WSU Versus UNLV Predictions and Pregame Discussions

[Stickboy46]

That line seems a bit ridiculous especially considering our unknowns (Conner and Fred.) I would expect money to pour in on UNLV which means Vegas is fairly confident WSU will cover.

Maybe they have inside information on Conner. Got a few "contacts" in to his professors lol

[WstateU]

Maybe WStateU could start using Let Me Google That For You. Then you can see what rabbit hole you're headed down before it actually gets there! For example:

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=bars+with+craft...wichita+kansas

[FlyingWheat]

Can somebody explain to me why Vegas has WSU opening up as 7 point favorites against the most athletic team in the history of college basketball?

Vegas must be on crack.

That's funny. It was 6.5 at SLU.

[wusphlash]

I find the Vegas line somewhat comforting. Those guys don't miss too much.

[proshox]

He's probably not wrong.

+ 1

That was completely different era. The number of deep, talented, and experienced teams has been greatly reduced. In the early 1990s there would be Seniors and Juniors in college basketball that were sure thing NBA all-stars. Hell there were seniors that were potential hall of fame caliber players.

Today you would have a hard time finding sure fire "top 15 picks" that are currently sophomores, juniors, and seniors. As we all know, it takes time for the most talented freshman to dominate college basketball. If those freshman were playing against seasoned veterans with similar talent it wouldn’t happen at all (Except those few guys who were born ready to play in the NBA).

[ShockerPrez]

Can somebody explain to me why Vegas has WSU opening up as 7 point favorites against the most athletic team in the history of college basketball?

Vegas must be on crack.

I didn't know Vegas was allowed to take action on UNLV games.

[TheDover1018]

Obvious disclaimer that advanced stats aren't the end all be all, but KenPom has WSU at 75% chance to win and a 6 point favorites. Take into account that the data would currently underrate us since the majority of that data is without the most important player on the team (Fred) and without Conner who at the very least should be an upgrade over JR at PG. (Not to diminish JR, he's the best walk-on you could ask for) Given that, 7 seems pretty reasonable.

[1972Shocker]

I don't know. Have you watched that ESPN 30 for 30 about NC St? Watching some of those teams like Houston Phi Slamma Jamma, and watching Virginia with Ralph Samson, and UNC with Jordan and Perkins, I'm not sure that's true. Think about the Big East in the mid80's with guys like Patrick Ewing, Chris Mullen, etc. Doesn't seem like we see that kind of skillset anymore.

In today's environment a lot of those guys would have been 1-and-done.

[shock]

As far as eating goes, for visiting UNLV fans I recommend Spangles. Gourmet food, lively atmosphere, and as close to the land of milk and honey as your team is to beating ours. But seriously, if you can only eat one meal, eat there.

[boltforge]

Obvious disclaimer that advanced stats aren't the end all be all, but KenPom has WSU at 75% chance to win and a 6 point favorites. Take into account that the data would currently underrate us since the majority of that data is without the most important player on the team (Fred) and without Conner who at the very least should be an upgrade over JR at PG. (Not to diminish JR, he's the best walk-on you could ask for) Given that, 7 seems pretty reasonable.

Watching their games I'm not worried about the 1 to 4 spots. They have no guard who is physically close to matching up to Baker. He is just plane bigger and faster than their guards. Fred is the same size but physically stronger and smarter than their point guards. I would say we split for the 3 and 4 spots.

It will be interesting how we guard their 5. He passes back out similar to Tuttle and he is a 7 footer. Very heads up and hits open players.

[Topshock]

To relate this back to the topic at hand, I believe the best college teams today are better than the best college teams around 1990-1992.

They certainly are around here!

[forevershockerfan]

I predict CF will not only play but also score 11-points off the bench.

[Runnin'Rebel]

Greetings Shockers! I have pulled for a past Shocker team or 2 and still remember some of your great 80's teams with the Xavier McDaniels, Cliff Livingston and Antoinne Carr! In fact, I know ex-UNLV assistant coach and WSU alum Lew Hill very well. Regarding tomorrows nights UNLV game it will be interesting in that this will be UNLV's first true road test and it is unknown how they will respond in a hostile environment. This UNLV team appears to be a work in progress and based on length and athleticism developing into a strong pressing and man-to-man defensive unit. UNLV has no injuries right now other than an ankle sprain for freshman center Stephen Zimmerman who was reported at 75% for the Oregon game. I expect he will be better. UNLV was hit pretty hard with the flu bug on their Maui road trip but that doesn't appear to be a problem right now. On UNLV's 2 pt. loss to UCLA, they lost the game on the free throw line going 14-22 vs UCLA's 23-24. Since the UCLA game they have shooting much better from the line. Al in all, I am really looking forward to tomorrows game with the Shockers, because in many respects, we are the same. We are both fighting for respect and relevance in college sports with out all of the money and other advantages of a Big 5 conference affiliation. I hope your guys get healthy and I could think nothing better than meeting up in the sweet 16. Win or lose tomorrow, IMO UNLV is a program in transition. Dave Rice and his staff have matured and appear to be headed in the right direction. Tomorrow night should be a barn burner!

[AZ Shocker]

I predict CF will not only play but also score 11-points off the bench.

I'll second that good buddy!

[OSShock]

I didn't know Vegas was allowed to take action on UNLV games.

Starting about 5 years ago!