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NCAA Tournament: Indispensable Pieces, East Region
Just c&p'ed the picks for NC and WSU... Full article is available with all regions through the above link.
Wayne Ellington (North Carolina)
Likely national player of the year, Tyler Hansbrough is unquestionably the Tar Heel’s premier player. But the play of sophomore Wayne Ellington might be the biggest factor in UNC’s tournament success. Through the first two games against Mount St. Mary’s and Arkansas, Ellington has been stellar; averaging 22 points on an astounding 63% from the floor (14 of 22 in the two games combined). In addition to being remarkably efficient, Ellington is the player most responsible for UNC’s offensive spacing; as he is proficient at producing spotting up, pulling up off the dribble, or finishing in transition. Although, Ellington is brilliant offensively, it is his effort and production at the defensive end that is going to be most critical; as an imminent match-up against Kyle Weaver awaits. If Carolina survives Washington State, it certainly won’t get any easier for Ellington as he will either draw the assignment of defending the Smiths (JaJuan and Tyler for Tennessee or Jerry for Louisville). In each scenario, Ellington is going to face off against players and teams who are capable of making things difficult for him offensively (particularly Weaver) and challenge him defensively with their own ability on the offensive end. If UNC is going to win it all, it will certainly need Ellington to excel the rest of the way.
Taylor Rochestie (Washington State)
In virtual obscurity for much of the country, the Cougar’s junior guard has put up some very solid numbers (10.7ppg 3.2rpg 4.8apg 1stl). What’s even more remarkable about Rochestie’s level of productivity is that he has just 58 turnovers all season (its even more special considering that fourteen of them came in a two game span against Gonzaga and Portland State). It is that kind of steadiness (2.8/1 a/to ratio) that allows both Weaver and Low the luxury of operating in the half-court, and not bringing the ball up against defensive pressure. In addition to being able to handle the ball, Rochestie is arguably Washington State’s best outside shooter (43% from three) and distributor (thus far in the tournament he is averaging 8 assists per game). With an East semi-final match up against Ty Lawson and UNC, and potential match-ups against ball-hawking Louisville or Tennessee (should the Cougars advance); Rochestie’s ball handling prowess is going to be needed more than ever. Rochestie provides Wazzou the perfect third guard compliment to the tremendous Weaver and Low tandem. Just c&p'ed the picks for NC and WSU... Full article is available with all regions through the above link. ... more -
Nerd Makeover
To bring more attention to the lack of women in math and sciences, computer science nerds at WSU are getting a sorority makeover.
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Rochestie Named 2008 V Foundation Comeback Finalist
Redshirt junior Taylor Rochestie ranks sixth in the nation with a 2.98 assist/turnover ratio.
March 4, 2008
CARY, N.C. - Washington State University redshirt junior Taylor Rochestie has been named one of 14 finalists for the eighth annual V Foundation Comeback Award, the foundation announced Tuesday.
The annual award is open to men and women collegiate basketball student-athletes in all divisions. It is awarded to an individual or a team who has accomplished a personal triumph in the face of true adversity, be it in health, life or moral dilemma. Student-athletes are nominated by their athletics department representative.
The award is presented in memory of Jim Valvano, the late basketball coach and ESPN commentator, whose personal battle with cancer inspired the creation of The V Foundation. In his memorable speech at ESPN"s inaugural ESPY Awards announcing the creation of The V Foundation, Valvano"s "Don't Give Up. . .Don't Ever Give Up!"® motto created a legacy from which the Comeback Award was created.
Rochestie is in his second full season with the Cougars and is currently the starting point guard. He was lightly recruited out of high school and accepted an offer from Tulane University where as a freshman he started 25 games and earned Conference USA All-Freshman honors. Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans prior to Rochestie's sophomore season forcing the team to relocate to College Station, Texas. Two weeks before the 2005-06 opener he sustained a season-ending knee injury requiring major surgery.
With the team's relocation and lack of facilities and tools for rehabilitation Rochestie left Tulane and accepted an offer to transfer to Washington State. Earlier this season Rochestie announced that he will give up his scholarship next season and play as a walk on during his senior year to open up another scholarship for an incoming freshman.
This season Rochestie is tied for third on the team with 10.7 points per game. He leads the No. 23/22 ranked Cougars in assists and ranks second in the league with 4.62 dishes per game. He also leads the league and ranks sixth in the nation with a 2.98 assist/turnover ratio.
The14 finalists include: Jermaine Bishop, Northern Arizona University; T.J. Carter, University of North Carolina Wilmington; Kevin Coble, Northwestern University; Mickey Duncan, Berry College; Jamar Fleming, Virginia State University; Alex Franz, St. Mary's College of Maryland; Khaliq Gant, Cornell University; Danielle Hagen, University of Northern Colorado; Jessica Hall, University of Memphis; Nicole Hester, Drexel University; Darnell Jackson, University of Kansas; Taylor Rochestie, Washington State University, Carlos Taylor, Montana State University; Anthony Williams, SUNY Plattsburgh.
The award is presented in conjunction with ESPN and the recipient will be announced during ESPN's basketball Final Four/NIT weekend coverage. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org. Redshirt junior Taylor Rochestie ranks sixth in the nation with a 2.98 assist/turnover ratio. March 4, 2008 ... more -
WSU Rolls Over Cal Bears/Cub = Bearcubs
Great game and greater win for the Cougars of Washington State. the outmatched Berkeley Bersh never had a chance to beat the Cougs, who, with a win over the trees at su are looking at a fairly decent tournament bid. A quick win against the cards, another W over UW and a decent showing in the Pac-10 tournament could earn this team a solid 4-6 seed going into the tournament. Neh? Great game and greater win for the Cougars of Washington State. the outmatched Berkeley Bersh never had a chance to beat the Cougs, wh... more
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WSU's Kyle Weaver blocks Russell Westbrook
Great clip. Good editing and sound track
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Cougars Prowl Down South
The sixth ranked Washington State Cougars will face another tough weekend on the road this week when they face off against Arizona and Arizona St. The biggest matchup of the weekend has to be the game against Arizona State but a win against Arizona shouldn't be a foregone conclusion. Arizona is the kind of team that poses the biggest threat to WSU. They can run up the score with all of their 3-point shooters. It should be a good game but in the end WSU should win this game. Great, now that we have that settled lets talk about ASU...
State vs. State! The Pac 10 game of the weekend. ASU has quickly become the WSU of last year. Picked to finish at the bottom, the Sun Devils have been showing opponents and the rest of the country. Harden and Pendergraft make up a tough combo of offensive force. Derek Glasser does a good job distributing the basketball and they get quality minutes from most of the players in their playing rotation. WSU gets the advantage when it comes to the big men. Cowgill and Baynes should be able to get some easy buckets inside and keep the cougs % at a level that will allow them to rely on their defense to win the game. Should be an awesome two nights of basketball. Can't wait to get down there in that sun and watch some of the Pac 10's finest teams go head to head. The sixth ranked Washington State Cougars will face another tough weekend on the road this week when they face off against Arizona and... more -
Who's Wazzzuu?
You would think that being the number 10 team in the country would get you some respect in college basketball. Not if your Washington State University, who by now must be comfortable in the "underdog" role. Unfortunately, teams that played against the Cougars last year know that this team is very hard to beat. ESPN and other media outlets might not cover this amazing team and coach (OF THE YEAR) becasue they aren't a run and gun team from North Carolina. However, if you appreciate the game of basketball and want to see one of the best teams in the land flip over to a WSU game and check them out. WSU's hard-nosed defense and an effecient offense will gain your respect or your money back. You would think that being the number 10 team in the country would get you some respect in college basketball. Not if your Washington ... more
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Rochestie Sacrifices For The Future of the Cougars
The Washington State Cougars were out of basketball scholarships to offer recruits next season.
But if there is one word that describes WSU's program these days, it just may be unselfish from on-court play that led to a 26-8 record last season to an off-the-court action that may lead to success in future seasons.
Starting guard Taylor Rochestie, a junior, announced Thursday that he will give up his full-ride scholarship for the 2008 season, freeing up a spot for an incoming freshman Marcus Capers.
"He's a tremendous athlete who can slash and finish at the rim," said Montverde Academy coach Kevin Sutton, who led Montverde to a 30-0 record and a No. 4 national ranking by USA Today last season. "He has a solid jump shot that will keep the defenses honest. He's definitely a player who can play in the Pac-10 and make an impact his freshman year."
No matter how good Capers is, he wouldn't be headed to Pullman if it weren't for the generosity of Rochestie.
"I am thankful that I was fortunate enough to be in a situation where I could help the team out," Rochestie said in a school release. "After I talked with my dad about it, I knew it was a no-brainer.
"The recruits that I've met are exciting, athletic and are special kids. To be able to set something up for the future and to continue what we've got going means the world to me."
"This is such an unselfish act and just shows how gracious he and his family are," WSU coach Tony Bennett said. "I think this shows how much of a leader and great teammate Taylor is and for him to want to do something like this to help establish the future of our program in this manner is just incredible." The Washington State Cougars were out of basketball scholarships to offer recruits next season. ... more
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