Idaho men still climbing Respectability Mountain

Nov. 5—It has been powerful sledding for the Idaho males’s basketball crew as of late.

Coach Zac Claus by no means has gained greater than 9 video games in his earlier three years at UI. On the constructive aspect, he is coming off his greatest season but, going 9-22 general and 6-14 in Large Sky play.

It is a step in the suitable path, however Claus and his crew should do much more with the intention to get above .500.

Here is what to anticipate:

A brand new look requires outdated leaders

The Vandals return simply two gamers who performed main minutes final 12 months, Rashad Smith and Yusef Salih.

Salih made 14 begins for Idaho final 12 months as a real freshman and made 42 3-pointers, third-best by a freshman in program historical past. He additionally scored 10 or extra factors 5 instances in 2021-22. This 12 months, he’ll be in additional of a management function.

Smith, a senior guard, performed in 31 video games final 12 months, making 26 begins. He averaged 10.1 factors and ranked second on the crew in rebounds with 153. He reached double figures 16 instances final season.

A brand new place for knowledgeable gamers

The dearth of returners means there shall be some new faces. The hope is that shall be a breath of contemporary air for a crew that wants a spark.

“Solely having two guys coming again might sound daunting, however that is essentially the most proficient group that we have had,” Claus stated. “We all know we have now all the scale, size, and skill to compete. Now, it is time to cease speaking about it and truly begin exhibiting it.”

Regardless of Idaho shifting towards a youth motion, there additionally shall be a number of transfers who might inject some vitality into this system.

A type of gamers is fifth-year guard Trey Smith. He began in all 22 video games for San Jose State a 12 months in the past, averaging 8.8 factors per recreation. Smith shot 33 % from behind the 3-point line and was ranked fifth within the nationwide fewest fouls dedicated per 40 minutes a 12 months in the past based on KenPom.

Junior ahead/middle Isaac Jones additionally ought to make an influence on the rotation. Final 12 months at Wenatchee Valley Faculty, he led the Northwest Athletic Convention in scoring (25.3), rebounds (13.2), and field-goal share (69.5), incomes convention participant of the 12 months and the East Area defensive participant of the 12 months honors. He additionally led his crew to the area title and an look within the NWAC closing 4.

Story continues

Lastly, fifth-year guard Divant’e Moffitt shall be a welcomed addition. He began in 26 video games final 12 months for NCAA Division II Seattle Pacific and scored the second-most factors within the Nice Northwest Athletic Convention at 19.3 factors per recreation. He scored greater than 1,460 profession factors at Seattle Pacific, the eighth most in class historical past.

Protection is the secret

Whereas Idaho made some strikes to enhance its scoring, which solely produced 73 factors per recreation, Claus is aware of protection is what wins championships. The Vandals’ protection allowed 79.6 factors per recreation final season, the worst within the Large Sky.

Bettering on the defensive finish has been the main target through the offseason.

“We have to play aggressively defensively,” Claus stated. “Now we have to have a goal and a presence about us. Now we have to take as many high quality photographs away from our opponents as doable.”

Pixley could also be contacted at (208) 848-2290, tpixley@lmtribune.com or on Twitter @TreebTalks.