Elite teams reload.
All others are in a constant state of building. Can we be the next Gonzaga? Or, if they have some success, rebuilding.
During last season, I figured we fell into this second category.
Yes, we made it to the Big Dance. But that was with maybe the best backcourt in Montana history in Oguine and Rorie. A stellar big in Akoh. And an ever-improving rebounder and defensive ace in Moorehead, who could also deliver a clutch three.
Four guys who all came together on one team, and had a shot at taking down the team that made it to the championship game.
But--lightening in a bottle. Because these guys will all be seniors next year. Because the players coming up after them surely could not take us to that level. Bevens and Espe in the backcourt, Besovic and Jones up front. No way.
Well, it was fun while it lasted. But that's the fate of a mid-major. Fifteen minutes of fame. A flicker of excellence. Then back to mediocrity. To a rebuild.
Until...this recruiting season. Barring injuries, I see no reason our four seniors can't take us back to the Big Dance, especially if Dorsey can play. But beyond that, I believe these new recruits put us squarely in the "reload" category.
Look at this team year after next: Falls, Egun, Brown, Manuel and Vasquez in the backcourt, with Kramer, Anderson, Carter, Miller, Dorsey and Pridgett manning the frontline. We don't yet know who will emerge as the stars of that group, but we can say this: That's some talent.
If that's not re-loading, I don't know what is.
Oh, and three more scholarships to go.
All others are in a constant state of building. Can we be the next Gonzaga? Or, if they have some success, rebuilding.
During last season, I figured we fell into this second category.
Yes, we made it to the Big Dance. But that was with maybe the best backcourt in Montana history in Oguine and Rorie. A stellar big in Akoh. And an ever-improving rebounder and defensive ace in Moorehead, who could also deliver a clutch three.
Four guys who all came together on one team, and had a shot at taking down the team that made it to the championship game.
But--lightening in a bottle. Because these guys will all be seniors next year. Because the players coming up after them surely could not take us to that level. Bevens and Espe in the backcourt, Besovic and Jones up front. No way.
Well, it was fun while it lasted. But that's the fate of a mid-major. Fifteen minutes of fame. A flicker of excellence. Then back to mediocrity. To a rebuild.
Until...this recruiting season. Barring injuries, I see no reason our four seniors can't take us back to the Big Dance, especially if Dorsey can play. But beyond that, I believe these new recruits put us squarely in the "reload" category.
Look at this team year after next: Falls, Egun, Brown, Manuel and Vasquez in the backcourt, with Kramer, Anderson, Carter, Miller, Dorsey and Pridgett manning the frontline. We don't yet know who will emerge as the stars of that group, but we can say this: That's some talent.
If that's not re-loading, I don't know what is.
Oh, and three more scholarships to go.