Men's Basketball

Q. The men's basketball team really looks like they are going in the right direction, landing two very solid D1 transfers in Anthony Tucker (Iowa) and Caleb Palkert (USC-Upstate). I really believe these two players will really give some versatility to the WSU lineup. Tucker is a pure scorer who will more than likely fill David Johnson's shoes and Palkert seems like a great guy we can implement into the lineup to give WSU a (2-big) feel with Vette. Especially with Vette's three-point shooting ability, it seems like we could use another big guy to crash the glass. With WSU already having two other D1 transfers in Vette and C.J. Erickson as well as a solid, veteran point guard in Ben Fischer, do you think WSU could make a possible Elite Eight run? If so, what do you think WSU needs to improve on to get back out to Springfield?

A. Thank you for another great question and a fan that has certainly done their research. One interesting fact is that the Elite Eight will open up for bids after this final year in Springfield, Mass. The NCAA has decided to seek a new venue for the Elite Eight thus moving from the current location of Springfield where it has been held for the past five years. The Warriors certainly will have a great group of student-athletes and as we all know a high caliber coaching staff. I do believe they can make a run to the Elite Eight and even the national championship… They have that type of talent. A couple of things I believe they can work on as a team will be chemistry and leadership. If they can master these two key components stay healthy and get some luck a run to Springfield is definitely possible. Lastly, I believe it takes buy in from all members of the team to play for a national championship. It’s imperative that everyone is working for the same common team goal. I’m really looking forward to basketball season as I believe this group is hungry to be the best they are capable of becoming.