ESPN's WCC Shootaround

by Stonehouse Wed Sep 03, 2008 9:47 am

Not much info on Portland, but lots of goodies about the conference. Is it November yet? Smile

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

Portland hasn't seen the sunny side of .500 this century, but hopes are high (relatively speaking) that the Pilots can edge closer to the break-even mark this season. UP returns seven of its top eight scorers and will look for big contributions from junior guard Nik Raivio (brother of former Gonzaga star Derek) and sophomore forward Luke Sikma (son of former NBA big man Jack). What the team lacks in standout talent, it makes up for in size with four players standing 6-foot-9 or taller, including behemoth freshman center John Hegarty (7-1, 365). UP could surprise some teams, but with nine underclassmen and no seniors, the Pilots may still be a year away from making a more serious run.

EDIT: Just noticed that it the preview was written by Nathan Dinsdale, who was the sports editor of The Beacon in the early 2000s. It's got to be the same guy, right? A quick Google search shows that he is based in San Diego now... sounds like a good fit for someone to write a WCC preview. I just wish he would have given his Pilots a little more love! Smile