I think EWU will still compete for a top 2 spot in conference.
1WSU
2EWU
3UM
4NAU
5PSU
6MSU
7NoCo
8Sactown
9ISU
I still maintain EWU will challenge the conference for a top 2 spot behind Weber in the Big Sky next season, and maybe challenge WSU a little.
Dean did have 26 points against Weber in Cheney, but had only 7 in Ogden in the last reg season game, and only 1 point in the 1st Round tournament game a few nights later. It was those 2 games where EWU looked especially dangerous beating us, and putting up a good fight in the first round. They also knocked off Montana right before those 2 games as well.
EWU's newest signee, JC transfer Collin Chiverton 6'6 Wing who can shoot the 3. Averaged 20 pts a game last season, after averaging 15 pts per at SLCC in 09'-10'. He was an ESPN Top 150 recruit out of high school, and California Top 10 recruit as well. He Redshirted at St. Mary's before heading to SLCC.
Besides guards Jeoffrey Forbes, and Cliff Coliman (who both lit up Weber twice to end the season, lighting quick, and can shoot), Point Guard Kevin Winford lead EWU in scoring 6 times last season with outbursts of 39 & 28, and was the Eagles 4th leading scorer at 10 per game. They also have 6'3 Guard Willie Hankins who will be a Redshirt Freshman this next season he was recruited by San Jose, Loyola and a few other Cali schools, but ended up at EWU because of academic difficulties.
6'5 G/Wing Geoffrey Allen is talented as well, but got hampered by an early season broken wrist.
Tremayne Johnson poses all sorts of matchup problems for Weber and is Easterns most talented player, coupled with Griffin/Ederaine inside they won't miss a beat without Dean because they are loaded with Guards who can play.