We're enjoying the resurgence of Washington, the state (and Washington, the district, for that matter). We stayed up late to watch a few west coast games last year, and many times it was Gonzaga or Washington State that made us lose sleep. The Washington Huskies had a stellar player that nobody saw in Jon Brockman, and Eastern Washington.... well, they were in Division One! Hooray!
We had a good Q&A with a Washington newspaperman last season, perhaps you should read that if you have a few spare minutes.
Also, did you know Pearl Jam was originally called Mookie Blaylock? We love that story.
2008 Breakdown
State winning percentage: .595
Number of teams: 4
NCAA Tournament teams: Gonzaga, Washington State
Conference champions: Gonzaga
Most wins: Washington State (26)
Least wins: Eastern Washington (11)
Teams with winning records: Gonzaga, Washington State
Teams with single digit wins: None
Historical breakdown
Most Memorable Team: The 1999 tournament run by the Gonzaga Bulldogs sparked the program's rise to elite status. The Zags beat Minnesota, Stanford, and Florida to make the Elite Eight before Jim Calhoun and UConn ended their run. Notice had been served, and Mark Few took over for Dan Monson the next year, taking the team to new heights.
2008 Breakdown
State winning percentage: .595
Number of teams: 4
NCAA Tournament teams: Gonzaga, Washington State
Conference champions: Gonzaga
Most wins: Washington State (26)
Least wins: Eastern Washington (11)
Teams with winning records: Gonzaga, Washington State
Teams with single digit wins: None
Historical breakdown
Most Memorable Team: The 1999 tournament run by the Gonzaga Bulldogs sparked the program's rise to elite status. The Zags beat Minnesota, Stanford, and Florida to make the Elite Eight before Jim Calhoun and UConn ended their run. Notice had been served, and Mark Few took over for Dan Monson the next year, taking the team to new heights.
Now, I do know that WSU actually played in an NCAA final in 1941, but I seriously doubt that any of us remember that feat, and this is "most memorable". If any of our readers DO remember that Cougs team, I would LOVE to hear about it.
Top Player All-Time: Gonzaga's John Stockton, whose image always comes to my mind when someone mentions the old short-shorts era.
Top Player All-Time: Gonzaga's John Stockton, whose image always comes to my mind when someone mentions the old short-shorts era.
Favorite Coach: We're fond of Tony Bennett, with a big assist from his father, Dick. The younger Bennett took over the Cougs progam at just the right time, and it was his dad who recognized that the time had come and voluntarily retired. Tony has a great sideline demeanor, and has his team believing they can win every game. We kind of like when someone does it with defense.
Top Player 2008: We have to go with Gonzaga's Jeremy Pargo. His numbers are pretty awesome in general, but watching Pargo and Patty Mills battle late into the night (STF is on Eastern Time) was one of our favorite memories of last season. A very strong case can also be made for Washington's Jon Brockman, who averaged a double-double of the points/rebounds variety last season.
Best On-Campus Venue: Gonzaga's McCarthy Athletic Center. It's small, it's rowdy, and it no doubt carries some of the recruiting mojo for Mark Few. Every dog has its day, and success can bring a new Kennel.
Best NCAA Venue: Yeah, they imploded it, but we're still saying the Kingdome. With Final Fours in 1984 (G'town over Houston), 1989 (Michigan over Seton Hall) and 1995 (UCLA over Arkansas), what other venue can mount a challenge?
Most Prestigious Program (ESPN Style): #26 Gonzaga Bulldogs.
Best Nickname: Washington Huskies.
STF’s Favorite Program: As mentioned above, we like Cougars. Both kinds, actually.
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1 comments:
I think I'll take Elgin Baylor as the top player ever out of Washington. I'll let Wikipedia handle his case:
"An inadequate scholastic record kept him out of college until a friend arranged a scholarship at the College of Idaho, where he was expected to play basketball and football. After one season, the school dismissed the head basketball coach and restricted the scholarships. A Seattle car dealer interested Baylor in Seattle University, and Baylor sat out a year to play for an amateur team while establishing eligibility at Seattle.
Baylor led the SU Chieftains (now known as the Redhawks) to the NCAA championship game in 1958 (where they lost to the Kentucky Wildcats). Following his junior season, Baylor joined the Minneapolis Lakers for the 1958-59 season and moved with them to Los Angeles in 1960.
In his three collegiate seasons, one at Idaho and two at Seattle, Baylor averaged 31.3 points per game."
31.3 ppg and an appearance in an NCAA championship game! Stockton was a fabulous player, but he can't touch numbers like those!
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