Location: Spokane, Wa. | Founded: 1887 | Enrollment: 6,375 | Colors: Blue, white and red
Coach: Mark Few | Home Court: McCarthey Athletic Center | Capacity: 6,000 Record:
(25-8, 13-1
West Coast)
WHAT WENT RIGHT The Bulldogs had nonconference wins over Western Kentucky, Virginia Tech, St. Joseph's and Connecticut, and won its final seven scheduled games, including a decisive win over St. Mary's, to claim an eighth straight regular-season title. Austin Daye showed signs of becoming a star, and Jeremy Pargo was named conference player of the year. The Bulldogs had no bad losses, considering San Diego, which beat Gonzaga in the WCC finals, beat Connecticut in the NCAAs. David Pendergraft emerged as as one of the WCC's best forwards as a senior, and Josh Heytvelt finally got healthy after returning to the team. Freshman Steven Gray stepped right into the starting lineup after returning in December from an ankle injury, and he played well at the end of the season.
WHAT WENT WRONG Losing in the conference tournament finals and in the first round of the NCAA Tournament were downers, especially since the Bulldogs were favored. Heytvelt never regained the level he had attained last season before his suspension late last season and injury early this season. Matt Bouldin was not as productive at the end of the season as he had been midway through. Theo Davis never became the factor that was expected before transferring out.
QUOTE TO NOTE "It's very disappointing. The sky was the limit for us, especially seeing what was coming down the road." -- G Jeremy Pargo, to the Spokane Spokseman Review, after a first-round loss to Davidson.
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