per game just ahead of teammate Jon Moe, who finished fifth at 18.6.
Western Washington officially tips off the 2009-10 season this Friday – the 25th campaign for head coach Brad Jackson – playing Grand Canyon in the opening round of the West Coast Disney Classic at Anaheim.
The Vikings also play long-time power Kentucky Wesleyan on Saturday and San Francisco State on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Northwest Nazarene and Saint Martin’s debut with road exhibition games against Division I schools. The Crusaders play Friday at Utah State, while the Saints debut Sunday afternoon at Eastern Washington.
AROUND THE GNAC: In five of the first eight seasons of the GNAC, the pre-season favorite has ended up earning at least a share of the conference title. However, only twice has the poll champion won the title outright (Humboldt State in 2003-04 and Alaska Anchorage in 2007-08). . .In the women’s poll released Tuesday, the top four teams were unanimous – every coach picked Alaska Anchorage, Seattle Pacific, Northwest Nazarene and Western Washington in the Top 4. However, only Seattle Pacific gained that distinction in the men’s poll as every other team received at least one ranking of fifth or lower. . .Three GNAC teams have been three-time champions, but no school has won more than one title outright. Western Washington shared the title in 2001-02 with Seattle Pacific and Humboldt State and in 2004-05 with Alaska Fairbanks before winning it outright last winter. SPU won its only outright title in 2005-06 and split the crown with Seattle University in 2006-07. Humboldt State shared the crown in 2002-03 with UAF, then won it outright in 2003-04 on a way to a NCAA Final Four appearance. . .In the NABC pre-season national poll, Seattle Pacific and Western Washington were among “others receiving votes” and were 35th and 41st overall, respectively.
TEAM CAPSULES
SEATTLE PACIFIC Falcons
Head Coach: Ryan Looney, Eastern Oregon ‘98 (First year; Overall, 95-55, 5 years)
Assistants: Grant Leep, George Parker, Adriaan Wakefield
2008-09 Record: 19-10
Conference: 11-5, 3rd
Returning Letter Winners: 12
Returning Starter: Chris Banchero (PG, 6-1, Jr., 15.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.7 spg, 2nd team GNAC); Brandon Larrieu (W, 6-0, Sr., 14.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.3 spg, HM GNAC); Rafael Moreira (P, 6-9, Sr., 11.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg, HM GNAC); Rob Diederichs (W, 6-8, Sr., 8.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.6 apg, 0.6 bpg)
Other Returnees: Jeff Downs (W, 6-4, Jr., 9.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg); Adam Wardell (W, 6-2, 190, Sr., 3.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg); Colby Vranes (PG, 6-0, Sr., 2.8 ppg, 1.1 rpg); Jake Anderson (P, 6-6, So., 2.7 ppg, 1.9 rpg); Chauncey Campanaro (W, 6-7, So., 1.4 ppg, 1.3 rpg); Kellan Moll (P, 6-8, So., 0.7 ppg, 1.1 rpg); Grant Hope (P, 6-9, So., 0.6 ppg, 0.6 rpg); Mark McHugh (P, 6-7, So., 0.3 ppg, 0.3 rpg)
OUTLOOK
Casey Reed, who averaged 11.2 points, is the only missing piece from last year’s Seattle Pacific playoff team, as the Falcons return four starters and 12 letter winners for first-year head coach Ryan Looney.
No one else in the conference except for Alaska Fairbanks returns as many as four starters and only Western Washington with nine has more than seven letter winners.
The Falcons also return a league-high three all-stars including second team all-league guard Chris Banchero (6-1, 185, Jr., Seattle, WA – O’Dea).
Two players - wing Brandon Larrieu (6-0, Sr., Puyallup, WA – Franklin Pierce) and post Rafael Moreira (6-9, Sr., Brasilia, Brazil) were honorable mention selections.
Larrieu averaged 14.6 points per game and was SPU’s No. 2 scorer behind Banchero. He also had 66 assists and ranked second on the team in steals with 37. Banchero was the leader with 43.
Moreira was one of the GNAC’s top rebounders, ranking eighth (6.4). He also contributed 11.2 points per contest.
In addition to the three returning all-stars wing Rob Diederichs (6-8, 200, Sr., Shoreline, WA – Shorewood), who averaged 8.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists, returns from last year’s starting five.
Of the other eight letter winners only wings Jeff Downs (6-5, 195, Jr., Kirkland, WA – Bellevue Christian) and Adam Wardell (6-2, 190, Sr., Sedro Woolley, WA) played more than 12 minutes per game.
Downs averaged 9.8 points per contest and was the team’s most prolific three-pointer shooter making 60 of 151. Seventy-two percent of his 210 shot attempts came from beyond the arc.
Wardell chipped in with 3.3 points and had 2.2 rebounds per contest.
Also back are reserve point guard Colby Vranes (6-0, 185, Sr., Taylorsville, UT), wing Chauncey Campanaro (6-7, 215, So., Rome, Italy) and posts Jake Anderson (6-6, 215, So., Burlington, WA – Burlington-Edison), Kellan Moll (6-8, 220, So., Anchorage, AK – Grace Christian), Grant Hope (6-9, 225, So., Sammamish, WA – Mercer Island) and Mark McHugh (6-7, 215, So., Centralia, WA).
Between them they combined for 186 points and 122 rebounds.
Post Ryan Sweet (6-7, 215, Jr., Port Orchard – South Kitsap) and a pair of freshmen – guard Alex Mar (5-8, 150, Mountlake Terrace, WA – King’s) and wing Scott Morse (6-7, 200, Central Point, OR – Cascade Christian) - round out the 2009-10 squad.
Sweet was a first team NWAACC North Region all-star at Whatcom CC, averaging 18.9 points and 10 rebounds per contest.
“He’s a 6-foot-7 post player that had a great year last season in the NWAACC,” Looney said. “If you look at statistics from a year ago, one area that SPU could have done a better job in is rebounding. Ryan definitely provides a service in that area.”
While the cast is basically the same except for Sweet, there will be changes. “They’ve (our players) done a nice job buying into doing what we are asking of them to do.” Looney said. “Change isn’t easy, not for anyone. But, I think all of us together have embraced it.”
WESTERN WASHINGTON Vikings
Head Coach: Brad Jackson, Washington State '75 (445-257, 24 years)
Assistants: Tony Dominguez, Rob Visser
2008-09 Record: 21-6
Conference: 13-3, 1st
Returning Letter Winners: 9
Returning Starters: Morris Anderson (G, 6-3, Sr., 12.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 6.1 apg, 2.7 spg, 1st team GNAC); Michael Duty (F, 6-6, Jr., 10.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg)
Other Returnees: Rory Blanche (F, 6-5, So., 3.8 ppg); Harold McAllister (G, 6-0, Sr., 2.0 ppg); Cameron Severson (F, 6-4, So., 5.0 ppg, 2.9 rpg); Dave Vanderjagt (C, 7-0, Sr., 4.7 ppg, 3.7 apg, 0.7 bpg); Andrew Ready (G, 6-1, Sr., 7.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.1 spg as 2007-08 starter); Derrick Webb (G, 6-3, Sr., 9.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.3 apg in 2007-08); Zach Bruce (F, 6-8, Sr., 5.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg in 2007-08); Chris Mitchell (C, 6-8, Fr., 6.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg in 3 games)
OUTLOOK
Guard Morris Anderson, the GNAC’s lone returning first team all-conference player, and forward Michael Duty are among nine returning letter winners for Western Washington, which posted a 21-6 record and won its first outright GNAC title a year ago.
Three of the nine, however, didn’t play on that team. "It's an interesting mix," 25th year head coach Brad Jackson said. "We certainly have a lot of experience on paper, but it is still a team that needs to create its own identity."
Anderson (6-3, 170, Sr., Federal Way, WA – Highline CC) was spectacular at times last season, averaging 12.6 points, 6.1 assists and 5.4 rebounds while earning GNAC Newcomer of the Year honors.
"He's an outstanding player, a multi-faceted, very complete player," Jackson said of Anderson. "He makes people around him play better."
Duty (6-6, 230, Sr., Seattle, WA – O’Dea & Bellevue CC) averaged 10.3 points and 4.5 rebounds. He had 20 points on three occasions.
"Mike brings a real presence," said Jackson, who has 445 wins in 24 seasons said . "He's physically imposing, a real competitor. He had some games last year where he was outstanding, his key to having a great year is playing with consistency."
Another returnee is guard Harold McAllister (6-0, 175, Sr., Vancouver, WA - Mountain View). A three-year letter winner, he averaged 2.0 points in 23 games. As a freshman in 2006-07, he contributed 8.0 points a contest and made 14 starts.
Center Dave Vanderjagt (7-0, 245, Sr., Townsville, Australia) and guard Cameron Severson (6-4, 175, So., Petersburg, AK) each return after being a regular part of the rotation last season.
Vanderjagt, at 7-feet the tallest player in school history, averaged 4.7 points and 3.7 rebounds. Severson netted 5.0 points a game.
Also returning after seeing action last season are forward Rory Blanche (6-6, 195. So., Ashland, OR), and redshirt freshman Chris Mitchell (6-8, 215, Everson, WA - Nooksack Valley).
Blanche played in 15 games, averaging 3.8 points while shooting 63.1 percent from the field. Mitchell was in three contests before suffering a foot injury, and has been granted an injury hardship waiver to restore the year of eligibility.
They'll be joined by three returnees who missed last year. Guard Derrick Webb (6-3, 185, Sr., Port Orchard, WA - South Kitsap) redshirted after breaking his wrist in preseason training, and center Zach Bruce (6-8, 235, Sr., Oceanside, CA) also redshirted.
Webb averaged 9.0 points in 2007-08, while Bruce contributed 5.1 points and 3.1 rebounds.
Back after taking a year off from school is guard Andrew Ready (6-1, 185, Sr., Chicago, IL - Westinghouse), who was a part-time starter in 2007-08, when he averaged 7.3 points and 2.8 assists.
"Anytime somebody sits out a year, it has some impact," said Jackson. "All three guys are eager and work hard, they'll all be better. They're very familiar with the system, it's not like bringing someone in who hasn't competed at this level."
Two freshmen could make an impact quickly. Guard Jarrell Banks (6-1, 180, Des Moines, WA - Mount Rainier) averaged 21.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists to earn first team all-Seamount League honors as a high school senior.
Guard Richard Woodworth (6-3, 185, Bellevue, WA - Newport) averaged 15.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists as a high school senior, earning first-team all-KingCo honors and a spot in the all-state game.
CENTRAL WASHINGTON Wildcats
Head Coach: Greg Sparling, Central Washington '93 (238-156, 14 years)
Assistants: G.E. Coleman, Karl Albrecht, Chris Bannish, Jason Buffum
2008-09 Record: 18-7
Conference: 12-4, 2nd
Returning Letter Winners: 4
Returning Starters: Jon Clift (G, 5-10, 160, Sr.,, 5.3 ppg, 1.3 rpg)
Other Returnees: Chris Sprinker (F/C, 6-9, Jr., 7.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 0.9 bpg); Riley Sivak (F, 6-5, Sr., 3.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg); Ted Nelson (C, 7-0, So., 1.3 ppg, 0.9 rpg)
OUTLOOK
Central Washington returns only one starter from last year’s NCAA West Regional qualifying team and has only four returnees, but Wildcat coach Greg Sparling has reloaded adding seven JC all-stars along with a starter from NAIA Point Loma Nazarene.
The lone returning starter is guard Jon Clift (5-10, 160, Sr., Spokane, WA). Also back are forwards Chris Sprinker (6-9, 225, Jr., Tacoma, WA – EWU & Tacoma CC) and Riley Sivak (6-5, 195, Sr., Ellensburg, WA – CBC) and center Ted Nelson (7-0, 230, So., Hoquiam, WA). A fifth returnee – guard Chris Scott (3.3 ppg) – will redshirt.
Clift averaged 5.3 points and was the league’s No. 4 ranked three-pointer shooter making 45.2 percent (19 of 42).
Sprinker, who had a double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds) in CWU’s playoff loss to Cal State Dominguez Hills, made nine starts during the regular-season and averaged 7.6 points and 3.6 rebounds.
“Chris has worked extremely hard in the off-season and we expect, he’ll be one of the premier post players in the conference,” Sparling said.
Sivak and Nelson, meanwhile, played the fewest minutes of the 11 players on CWU’s 2008-09 roster and averaged 3.5 points and 1.3 rebounds.
Obviously Sparling will need to get significant contributions from his newcomers in order for the Wildcats to contend for a playoff berth.
The most experienced player of the newcomers is guard Noble’D Shelton (5-10, 160, Sr., Auburn, WA – Pierce), who averaged 10.1 points and 3.4 assists as a starter at Point Loma after transferring from Pierce College.
Another guard is Shane Miller (6-4, 175, So., Moscow, ID), who redshirted for the Wildcats after averaging 20.3 points and earning first team NWAACC all-star honors at Treasure Valley.
Miller is one of six first team NWAACC all-stars who will suit up for the Wildcats for the first time.
Among the six is guard J.C. Cook (6-1, 190, Jr., Canby, OR), who averaged 19.4 points and 3.8 assists for Clackamas and was the NWAACC Southern Region MVP.
“JC is an outstanding two-way player,” Sparling said. “He is an exceptional scorer, but he also has a knack for finding his open teammates. Defensively, he anticipates very well.”
Other former NWAACC first-team all-stars include guards Austin Dunn (6-2, 180, Jr., Vancouver, WA – Mountain View) and Toussaint Tyler (6-1, 185, Jr., Kent, WA – Kentwood, WA), forward Jody Johnson (6-4, 220, Jr., Seattle, WA – Franklin) and center Coby Gibler (6-9, 275, Jr., Bainbridge Island, WA).
Dunn averaged 14.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists for Clackamas and had a season-high 27 points in the NWAACC quarterfinals against Tacoma CC.
Tyler, whose father played football at the University of Washington and in the NFL, averaged 14.7 points and 4.9 assists in earning NWAACC all-star honors for Tacoma CC.
Two years ago Johnson helped lead Yakima Valley to the NWAACC championship and last year he averaged 13.1 points and 10.5 rebounds for the Yaks. “He is one of the best rebounders to come out of the NWAACC in quite a few years,” Sparling said.
Gibler scored 14.1 points and averaged 9.9 rebounds in earning NWAACC honors for Highline CC. He also had 14 double-doubles. “Coby has a nice, soft touch and a great presence in the paint,” Sparling added.
Another JC all-star is guard Humberto Perez (6-2, 185, Jr., Yakima, WA – Davis). A former Big Nine MVP at Davis, he averaged 13.3 points and made 83 of 175 three-pointers to earn second team Scenic West Conference all-star honors two years ago at North Idaho before sitting out last season.
Two other players could also contribute this winter – forward Roby Clyde (6-5, 230, So., Connell, WA – Pasco) and guard Ryan Snowden (6-4, 195, Fr., Auburn, WA).
Clyde was a reserve at Snow College in Utah in 2004-05, but hasn’t played the past four years. Snowden redshirted for the Wildcats last season.
ALASKA ANCHORAGE Seawolves
Head Coach: Rusty Osborne, Texas ‘88 (93-57, 5 years)
Assistants: Ryan Orton , Casey Reed, Krehg Perez
2008-09 Record: 15-14
Conference: 9-7, 5th
Returning Letter Winners: 3
Returning Starters: Kevin White (G, 6-4, Jr., 8.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.9 apg); Brandon Walker (G, 6-3, Jr., 11.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg,0.7 bpg)
Other Returnees: Steve White (G, 6-0, So., 2.3 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 1.5 apg)
OUTLOOK
Guards Brandon Walker, Kevin White and Steve White are the lone returning lettermen for Alaska Anchorage, which will rely on transfers and redshirts to improve on last year’s fifth-place finish.
Walker and Kevin White were starters last season, while Steve White saw double-digit minutes coming off the bench.
Walker (6-3, 200, Jr., Hayward, CA - Bishop O’Dowd & Loyola Marymount) was the team’s No. 3 scorer (11.4 points per game), No. 2 rebounder (5.7) and No. 3 three-point shooter making 44 of 104 from beyond the arc. He also ranked second on the team in steals with 27.
Kevin White (6-4, 200, Jr., Manly, Australia – San Diego Christian) averaged 8.5 points, mostly from the arc as 50 of his 75 field goals were three-pointers. He ranked fifth in the conference in three-point percentage (43.5) and was also the Seawolves’ No. 2 assist producer with 81.
Steve White (6-0, 195, So., Manly, Australia) averaged 2.3 points and had 40 assists, playing in a total of 391 minutes.
Another returnee from last year’s team is Casey Robinson (6-6, 230, Jr., Manila, UT) who was the team’s leading scorer in the West Coast Disney Classic averaging 15 points per game before missing the remainder of the season with an injury.
Robinson, who was granted a hardship, was a standout at Eastern Wyoming College prior to enrolling at UAA, averaging 17 ½ points and 4 ½ rebounds and netting 52 points in two games at the junior college national tournament.
Sixth-year head coach Rusty Osborne, who led the Seawolves to the Final Four two years ago, will rely on four other JC players and a Division I transfer this winter.
Center Malcolm Campbell (6-9, 265, So., Los Angeles, CA – Fairfax) played in seven games at Division I Hartford in his freshman season.
“Malcolm gives us a true post presence inside,” Osborne said. “His size, along with his ability to finish plays, will help open up our perimeter shooters. In addition he also has the ability to step out and hit a jump shot himself.”
Two of the JC additions were all-stars. Donnie Lao (6-3, 180, Jr., Midvale, UT – Hillcrest) was a second team Scenic West all-star at Snow College where he averaged 10.8 points and 3.7 assists.
“As an all-league performer in one of the best JC leagues in the country, Donnie gives us a very talented and experienced point guard in our backcourt,” Osborne said.
Forward Nick Pacitti (6-6, 225, Jr., Los Angeles, CA) earned first team honors at L.A. Trade Tech, netting 13.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.
“Nick will be one of the most skilled forwards in our league,” Osborne said. “Our challenge will be to put him in the position on the court where he can help us have the most success.”
Another JC transfer is guard Drew Robinson (6-1, 185, Jr., Lehi, Utah), who averaged 7.3 points in helping lead Salt Lake CC to the national junior college title. He redshirted one year at Division I Southern Utah prior to enrolling at the JC.
Aaron Stevens (6-8, 200, So., Anchorage, AK – South) averaged 4 ½ points at Highline CC before enrolling at UAA.
Four freshmen – two from Australia and two from Alaska – fill out the roster.
They include guards Bryce Arnott (6-1, 200, Clyde, Australia), Ryan Rock (6-1, 205, Point Hope, AK – Tikigaq) and Jesse Blandford (6-0, 180, Fr., Nome, AK) and center Liam Gibcus (6-10, 235, Lysterfield, Australia).
MONTANA STATE BILLINGS Yellowjackets
Head Coach: George Pfeifer, Lewis-Clark State ‘79 (10-17, 1 year; Overall, 318-271, 19 years)
Assistants: Justin Wetzel
2008-09 Record: 10-17
Conference: 5-11, 6th-T
Returning Letter Winners: 6
Returning Starters: Derrick Wright (F, 6-7, Sr., 15.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.9 apg, 0.7 bpg, HM GNAC); Kirk Blaine (F, 6-6, Jr., 2.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg)
Other Returnees: Brad Hodge (F, 6-8, Sr., 8.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg); Brett Taylor (G, 5-8, Jr., 3.7 ppg, 0.5 rpg, 1.0 apg); Tyler Hentzen (F, 6-6, Jr., 2.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg); Adam Weisz (G, 6-1, Sr., 0.7 ppg, 0.3 rpg)
OUTLOOK
Derrick Wright, who led Montana State Billings in points (425) and blocked shots (18) and ranked second in rebounding (156) last year, is among six returning letter winners this winter for second-year head coach George Pfeifer.
Wright averaged 15.7 points and 5.8 rebounds leading the Yellowjackets to a 10-17 record. A year before Pfeifer’s arrival, MSUB had won just one game.
Five other players also return this winter. They’ll be joined by 11 newcomers, including transfers from two Division I programs, one Division II school and three from NAIA programs.
The returnees include starting forward Kirk Blaine (6-6, 203, Jr., Gillette, WY – Campbell County) plus four 2008-09 reserves – forwards Brad Hodge (6-8, 225, Sr., Hillsboro, OR – Grays Harbor) and Tyler Hentzen (6-6, 215, Sr., Brea, CA – Orange Coast College) and guards Brett Taylor (5-8, Jr., Billings, MT – West) and Adam Weisz (6-1, Sr., Melstone, MT – Dawson CC).
Blaine started all but one game a year ago though he played only 21 minutes per game and averaged 2.7 points and 3.0 rebounds.
Hodge came off the bench to average 8.2 points and 4.7 rebounds and was the team’s field goal percentage leader, ranking sixth in the conference with a 59.2 percentage.
Taylor and Hentzen contributed 3.7 and 2.3 points per game, respectively, while Weisz saw limited duty playing just 52 minutes in 15 contests.
Additions this winter from Division I schools are forward Mike McCrary (6-8, 205, Sr., Hanford, CA) from Cal State Northridge and guard Lasha Parghalava (6-3, 205, Sr., Tbillisi, Georgia Republic) from the University of Hawaii.
McCrary averaged 4.6 points per game at Northridge after transferring from the College of Eastern Utah where he contributed 15.6 points and 4.8 rebounds and made 67 treys.
“I watched Mike play while he was at CEU and we recruited him at the University of Idaho,” Pfeifer said. “Mike can be a highlight reel in the open court filling the lane. No question he plays above the rim.”
Parghalava averaged 7.6 points per game at Hawaii, playing in 25 games and starting six. He made 31 three-pointers and converted on 50 of 61 free throws for the Rainbows.
Jeremy Lathan (5-9, 170, Jr., Portland, OR) played in 11 games averaging 9.0 points at Division II Wayne State, Mich.
Additions from the NAIA ranks include guards DaVell Jackson (6-1, 175, Sr., Las Vegas, NV) from Oklahoma City and Jason Tanascu (6-2, 175, Jr., Gardner, MT) from Carroll College and center Andrew Hickman (6-7, 250, Fr., Woodward, OK) from Northwestern Oklahoma State.
Jackson averaged 9.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists at OCU, while Tanascu averaged 3 ½ points in 22 games at Carroll. Hickman redshirted at Northwestern Oklahoma after averaging 12 points and 10 rebounds at Woodward High School.
“Hickman is going to give our program a big, physical, interior power player over the next four years,” Pfeifer said.
Two JC transfers – guard DeAndre Chambers (6-2, 170, Jr., Monroe, NC) and forward Tyrone Williams (6-5, 215, Jr., Houston, TX) – should also contribute this winter.
Chambers, who is rated an excellent defensive player, averaged 12.1 points shooting 41 percent from the three-point line in his sophomore year at Western Oklahoma State leading the team to 27 victories.
Williams played two seasons at Miles CC, averaging 10.3 points and 6.4 rebounds in his sophomore campaign.
Three players with prep experience – forward Joel Brandt (6-8, 186, Fr., Billings, MT – Central Catholic) and guards Robby Trabing (6-3, 190, Fr., Buffalo, WY) and Tyler Tabbert (6-5, 190, So., Billings – West) - complete the MSUB roster.
NORTHWEST NAZARENE Crusaders
Head Coach: Tim Hills (53-55, 4 years; Overall, 494-449, 29 years)
Assistants: Brandon Rinta
2008-09 Record: 14-13
Conference: 5-11, 6th-T
Returning Letter Winners: 5
Returning Starters: Kendall Gielow (F, 6-7, Sr., 14.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.0 spg, HM GNAC); Brian Barkdoll (C, 6-10, Jr., 13.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg, .636 FG%, HM GNAC); Louie Beech (G, 6-3, Sr., 11.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.2 apg)
Other Returnees: Anthony Golden (G, 6-1, So., 7.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 2.7 apg); Robert Lippman (C, 6-8, Jr., 3.1 ppg, 1.2 rpg)
OUTLOOK
A trio of double figure scorers, including two GNAC all-stars are among five letter winners available this winter for Northwest Nazarene head coach Tim Hills.
Outside of Seattle Pacific, which has three returning all-stars, the Crusaders are the only team in the conference with more than one.
Forward Kendall Gielow (6-7, 222, Sr., Medford, OR – South Medford) is the GNAC active career scoring leader with 1,095 points, ranking 35th on the all-time conference list. He also has 430 career rebounds.
A year ago Gielow led the Crusaders in scoring (14.9) and ranked second in rebounding (5.4) in earning honorable mention all-league honors.
Center Brian Barkdoll (6-10, 253, Jr., Portland, OR – Central Catholic) was also an honorable mention pick averaging 13.7 points and a team-high 6.5 rebounds and ranking third in the conference in field goal percentage (63.6).
Guard Louie Beech (6-3, 190, Sr., Nampa, ID - Skyview) also returns from NNU’s 2008-09 starting lineup. He averaged 11.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in his junior season.
Two other players also return – guard Anthony Golden (6-1, 170, So., Portland, OR - Madison) and center Robert Lippman (6-8, 220, Jr., Spokane, WA – Northwest Christian & SCC). They averaged 6.0 and 3.1 points, respectively.
University of Idaho transfer Drew Eisinger (6-3, 170, Jr., Mill Creek, WA – Jackson) heads up a group of 11 newcomer, including three from four-year colleges, four from JCs and four from the prep ranks.
Drew and his brother Jamie (5-11, 170, So., Mill Creek, WA – Jackson) will both play for NNU. Drew played in 20 games last season at Idaho. In limited playing time he had 12 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
Both previously played at Western Nebraska. Drew averaged 12 points and Jamie scored seven a game at the JC.
Other four-year transfers are guards Derek Miller (6-2, 210, Sr., Cheney, WA – Big Bend CC) from Northwest University and Zac Kinman (6-2, 175, So., Oroville, WA) from Cal Maritime.
Miller was a starter at Northwest in 2007-08, averaging 12.3 points and making 72 of 160 three-pointers. Kinman scored 4 ½ points per contest at Maritime.
The JC players in addition to Jamie Eisinger are Lateef Williams from North Idaho, Anthony Gittens from Tacoma CC and Andy Maxwell from CBC.
Maxwell (6-4, 185, Jr., Nampa, ID – Skyview & C. of Idaho) had the best numbers of the latter three averaging 11 points and seven rebounds.
Gittens (6-8, 220, Jr., Tacoma, WA – Foss) contributed 7.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and three blocks, while Williams (6-2, 170, Jr., Annapolis, MD) averaged 6.4 points.
The freshmen are guards Logan Parker (5-11, 170, Jerome, ID) and C.J. Shula (6-3, 190, Puyallup, WA – Rogers), forward Paul Egwuonowu (6-8, 205, Boise, ID – Capital) and post David Reeher (6-9, 220, Prineville, OR – Crook County).
ALASKA FAIRBANKS Nanooks
Head Coach: Clemon Johnson, Florida A&M ‘78 (11-41, 2 years)
Assistants: D’Arcy Stanfield
2008-09 Record: 6-19
Conference: 3-13, 9th
Returning Letter Winners: 6
Returning Starters: Emmanuel Jenkins (G, 6-0, Sr., 18.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.7 apg, HM GNAC); Jon Moe (G, 6-2, Sr., 18.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg); Nashorn Maynard (F, 6-5, Jr., 10.6 ppg, 8.78 rpg, 0.6 bpg, 1.2 spg); Clayton Edwin (G, 6-3, Jr., 3.0 ppg, 2.1 rpg)
Other Returnees: Tony Wilson (G, 6-5, Sr., 3.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg); William Edwards (G, 6-3, So., 3.2 ppg, 1.2 rpg in 2007-08)
OUTLOOK
With the conference’s top two returning scorers among six letter winners, third-year UAF head coach Clemon Johnson is optimistic about his team’s chance to make a move upward in the GNAC standings.
“At this stage I think we have a great opportunity,” said Johnson. “We will definitely be a more competitive team this year.”
Johnson believes the pieces are in place for an explosive offense.
Guards Emmanuel Jenkins (6-0, 170, Sr., Tacoma, WA - Tacoma CC) and Jon Moe (6-2, 165, Sr., Granite Falls, WA – Shorecrest & Everett CC) are the top two returning scorers from a year ago in the GNAC.
Jenkins finished third in the conference averaging 18.7 points and Moe finished fifth at 18.6.
UAF also returns forward Nashorn Maynard (6-5, Jr., St. Paul’s, St. Kitts - Sandy Point), who averaged 10.6 points per game and ranked second in the conference in rebounding, pulling down 8.8 per contest.
Guards Tony Wilson (6-5, 195, Sr., Anchorage, AK – Yakima Valley), Clayton Edwin (6-3, 185, Jr., Fairbanks, AK - Eastern Arizona) and Bo Edwards (6-3, 200, So., Fairbanks, AK - Haskell Indian Nations) round out the returnees for Alaska Fairbanks.
Wilson appeared in 15 games, averaging 3.8 points per game and 3.0 rebounds per game. Edwin contributed 3.0 points and 2.1 rebounds per game in 20 appearances. Edwards didn’t play last year, but averaged 3.2 points in 2007-08.
Among the new players are two from Division I Texas Southern.
Forward Deante Jones (6-8, 230, So., Las Vegas, NV) appeared in 13 games last season scoring 13 points and pulling down 17 rebounds.
Center Abiakam Onyekautukwu (6-9, 215, Sr., Nigeria) played in 28 games over two seasons and was credited with 69 points and 66 rebounds.
The additions of Jones and Onyekautukwu will help the frontcourt of the team.
“We were able to recruit some big guys. With Kam (Abiakam), and Deante Jones, we now have four solid big men in the post,” Johnson said.
“Hopefully that will help out Nash (Maynard) in the rebounding department, and in defending in the post and the interior, something we have struggled with the past two years.”
Incoming players from junior colleges include forwards Joe Powell (6-8, 215, Jr., Inglewood, NJ) from Merritt College in Oakland, Calif., and Parish West (6-5, 190, Jr., Chicago, IL) from Highland CC; and guards Kyle Smith (6-3, 195, Jr., Chicago, Ill.) from Danville CC and Melvin Conn-Baird (6-2, 180, Jr., Indianapolis, IN) from Vincennes CC.
Powell earned first team all-league honors and was the state of California’s leading JC rebounder averaging 13.6 per contest.
West averaged 13 points and 8.5 rebounds per game last season for Highland CC, while Conn-Baird averaged 22 points and 7.2 assists during the 2007-08 season at Vincennes.
Smith averaged 8.3 points per game and had a team high 32 steals in 31 games played for Danville.
Onyekautukwu, Powell and Smith won’t be eligible until the winter quarter.
Five freshmen guards will fill out the UAF roster, including three from Fairbanks, one from North Pole and one from King Salmon.
They include Colten Growden (6-0, 180, North Pole, AK - Ben Eielson), Cole Daniel (6-2, 200, Fairbanks, AK - Hutchison), Mason King (6-0, 160, King Salmon, AK - Bristol Bay), Nolan Burcell (6-1, 190, Fairbanks, AK Monroe) and Ben Snow (6-2, 200, Fairbanks, AK Hutchison).
SAINT MARTIN’S Saints
Head Coach: Keith Cooper, Seattle Pacific ‘88 (68-97, 6 years)
Assistants: Dan Barfoot
2008-09 Record: 22-8
Conference: 10-6, 4th
Returning Letter Winners: 6
Returning Starters: Blake Poole (F, 6-5, Jr., 15.1 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.9 spg, 1.2 bpg, HM GNAC)
Other Returnees: Jared Howard (F, 6-6, Sr., 5.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg);Jeremy Green (F, 6-7, So., 3.9 ppg, 3.0 rpg); Galen Squiers (G, 6-2, Jr., 3.8 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.8 apg); Dane Henze (C, 6-8, Sr., 2.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg); Charlie Severs (G, 6-3, Sr., 0.2 ppg, 0.2 rpg)
OUTLOOK
Saint Martin’s graduated two all-stars in guard Jake Linton and forward Bill Richardson, but does return the league’s best rebounder in Blake Poole along with five other veterans.
Linton was the GNAC’s scoring leader each of the past two seasons and he and Richardson accounted for nearly half of the Saints points last year averaging 23.0 and 16.4, respectively.
Poole (6-5, 275, Jr., Eugene, OR – Sheldon) should be the No. 1 offensive option this winter for seventh-year head coach Keith Cooper.
A year ago he averaged a double-double (15.1 points, 10.6 rebounds) and set a GNAC single-game record for rebounds with 22 against Western Oregon.
“In looking at this season, Blake is a great place to start,” Cooper said. “He will continue to score and rebound for us and gives us strong post presence inside.”
However, none of the other returnees averaged as much as six points and none averaged as many as 14 minutes per game or made a start.
Forward Jared Howard (6-6, 200, Sr., Memphis, TN – Alabama State) was the most significant bench contributor a year ago averaging 5.8 points and 2 ½ rebounds.
Forward Jeremy Green (6-7, 225, So., Kent, WA – Kentwood) chipped in with 3.9 points and three rebounds per game in his freshman season, while Galen Squiers (6-2, 180, Jr., Redmond, WA) averaged 3.8 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists.
Center Dane Henze (6-8, 235, Sr., Aberdeen, WA – Grays Harbor) averaged 2.9 points and 2.6 rebounds. Guard Charlie Severs (6-3, 190, Sr., Oakville, WA) played in six games.
University of Idaho transfer Ryan Votaw (6-2, 195, So., Toledo, WA) along with five freshmen will be looked upon to help pick up some of the scoring slack from the loss of four starters.
Votaw redshirted last year at SMU after redshirting the previous season at Idaho, but had a standout career at Toledo High School averaging 23 points and eight rebounds and earning 1A State Player-of-the-Year honors in 2007.
He played one seasons at Wenatchee Valley averaging 14 points per game before matriculating to Idaho.
Another outstanding prep player coming off a redshirt year is Lynden grad Brady Bomber (5-10, 175, Fr., Lynden, WA.), who should make a significant contribution. He averaged 15 points and five assists in earning all-state honors his senior season
“Galen (Squiers) and Brady (Bomber) are both ready to step up and run our team on offense and defense and Jared (Howard) and Jeremy (Green) will provide athleticism, scoring and defense.
“Although we lost four starters, we were fortunate to have their replacements already in place,” Cooper said.
Incoming freshmen who could contribute this winter include center Matt Dodson (6-11, 240, Eugene, OR – Willamette), forward Roger O’Neill (6-5, 195, Lynnwood, WA – Meadowdale) and guards Eric Taylor (6-2, 165, Seattle, WA - Ballard) and Kyle Karnofski (6-0, 175, Castle Rock, WA).
Dodson averaged 15 points and nine rebounds in earning Northwest Hoops 5A first-team all-state honors and was rated the top Oregon post player by the recruiting service.
O’Neill averaged 18 points per game at Meadowdale in earning second-team all-state honors. He is also a good defender.
Taylor averaged 15 points a game and was a first-team All-KingCo honoree. Karnofski, meanwhile, set a Castle Rock career assist record in his prep career.
Overall, Cooper is optimistic.
“We lost four starters, but we were fortunate to have replacements already in place last winter. Each of last year’s seniors did an excellent job of tutoring their replacements. We may lack the experience of some of the other teams in the conference, but I love our attitude and work ethic.”
WESTERN OREGON Wolves
Head Coach: Craig Stanger, BYU ‘92 (42-66, 4 years)
Assistants: Jerod Gibson, Robin Andrea
2008-09 Record: 10-17
Conference: 4-12, 8th
Returning Letter Winners: 7
Returning Starters: Blair Wheadon (G, 6-2, So., 11.9 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.2 spg); Mike McLaughlin (F-C, 6-7, Sr., 10.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.0 apg)
Other Returnees: Matt Schmidt (F, 6-6, Sr., 7.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg); Kyle Long (G, 6-3, So., 4.8 ppg, 1.2 rpg); Marcus Harris (G, 6-0, So., 1.4 ppg, 0.4 rpg); Gabe Thrash (C, 6-8, Sr., 0.7 ppg, 0.7 rpg); Alex Bourne (G,, 5-11, So., 0.3 ppg, 0.2 rpg)
OUTLOOK
Guard Blair Wheadon (6-2, 180, So., Junction City, OR) and forward Mike McLaughlin (6-7, 245, Sr., Lake Oswego, OR) return to lead Western Oregon this winter.
The two were among four players who averaged in double figures for the Wolves a year ago. Wheadon ranked second on the team in scoring averaging 11.9 points per game and was the team’s No. 2 playmaker with 83 assists in earning GNAC Freshman-of-the-Year accolades.
McLaughlin averaged 10.8 points to rank fourth on the team in scoring and led the Wolves in rebounding averaging 7.3 per contest.
Five other players who played supporting roles last year also return include forward Mike Schmidt (6-6, 220, Sr., Keizer, OR – McNary) and guard Kyle Long (6-3, 170, So., McMinnville, OR).
Schmidt was the top sub, ranking sixth in minutes played (18 per game) and averaging 7.8 points and 2.8 rebounds. Long chipped in with 4.8 points per game.
Other returnees include guards Marcus Harris (6-0, 180, So., North Kitsap, WA – McCall-Donnelly) and Alex Bourne (5-11, 170, So., Lebanon, OR) and center Gabe Thrash (6-8, 225, Sr., Gardena, CA).
Four freshmen including the son of Marquis Johnson and two transfers are among the newcomers this winter.
Forward Rico Myles (6-7, 225, Sr., Los Angeles, CA – Crenshaw) played in 30 games at Division I Morgan State and averaged two points and 3 ½ rebounds per game.
“Rico is a competitive power forward who will help us immediately with our post presence,” WOU coach Craig Stanger said. “He is a solid rebounder, defender and great teammate who will give us much needed depth at the post.”
From American River CC is center Zach Davis (6-10, 235, So., Folsom, CA – Winters). “Davis is a blue collar player,” Stanger said. “He is an extremely hard worker as a screener and rebounder.”
The freshmen class includes forwards Josh Johnson (6-5, 215, Los Angeles, CA – Crenshaw) and Tarance Glynn (6-6, 220, Molalla, OR), guard Jesse Chippoletti (5-9, 165, Las Vegas, NV – Spring Valley) and center Kolton Nelson (6-8, 285, Klamath Falls, OR – Mazama).
Johnson, whose father played in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks, averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds in his senior year at Crenshaw before spending a year at a prep school in Georgia.
Chipoletti averaged 15 points, five assists and two steals in earning all-region honors at his Las Vegas High School.
“Both Josh and Jesse bring a great work ethic and tenacity that in infectious and we expect both to play an integral part this season,” Stanger said,
“Kolton brings a consistent scorer to our post position. Though only a redshirt freshman, he has been a solid contributor and we expect him to provide valuable scoring and rebounding.”