Originally published May 22, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified May 22, 2007 at 2:00 AM
WSU Men's Basketball | Cougars opt out of Alaska Shootout
Washington State has opted out of the 2007 Great Alaska Shootout college-basketball tournament in Anchorage, and WSU plans to replace the...
Seattle Times staff reporter
Washington State has opted out of the 2007 Great Alaska Shootout college-basketball tournament in Anchorage, and WSU plans to replace the games partly with a four-team tournament in Spokane over Thanksgiving weekend.
Coach Tony Bennett confirmed the pullout Monday — taking the Cougars out of an eight-team event that includes Gonzaga — saying WSU's schedule included too many road games.
He wouldn't comment on replacement games, but other sources indicate the Cougars are close to finalizing the Spokane event. Matt Gibson, manager of events and booking for Spokane Arena, said, "We're working with Washington State to make sure it happens. As far as we're concerned, it's happening unless they tell us otherwise."
Without the Shootout, the Cougars, who made a surprise run to a 26-8 record last season, have five nonconference games away from Pullman. That includes one at Gonzaga, another against an undetermined opponent in Seattle, a return game at Boise State, another at Idaho State as part of a two-for-one arrangement, and another at Baylor as part of the new Pac-10/Big 12 challenge event.
With the possibility of playing Gonzaga twice and another three away from home, WSU elected to pull out of the Shootout. Besides the Zags, the field includes Texas Tech, Butler and Michigan, a stronger group than WSU is likely to entertain in Spokane.
"With Washington State's success of late, and its proximity, they would have been a great draw," said Alaska Anchorage associate athletic director Tim McDiffett, who helps book Shootout teams. "ESPN was certainly excited about them being a part of it as well. But hopefully we can make it work another year."
Going Down Under
Following a break after final exams, WSU players have returned to Pullman for 10 days of preparation for a two-week, six-game trip to New Zealand and Australia starting June 2.
Many teams have benefited from the extra time together. One of Bennett's priorities will be to impress upon his team that some lofty preseason expectations — the Cougars are already ranked No. 5 by ESPN.com — will not help them win games.
"I'd say nothing is more insignificant than preseason rankings," Bennett said. "I'd [tell his players], 'Look where they ranked you last year.' " Washington State was picked 10th in the Pac-10.
Pan-Am candidates
Bennett called the invitations for senior guards Derrick Low and Kyle Weaver to the Pan-Am tryouts in July "great for them and our program. What an opportunity, from an individual standpoint and to represent your country."
![]()
Bennett was on the 1991 U.S. team that took the bronze medal in Havana.
"I got to see Fidel Castro," Bennett said. "He was at our games."
Jay Wright of Villanova is the head coach, with the tryouts in Philadelphia for the Pan-Am Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Notes
• Bennett said he wasn't concerned about WSU's recently released NCAA Academic Performance Rate score of 892. Only USC's 882 was lower among Pac-10 basketball programs. The score is based on the three school years from 2003-2006.
"We've improved significantly," he said, noting the usual high attrition that came after WSU's coaching change in 2003. The Cougars had three players — Robbie Cowgill, Daven Harmeling and Aron Baynes — on the 2007 league all-academic team.
• John Hines, Northwest Sports and Entertainment promoter, says he is seeking opponents for both WSU and Gonzaga for this season at KeyArena, but has a tentative agreement that would bring Connecticut to Seattle late in 2008 as the return date for Gonzaga playing UConn on the East Coast this year.
Bud Withers: 206-464-8281 or bwithers@seattletimes.com
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
Huskies are finding talent in Tacoma
Seahawks believe running game is picking up speed
For 80-year-old Maple Valley man, hoops aren't just a dream
5 keys to the Huskies' men's basketball season
Crystal and Mount Baker to open this week

Pelosi answers questions at Swedish Medical Center
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi answers questions after addressing the media at Swedish Medical Center regarding health care.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect
- How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
- 3 Cascade Mountain passes close due to snow; more rain, wind expected Sunday
- Prosecutors consider charges against suspect in police shooting
- Steve Kelley | Hasselbeck gives Seahawks' sagging season a stay of execution
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Teenage serial burglar suspected in more Camano Island burglaries
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine
- House health bill unacceptable to many in Senate
246 - Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
214 - Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
153 - Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
138 - Alleged shooter tied to mosque of 9/11 hijackers
134 - Obama puts heat on Senate to speed health bill
123 - Resolute Fort Hood soldiers ready for return
107 - McGinn more than doubles his lead over Mallahan
92 - Ayn Rand: goddess of the market, gateway to the American right
79 - Cutaia says replay handled properly on Austin TD
66
- For 80-year-old Maple Valley man, hoops aren't just a dream
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- 10 ways to take control of your health
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- Taste | Ruth Reichl still reigns as queen of America's culinary scene
- Silver Lake restaurant destroyed by fire
- Pakistani-American cafe, bar owner on verge of being Granite Falls mayor





