Washington State 2009-2010 Basketball Betting Prediction, Odds, Lines,

With the College Basketball 2009-2010 Season just around the corner, we are providing season previews & predictions for all NCAA basketball teams to give you the betting edge this year. Follow the best College Basketball Handicappers as they analyze their teams in this 2009-2010 basketball season preview. Be sure to bookmark SportsbookBuzz.com your source for Sportsbook Reviews. Use our comprehensive and insider info to bet successfully on the College Basketball in our recommend online sportsbooks.View the rest of our 2009 NCAA Basketball Season Previews here.

Washington State 2008-2009 Record: 17-16, 8-10

Washington State 2008-2009 Post Season: NIT

Washington State Coach: Ken Bone (First year at Washington State, 335-167 overall)

Washington State Projected Starters:

• Reggie Moore, Freshman, Guard, DNP last season
• Klay Thompson, Sophomore, Guard, 12.5 points per game
• Marcus Capers, Sophomore, Guard, 1.7 points per game
• Nikola Koprivica, Senior, Guard, 3.1 points per game
• DeAngelo Casto, Sophomore, Forward, 4.4 points per game

Washington State Player to Watch: Klay Thompson

Washington State Key Losses: C Aron Baynes, F Caleb Forrest, F Daven Harmeling, G Taylor Rochestie

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2009-2010 Washington State Season Preview

After several years of staying on constant Tony Bennett watch, the Washington State basketball community was caught by surprise last spring when the coach finally made his move to Virginia.

After a 17-16 season and a big contract extension the year before, most Cougar fans figured Bennett would stay around a little longer, and there had been little talk of Virginia before it happened.

It came as little shock, however, when Ken Bone was named as Bennett’s replacement a few weeks later. A longtime fixture in Northwest basketball, Bone helped revive the Washington program as an assistant earlier this decade and led Portland State to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances before heading to Pullman.

Bone not only hit the ground running in recruiting – he signed two in-state players shortly after arriving – but plans to step on the pedal a little more than did Bennett.

Washington State Backcourt

Bone’s biggest task may be finding a replacement for point guard Taylor Rochestie. There are plenty of candidates, including touted freshman Xavier Thames, who debated backing out of his letter-of-intent when Bennett left.

Thames’ stock rose during a standout senior year and he said he heard from coaches at UCLA and Florida, among others, before staying put. Also in contention is sophomore Marcus Capers, who was Rochestie’s backup last season but needs to refine his offensive game; freshman Reggie Moore, a Seattle-area player who signed after Bone’s hiring and can play anywhere in the backcourt; and little-used sophomore Mike Harthun.

Whoever wins that job will be entrusted to get the ball to sophomore Klay Thompson, a budding star who helped the United States’ Under-19 team win the world championship this summer. The son of former NBA star Mychal Thompson exceeded the hype he arrived with, averaging 12.5 points per game while displaying a deadly outside shot. His numbers should only increase in Bone’s offense, and he also is the team’s leading returning rebounder at 4.2 per game.

Also back is swingman Nikola Koprivica, the team’s lone senior, who hasn’t been the same since blowing out his knee two years ago. Adding depth at shooting guard is 6-5 freshman Anthony Brown.

Washington State Frontcourt

The Cougars lose two starters up front in center Aron Baynes and heady forward Caleb Forrest. One spot will be filled by athletic sophomore DeAngelo Casto, who also played on the U.S. U-19 team before suffering a knee injury that shouldn’t impact his college season. Casto proved to be a standout defender; with a little added offense, he could become one of the better big men in the Pac-10.

Another spot could be filled by 6-9 Brock Morurn, an Australian who played for his native country in the U-19 World Championships and averaged 13.6 points while shooting almost 61 percent.

WSU doesn’t have a lot of bulk up front, but is hoping to get some rebounding help from James Watson, a 6-7 forward who redshirted last season. Another late addition could also help as 6-10, 225-pound Steven Bjornstad joined the program in July after he got out of his commitment to Nevada.

2009-2010 Washington State Predictions

Bennett helped put WSU basketball back on the map, and his departure might lead to the assumption that the Cougars will return to the muck. But Bone has high hopes, with a very good foundation to start off from. He won’t do it the same way, as the Cougars will be more up-tempo and they almost certainly won’t lead the nation in scoring defense again.

With just one senior, the Cougars look to be a year away from serious contention. But if the team adjusts quickly to Bone’s style, Wazzu could make some noise in a down Pac-10.

Washington State Finish in the PAC-10: 7th

Washington State Betting Odds

Washington State Odds to Win 2010 Mens NCAA Basketball Tournament: +20000
Washington State Odds to Win the PAC-10: +1500

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