yo, jon: thanks for your passion for big sky basketball. basketball facilities, athletic directors, athletes, media--none of this would exit were it not for the fans. they're the foundational support of the entire structure, whether college or pro. that's why it really pisses me off when some coach blows off a reporter (my representative) or an athlete is rude to kids. also why the entire conference should be grateful for passion like yours. i believe you're sparking fans throughout the conference.
very perceptive of you to place sac state so high; i too think they will be the surprise of the conference next year. the guy at northern arizona is one of the up-and-coming coaches on a national level, while weber just has it going--from a great facility, to a good young coach, great recruits, and damien lillard at the top of the pyramind, lending support, bucks (to be sure!) and national awareness. the rest of us must remember: a rising tide raises all boats.
as for montana, i believe the defections of several big men the past two or three years took a huge toll on our program. we've got some good young bigs coming in, but it takes time for them to develop, and i don't anticipate much contribution from any them next year.
as for bruenig, i haven't seen him play, but until i do, i remain a skeptic. two years at washington and he played twenty minutes? and scored one--one!--point his sophomore year? hope i'm wrong. but i feel realistically those defections the past three years put a two-year hole in our program--this past year and next. after that, we'll be right back up there again.
