(04-22-2019 04:45 PM)PojoaquePosse Wrote: (04-22-2019 01:10 PM)SoCalBobcat78 Wrote: (04-21-2019 02:21 PM)NMSUPistolPete Wrote: (04-21-2019 09:10 AM)dancingNMSUaggie Wrote: (04-19-2019 01:57 PM)gleadley Wrote:
It is true that the WAC is close to being as good as the MWC.
That was true last season but with Pope leaving and all the big named transfers heading out, I'm concerned about the WAC next season. I hope we don't take a step back.
Well, with coaching changes at Utah Valley and UM Kansas City, the Wolverines definitely took a major step backwards; and, although the Roos lost almost everyone from their roster, the reality was Richardson maxed out what he could do with his coaching and recruiting. I'm not sure what Madsen can do as a coach and recruiter at UVU but I think Donlon will do more with the UMKC program than Richardson ever did there. Still, UMKC is a couple seasons away from "possibly" having a good team.
As for Cal State Bakersfield, they added a good guard (a Richmond transfer) just as the lose Jarkel Joiner to Ole Miss. With the players coming and going, Barnes' team should be just about the same in strength as last season; but there is no accounting for team chemistry good or bad.
Outside of NMSU, the other three teams who should be improved or at least as good as last season are Grand Canyon, Seattle U, and Cal Baptist. Majerle still needs to find a big man or two to help Lever (a job for Menzies) but their guard play should be much improved with the addition of a couple D1 transfers. Seattle and CBU lost virtually no one so any new additions to the roster will only make them stronger.
Chicago State can't get any worse so I expect them to close the gap on the 8th place team. They might even win a conference game or two this coming season.
And, UT Rio Grande Valley is an enigma. Last season, they performed better than expected. And, Hill's winning percentage has seemed to be improving season by season. So, conventional wisdom would say UTRGV should be even better next season. However, there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to UTRGV's improvement. Hill seems to always be patch working a roster together at the last minute; with grad transfers, D1 transfers, and JUCOs as late additions. The only thing for certain, Jovan Levi is probably the most hated player in the WAC; antagonistic in his style of play.
I don't see the WAC being any stronger next season than the one that just completed. the hasn't been a big bonanza in top level players entering in this recruiting class. At the moment, as a whole, the WAC has lost more talent than it has gained.
I'm still waiting to see what NMSU and GCU add to their respective rosters.
As of today my prediction...
1. New Mexico State
2. Grand Canyon
3. Seattle U
4. Cal Baptist
5. UT Rio Grande Valley
6. Cal State Bakersfield
7. Utah Valley
8. UM Kansas City
9. Chicago State