Go Zags!!! Paul's Pre-season Analysis

Offense
The Zags start the season as a big "?" as the team currently lacks an identity having lost its top two scorers. Look for Senior guard Derek Raivio to take the lead and play more in the off-guard position early in games to increase his offensive production. Sophmore Jermey Pargo will likely share point guard duties with Raivio in what is sure to be a fast paced Run-n-Gun type offense. Expect to see more of an old school Zags style of play where there is no hesitation for a lot 3's to be put up.

If the Zags are to be successful Center Josh Heytvelt must be aggressive and establish a solid inside presence along with Senior Sean Mallon. Heytvelt will take over as the Zags new leading scorer, but not by much. Expect to see a much more balanced scoring attack with 4 or 5 guys in double figures nightly.

Defense
Defensively, this will be a more focused team than in previous years. With the teams better overall speed look for a lot of defensive pressure to create more points off turnovers. Junior Guard P-Mac will be the team's key defensive stopper along with a hopefully soon to be healthy Larry Gurganious. I hope to see this team play more man-to-man defense especially late in games, although, Coach Few has been overly committed to living and dying by zone. This has left the Zags especially open to 3-point shooting teams. A lot depends on Josh Heytvelt's ability to defend the post while staying out of foul trouble.

Overall
A few early season struggles are likely for this team as they come into their own. However, by mid-season expect the team to really turn some heads as they hit their stride. The Zags win the WCC tournament once again and get a 9 seed in the NCAA tournament. This team is a big surpirse in tourny because of their experience and balance. Makes the first Elite Eight run since 1999. As Heytvelt matures and Bouldin emerges as a key contributor, prospects for 2007 are higher than ever for the Zags.

Starting
PG - Pargo - 12pts, 4asts
SG - Raivio - 16pts, 3asts
SF - Pendo - 8pts, 9rbs
PF - Mallon - 12pts, 7rbs
C - Heytvelt - 18pts, 8rbs

6th Men - P-Mac/Bouldin (Couldn't pick one)

Team Stats
Pts - 82 pts
TO- 15

Record: 23-10 (11-3 WCC) (9-6 Non-Conference)

Other
First Team All-WCC - Raivio and Heytvelt
WCC Freshman of the Year - Matt Bouldin
WCC Defensive Player of the Year - P-Mac

Key Wins - Washington, Nevada, Memphis