USU picked to repeat as WAC basketball champions

USU has officially been picked to repeat as WAC basketball champions.

RESPECTRUM.

The following comments are excerpts from the USU media release -

Utah State received eight first-place votes and 64 points in the coaches poll, while Nevada received one first-place vote and 53 points. New Mexico State received 50 points and was picked to finish third, followed by Idaho (42), Louisiana Tech (31), Fresno State (30), Boise State (23), San Jose State (19) and Hawai'i (12).

In the media poll, Utah State garnered 15 first-place votes and 273 points, while Nevada was second with 269 points and 12 first-place votes. New Mexico State, who received 226 points and six first-place votes was picked third, while Idaho (193) and Boise State (145) rounded out the top five. Louisiana Tech (140) was picked sixth, followed by Fresno State (130), San Jose State (88) and Hawai'i (66). The Spartans also received one first-place vote in the media poll.

"In all the years I've been a head coach, I can't ever remember where preseason predictions have helped us win any games," said USU head coach Stew Morrill. "These preseason polls are more a reflection on your past and what happened last year, and we haven't done anything yet this season.

"We all have pressures in Division I Athletics and if you have a good program you are trying to stay at a high level. Pressure is something we have gotten used to at Utah State and have learned to live with."

2009-10 WAC Preseason Coaches Poll
Rk. Team Pts.
1. UTAH STATE (8) 64
2. Nevada (1) 53
3 New Mexico State 50
4. Idaho 42
5. Louisiana Tech 31
6. Fresno State 30
7. Boise State 23
8. San Jose State 19
9. Hawai'i 12
2009-10 WAC Preseason Media Poll
Rk. Team Pts.
1. UTAH STATE (15) 273
2. Nevada (12) 269
3 New Mexico State (6) 226
4. Idaho 193
5. Boise State 145
6. Louisiana Tech 140
7. Fresno State 130
8. San Jose State (1) 88
9. Hawai'i 66

2009-10 Preseason Coaches All-WAC Teams
First-Team
Luke Babbitt, So., F, Nevada
Mac Hopson, Sr., G, Idaho
Armon Johnson, Jr., G, Nevada
Jared Quayle, Sr., G, Utah State
Jahmar Young, Jr., G, New Mexico State

Second-Team
Roderick Flemings, Sr., F, Hawai'i
Paul George, So., G/F, Fresno State
Kyle Gibson, Sr., G, Louisiana Tech
Sylvester, Seay, Sr., F, Fresno State
Tai Wesley, Jr., F, Utah State

Preseason Player of the Year: Luke Babbitt, Nevada

2009-10 Preseason Media All-WAC Team
First-Team
Luke Babbitt, So., F, Nevada
Mac Hopson, Sr., G, Idaho
Armon Johnson, Jr., G, Nevada
Jared Quayle, Sr., G, Utah State
Jahmar Young, Jr., G, New Mexico State

Preseason Player of the Year: Luke Babbitt, Nevada
Newcomer of the Year: Steffan Johnson, Idaho