More ESPN love for the Pilots

ESPN LINK

"10 Things to know from the Offseason":

3. Portland is a player: The Pilots are the challenger to Gonzaga in the West Coast Conference this season. Portland coach Eric Reveno said this is the first time he has felt his team was in the same ballpark as the Zags. The Pilots should feel confident after an offseason trip to Australia that kept the good vibes flowing after a 19-win season. The Pilots return 12 players, including legacies Nik Raivio (father Rick is a Pilot hall of famer and brother Derek was a solid player at Gonzaga) and Luke Sikma (son of famed Sonic Jack Sikma). Jared Stohl may not have the household name, but few are better shooters at 45.6 percent on 3s. T.J. Campbell, the co-newcomer of the league last season, isn't too shabby either. The Pilots needed the Australian trip because they have had issues winning key road games late in the season, losing their way at San Diego and Santa Clara last season. Playing away from home will determine this team's fate.

Portland
The Pilots are the latest West Coast Conference team to attempt to knock Gonzaga off its conference high horse. The Zags have won nine straight regular-season titles, but coach Eric Reveno has a junior- and senior-laden team that will battle for the top spot. Led by guards Nik Raivio, Jared Stohl and T.J. Campbell, Portland has a chance to make some serious noise early in the season. Five days after hosting Oregon, the Pilots take on UCLA in the 76 Classic and will play either Butler or Minnesota in their second game.

• Portland vs. Pac-10: The Pilots have a fighting chance to knock off UCLA in the opening round of the 76 Classic and will get an opportunity on the second day to pick up a quality power-rating win against either Butler or Minnesota. Portland also gets a chance to host improved Oregon and plays at Washington in December. The Pilots beat UW a year ago in the season opener. A win over the Huskies would give them momentum, and more importantly, cachet come March.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/notebook?page=notebook/shootaround/bestofrest

I'm gonna pass it along to Kramer's grandparents. MJ Next time I see Micky's dad ,Coach Rick McConnell at a the Dobson HS gym I'll have to pass a copy of it on to him. I know he's always interested in what all of his players who have graduated are doing with their college careers. I don't want to rub it in guy's but beside watching the Pilot's I get to watch our recruit play all of his senior season this year at Dobson . Can you believe Rick came within a "hairs breath" of coaching your used to be fan fav ex- Blazer Channing Frye. Those sneaks at the parochial school St Mary's in Phoenix recruited him right out of the Dobson School district.Recruiting in HS ??? ok mesa calm down that's a subject for another day....

I wonder could it just be Mesa or could the experts at ESPN be that FAR OFF on the high expections for the Pilots men BB team ??? Directed to Stoney because I know I make you nervous when I cheer,cheer,overcheer for the Pilot's before November!!!!
We have to face it though teams are looking to trounce all over the Pilot's this year to help their RPI if nothing else.

TJ CAMPBELL FOR


MesaPilot1-seven emoticon's watch out I'm getting close to a record guys,you guys count post's , I count emoticon's,lol.


WERE NUMBER ____, were considered a team you don't want to play....that's even better.....

Ha ha, Mesa... you don't make me nervous at all! I love Portland getting some national press, and really it's not surprising... we return practically everyone from a winning team, we shoot the ball well, we rebound well, we're well-coached... those are the hallmarks of a team that is poised to have a good season. I'm very happy that the talking heads recognize that and are giving us a bit of love.

I may not say it every day, but believe me... there aren't many people out there more excited for this upcoming season than me.

Good Lord...as much Kool Aid as I drink, it's tough for me to fathom beating UCLA. We would have to play an absolutely perfect game. It will be athleticism vs. grit. I'm starting to get concerned about over-hyping this team. I'd rather do more talking 10 games or so into the season. When I look at our schedule, I think that beating Butler or Minnesoata could be a reality though...

athleticjames wrote:Good Lord...as much Kool Aid as I drink, it's tough for me to fathom beating UCLA. We would have to play an absolutely perfect game. It will be athleticism vs. grit. I'm starting to get concerned about over-hyping this team. I'd rather do more talking 10 games or so into the season. When I look at our schedule, I think that beating Butler or Minnesoata could be a reality though...

UCLA lost a lot...in fact I think they are generally ranked below both Butler and Minnesota. So beating the Bruins might be easier than a win in the second game...and certainly more prestigious.

I do agree though, after what I have seen in my 15 or so years of Pilot fandom, it is hard to think about us having a good shot at beating UCLA. You've gotta believe to achieve!