WAC - 2009-2010 Basketball Betting Preview | Sportsbookbuzz.com

The Western Athletic Conference is typically one of the easiest leagues on which to get a handle, and this year is no exception. With 13 of the top 15 scorers from a year ago back, many WAC teams are copies of last year’s version.

Don’t let Utah State’s loss of Gary Wilkinson fool you. Last year, bettors were concerned Utah State wouldn’t be able to replace Jaycee Carroll. But they did, finishing 30-5 (15-12-1 ATS) on their way to their third straight WAC title. Four starters return to the fold, including potential WAC Player of the Year Jared Quayle. The Aggies should stay profitable, having held opponents to 62.0 points per game last season.

Head coach Mark Fox’s exodus to Georgia meant an offseason of turmoil for Nevada. Malik Cooke’s transfer and Ahyaro Phillips’ arrest on a weapons violation compounded the situation. Expect Nevada to struggle in the early going, trying to improve on last season’s WAC-worst 11-20 ATS (21- 12 SU) record.

Boise State can score with any team in the conference, but it isn’t likely to make too big a stride on defense, with four starters returning to lead the team. Boise State should will be better on offense, rendering moot their defensive insufficiencies. Likely, the Broncos hover around the .500 mark against the number.

New Mexico State is almost a carbon copy of Boise State, except that its nucleus is much younger. Can the maturation process of its youngsters rectify the Aggies’ problems on defense? The Aggies had best figure it out. After Nevada, it was a conferenceworst 13-18 ATS (17-15 SU) last season.

Idaho is a school to keep an eye on in the WAC. The Vandals grabbed a share of third place in the league standings en route to a 16-15 (13-13 ATS) overall record last season. Former Pacific star Steffan Johnson has been brought in to help, so teams won’t be able to double-team Mac Hopson. Look for Idaho to make serious inroads for bettors.

Louisiana Tech gets the job done for bettors due to ,its defense. The Bulldogs were second in the WAC in scoring defense last season, and it led directly to their league-best 19-8 record against the spread (15-18 SU). If Louisiana Tech can get it going on offense, it’ll move up the ladder in the WAC. The Bulldogs have all three of their top scorers back.

Depth issues will likely keep San Jose State from being a better wager in 2009-10. A pedestrian 11-12- 1 ATS (13-17 SU) last season. The problem is, after Washington transfer Adrian Oliver and big men C. J. Webster and Chris Oakes, there is a significant drop-off in talent.

Hawaii has the benefit of an easier schedule this year, so look for the Warriors to improve on last year’s 13-13 ATS (13-17 SU) performance. Head coach Bob Nash’s job is on the line after Hawaii put up only 24 wins over the past two seasons, so count on the Warriors to make a strong push in the preseason.

Fresno State will be strong up front, and it’ll have to be to offset the lack of depth and talent in the backcourt. Six-foot-9 forward Sylvester Seay returns to lead the way two years after transferring from Arizona State, and he’ll be joined by heralded freshman forward Greg Smith on the inside. Let’s hope guards Mychal Ladd and Paul George can make up for the loss of Dwight O’Neil.