It seemed like a wonderful day for Utah State coach Larry Eustachy. He was back in the area where he grew up, enjoying lovely 80-degree Southern California weather. He invited his parents, George and Helen, to listen to his Big West media day presentation. Later, his Aggies were being picked for third place by both the media and the coaches - a respectable expectation, but not too high to put undue pressure on his young team. Life couldn't have been much better.
Or could it?Earlier Wednesday morning, Eustachy was informed that freshman forward Brandon Birch, a player he called "the best freshman I've ever coached," might be lost for the season with a shoulder injury. That came on top of the news that senior guard Neal Geddes' eligibility may be used up because of a technicality that was supposedly cleared up last year by the league.
"These two things hurt us - really rocked us," said Eustachy, who is trying to remain philosophical about it all. "I guess everybody has their problems."
The Aggies begin their season with an exhibition Saturday night and then face a Canadian team, Simon Fraser, next Friday before playing a first-round preseason NIT game against Minnesota.
Eustachy has been more optimistic than usual about this year's team, but the latest problems - along with a few others - have him concerned.
"Marcus Saxon is really struggling right now. I'm not pleased with how he's playing," said Eustachy of his top returning player. The USU coach added that he may not even start the senior guard because he's not in good enough shape.
"But I like this group," he said. "I've never had more fun coaching a group of players in such a short period of time."
As for being picked for third place in the Big West Eastern Division, Eustachy said: "That's a pretty fair assessment. I don't think New Mexico State and Nevada are head and shoulders above us. I'd be disappointed if we don't compete with them."
Here is a brief look at each of the teams in the Big West in order of their predicted finish by the media:
Eastern Division
New Mexico State - The Aggies have talent galore, but they are a bit unsettled right now with former Illinois coach Lou Henson taking over as interim coach after Neil McCarthy was relieved of his duties less than a month ago. The leading scorer from last year, 6-9 Louis Richardson, is back.
Nevada - Former Ute Jimmy Carroll, who averaged 14 points a year ago, is projected to be an all-league player this year. Coach Pat Foster's Wolf Pack return three starters and nine lettermen in all.
Utah State - The Aggies have employed a few 6 a.m. practices, in addition to their regular afternoon practices. "We're not real tough and we lack a physicalness as a group," said Eustachy.
Boise State - Coach Rod Jensen says his team is "pathetic in rebounding the basketball" and the Broncos will need to improve in that area. They do plan to make three-point shooting a critical part of their attack.
Idaho - David Farrar has been a coach for 28 years, but this is his first as the head coach of the Vandals. He had a top newcomer in Clifford Gray, but he may have to man the post at just 6-foot-4. In Mao Tosi, the Vandals have a defensive end-size player, who measures 6-5, 270.
North Texas - First-year coach Vic Trilli plans to employ the same style of relentless running, pressing basketball he was used to as an assistant at Texas. His preseason schedule is a killer though, with just one home game against Texas and road games against the likes of Iowa, Alabama, North Carolina State, Oklahoma State and Georgia Tech.
Western Division
Pacific - The defending Big West champs look like the class of the league again with six seniors returning. Leading the way is 7-1 center Michael Olowokandi, who hails from London.
UC Santa Barbara - It's hard to believe former Utah coach Jerry Pimm is starting his 15th year at Santa Barbara. His Gauchos should do well with their top eight scorers and top five rebounders returning.
Cal Poly - The player to watch here is Mike Wozniak, voted the freshman of the year in the Big West.
Cal State Fullerton - After not having any in two decades, the Titans have three fifth-year seniors this year. They play at Utah Nov. 15.
Long Beach State - The 49ers have fallen quite a bit since they met Utah in the '94 NCAAs. Coach Wayne Morgan has six freshman on his young team.
Cal Irvine - Pat Douglass has taken over what may have been the worst Division I team in the nation last year. His 24-year streak of winning records is in serious jeopardy.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Big West media poll
Eastern Division
(First-place votes) Pts.
1. New Mexico State (22) 236
2. Nevada (16) 227
3. Utah State (8) 204
4. Boise State 142
5. Idaho 83
6. North Texas 64
Western Division
1. Pacific (45) 274
2. UC Santa Barbara 218
3. Cal Poly SLO 149
4. Cal State Fullerton 136
5. Long Beach State (1) 128
6. UC Irvine 65