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Really? Not expected 2 years ago?
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Really? Not expected 2 years ago?
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Really? Not expected 2 years ago?
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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 24, 2007
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I think that people who were truly paying attention could see this coming.
Yes,2 years ago, Wash St's record didn't suggest anything special was about to happen, but anyone who followed the program even remotely recognized that they were getting better. They beat some decent teams and they played other very good teams close. They had a losing record, but this was a team that was on the rise.
Of course, you wouldn't expect the media to see that because what "expert" in his right mind would have watched a Washington State game during the 2005-06 (11-17) season? Well, a decent non-conference performance (granted, against suspect competition), a season sweep of in-state rival Washington, and a near miss at Arizona late in the season were all hints that, hey, maybe something is developing here.
Before last season, their current crop of seniors were getting significant playing time and experience, even if it wasn't translating to victories. While many teams are lucky to have one contributing sophomore, Washington State had 3 (Cowgill, Weaver, and Lowe). They also had a couple of frosh who were seeing some minutes and contributing some points (Baynes and Harmeling). In other words, they were learning to play together, taking their lumps, and most importantly, learning how to play against the big, bad Pac 10.
Oh, and they were also being coached by a family that happens to have done some pretty good things in college basketball. Dick Bennett was known to have a 3 year plan for turning around programs (one of the constants of Dick Bennett basketball...turning around programs). His son had spent a lot of time learning from pops, and a little time learning from another reasonably good coach (Bo Ryan). Pops got things rolling in the right direction, and Tony took over without missing a beat.
So, I would say that this is something that people should have seen coming. Never bet against a Bennett. And if I were a Carolina fan, I'd be very, very nervous.
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Really? Not expected 2 years ago?
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Really? Not expected 2 years ago?
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:May 10, 2007
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I don't think many people outside of Pullman, or without knowledge of the Bennett system saw it coming, but the writing was on the wall. No one was looking.
I remember about a month before the start of last season getting into a quick exchange of bantering with Washington Husky grad I had just met. Fresh of a season sweep and a two game winning streak against the puppies (now seven), I finally had ammunition to make a respectable (or childish) stand in a rivalry basketball debate. I don't know if it was the drinks, or the arrogant, contemptuous, entitled attitude of Husky fans, but the conversation quickly grew heated. In a room divided one third Husky one third Cougar and one third neutral , the lines were drawn. No Husky present thought we would win two games in the Pac-10 that season. They all pointed to the pre-season polls picking us last and the previous seasons mediocre record; there wasn't a hint of fear of our program. When the season finally came, they were blindsided. If our in-state rival didn't have a clue this was coming, how could anyone else?
Naturally, the "conversation" ended in a civil manner with a round of drinks and over sized bets. The drink I enjoyed, my earnings... I have not seen a cent. But who needs money when you have Cougar pride.
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Really? Not expected 2 years ago?
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Really? Not expected 2 years ago?
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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 24, 2007
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If our in-state rival didn't have a clue this was coming, how could anyone else?
Well...Dick Bennett had turned around 3 programs prior to the Cougars. People who cover basketball for a living should have been paying attention, at least a little bit, on the off chance he could make it #4.
Oh, I don't blame them for not suspecting what was happening. After all, Dick retired (again) and an unknown in Tony took over. That's bound to lead to doubts among even the most faithful of fans. But, he had been groomed by two of the ALL TIME best coaches in his dad and Bo Ryan. I guess you could say I was cautiously optimistic, even after the 11-17 season (unlike you...you were not cautious in your optimism at all...LOL!). At least SOME "experts" should have suspected that they could make at least a little noise, even if they didn't expect Wash St to more or less set program records week after week.
Man...them UDubs must be just hating the 7 game beatdown they've received at the hands of the Cougars. I'm sure they had gotten really comfortable after years of being the dominant team. And WSU isn't done rising yet, regardless of tomorrow's (today's) outcome.
I'm really pumped for the game. I can only imagine what you're feeling right now! Actually, I can imagine. I felt it a few years ago when Dick Bennett drove the buss all the way to the Final Four to Wisconsin. Every game was magic during that run. I hope that you (and I) get to live the same experience with the Cougs this year. And yes, the Badgers beat a HEAVILY favored #1 seed Arizona team to make the run.
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Really? Not expected 2 years ago?
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Really? Not expected 2 years ago?
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:May 10, 2007
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I have been labeled a "Cougar Zealot" in the past, LOL, and yes, I feel like a kid Christmas Eve; I can't wait until tip off.
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Really? Not expected 2 years ago?
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Really? Not expected 2 years ago?
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:May 10, 2007
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O and I forgot,
GO COUGS!
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Really? Not expected 2 years ago?
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Really? Not expected 2 years ago?
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Reputation:80
Level:All-Star
Since:Oct 12, 2007
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Yes!
GO COUGS!!!!!!!
It is the day of the game and it is our game! Be afraid UNC, you are going to get a lesson!
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Really? Not expected 2 years ago?
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Really? Not expected 2 years ago?
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Reputation:82
Level:All-Star
Since:Mar 12, 2008
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I am an alum from WSU and I watched almost every home game last year and the 2 years previous. Dick Bennett was the one who started everything. I know his record didn't show it but we played Arizona in Dick Bennett's last season twice and we lost to them in Washington by 3 and beat them in Arizona. We hadn't beat Arizona in Arizona for 18 years. We started to beat Washington when they were still good and things started to come together. I knew we were going to be good but the question was how good? I am not surprised by where we are now but a National Championship might take my breath away.
Now don't think I am taking away from what Tony Bennett has done because he is bringing in fresh talent too (which is very hard to do. you try and convince a great basketball player to come to Pullman). Tony Bennett helped us completely turn the corner. So I would agree with you, UNC it might be time to start holding your breath.
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Really? Not expected 2 years ago?
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Really? Not expected 2 years ago?
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Level:Amateur
Since:Mar 26, 2008
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I'm a Husky, and all I got to say is:
GO COUGS!
There you have it. Happy?
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Really? Not expected 2 years ago?
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Really? Not expected 2 years ago?
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Reputation:80
Level:All-Star
Since:Jan 8, 2008
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I don't think Dick Bennett even knew THIS was coming. I had the pleasure of running into him at the Chevron in Pullman a little over two years ago, and after about a 5 minute conversation about the program and thanking him for what he's done so far, he was very reserved about their chances of really being a contendor in the conference anytime soon. What he didn't know, is that his 1st set of recruits were ready to put up some points to go along with the shutdown defense, and that when his son decided to open up the offense just a hair, it was all that they needed to bridge the gap and start winning most of their close games rather than losing them. I remember them having umpteen shot clock violations their 1st two years in Pullman, but just initiating the offense with 10 seconds to go instead of 5 seconds has done wonders for them.
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