1. Does UW show up?: The Cowboys are coming off a 78-50 home loss to UNLV, the worst in Arena-Auditorium history. Sophomore guard A.J. Davis has left the team. There are only seven fully healthy players on scholarship. CSU is fresh off a big road win at Utah and is in the running to finish as high as fifth in the conference. Nothing would make the Rams’ happier than to boat race the Cowboys. That could happen unless UW finds a way to put all of this other stuff behind it.
2. Waddell’s way: Even with a bum ankle, sophomore center Adam Waddell must play and play well for the Cowboys. He had 18 against CSU in Laramie, but Rams junior forward Andy Ogide had 22. The weight of world doesn’t need to be all on Waddell’s shoulders, but he is the heart and soul of this team and if he plays well will reflect on the rest of the team.
3. Foreign connection: Along with Waddell, UW also must get good play from junior forward Djibril Thiam and freshman forward Amath M’Baye. CSU’s strength is along the forward line with Ogide and Travis Franklin. CSU can hurt teams in other ways, but if these guys get rolling the rest of the Rams roll.
4. Better half-court defense: With the lineup depleted, UW probably won’t be able to press or use as much pressure defense as it would like. That doesn’t bode well because that’s how the Cowboys generate most of their turnovers. Even when they press the Pokes are last in the MWC in scoring defense. They must play better half-court defense and limit CSU to just one shot, not second and third opportunities.
5. Make shots: UW shot 28 percent from the field and 54 percent from the free-throw line in the loss to UNLV. The Cowboys won’t beat anybody shooting that poorly. Everyone must shoot the ball better.
I think we all agree that this season would be one of transition for UW, but I don’t think anyone saw this coming. What does this team have in them to get through all this?
See Saturday’s paper for analysis stories on the Cowboys and Cowgirls as they head into the second half of conference play. See my column in Sunday’s paper for someone at UW who must be feeling the heat right about now and better do something now to put out the fire.
Going to live blog the men’s game starting at about 6:30 p.m. Join me at http://wyomingcowboysblog.com/2010/02/05/wyoming-vs-csu-mens-basketball-live-blog/
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RG,
Hey I have not posted in a while…. but this last article with Davis leaving has left me with a big concern with the program….. what is going on right now with Heath and the players?
Steve, that is the million dollar question right now.
But something is wrong when players leave in mid-season. I’m hearing all sorts of things from rifts in the coaching staff to rifts among players, etc.
But as I write in my column for Sunday this better get fixed because dumping a coach now is probably not in the cards. Burman needs to step in, and more importantly, Schroyer needs to make some tough decisions about himself, his staff and how he does things.
You said you were concerned about the program and I certainly believe you. But you know what Steve, there are a lot of people out there right now that simply don’t care. That might be worse than being mad.
As always, thanks for the post and comments. Have a good one.
RG
The fact the people don’t care, and I can’t believe that I would say this I am included in that category. Speaks volumes for the need to change. Bad choices have been made in regards to contract extensions and what not but I still feel you can’t compound the problem by letting the hemorrhaging continue. I understand the financial constraints of the university but what else could be done?
I see your point Jon, I really do.
A change could and maybe should come, but I can tell you it won’t after this season. I wrote in my column in today’s paper that Burman needs to step in and tell Heath things better get fixed. Maybe Heath needs to make some tough decisions regarding his staff or the way he recruits kids. Something must change there first. Maybe that won’t be enough, but that’s where I think it has to start.
Have a good one and enjoy the Super Bowl. Who do you have today?
RG