2006 Washington State Cougars Basketball Preview

2006 Washington State Cougars Basketball Predictions

Tony Bennett takes over for the retiring Dick Bennett (his dad) as the new Washington State coach. This is Bennett’s first head coaching gig, and he’s got a lot of work to do if he’s going to take the last place Cougars (11- 17 overall and 4- 14 PAC-10) to a place they haven’t been in a dozen years—the NCAA Tournament.

Guard Josh Akognon (10.3 PPG, 2.5 RPG), Washington State’s leading scorer, transferred to Cal-State Fullerton. That means Derrick Low (8.3 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 3.2 APG, 39.6 FG%, 80.0 FT%), returning junior, will be given the opportunity to make the most out of his third year. Low has fine play making skills and looks ready to generate a breakout season. It will help if he can become a team leader. Kyle Weaver (8.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.0 APG, 48.3 FG%, 68.8 FT%) is a fine assist man and defender. He’s got great hands and is an able rebounder.

Junior Robbie Cowgill (9.2 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.8 APG, 44.8 FG%, 79.4 FT%) plays tough around the hoop. If he bulks up, he’ll be dominant. Sophomore center Aron Baynes (5.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 0.1 APG, 42.9 FG%, 64.1 FT%) is a force on the glass. He’ll share time in the post with junior Chris Henry (2.4 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 0.1 APG, 56.0 FG%, 52.9 FT%). Forward Ivory Clark (5.6 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 0.6 APG, 51.8 FG%, 69.0 FT%) looks ready to have a fine senior season.

Bennett, like his father, will emphasize ball control. He will also, unlike his dad, pick up the pace a bit. Still, this season the Cougars will be fair at best.

It will take some time to really get this team in contention, but the good thing for Bennett is that he’s been given 5 years to succeed. He’ll have to compete with Gonzaga and Washington for recruits, making life a bit tougher and more complicated for a coach dedicated to winning. Still, things are looking up.

If you want more info on the 2006 Washington State Cougars College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Oregon Ducks and Washington Huskies.