From Washington State Cougars On SI · · 1m 20s
Washington State Cougars' 7-Footers Plan
Washington State basketball avoids 7-footers with three post players who screen, rebound and disrupt opponents.
In brief
Washington State basketball avoids 7-footers with three post players who screen, rebound and disrupt opponents. Washington State basketball uses three post players to defend without traditional 7-footers by screening, rebounding and disrupting opponents. Originally reported by Washington State Cougars On SI.
Washington State roster
There isn’t a 7-footer on the Washington State University roster, or any player who resembles a true low-post banger.
Coach David Riley's plan
Coach David Riley asks his trio of post players to be active and cover ground to screen, rebound and nudge opposing big men.
Riley's quote
We don’t necessarily have positional size at center.We are not going to do it above the rim with rim protection.We are to do it by being out there early and hitting guys.
“We don’t necessarily have positional size at center”
Projected starter
Ladji Dembele: 6-9, 260, redshirt junior with 65 Big Ten games experience, 21 starts at center, co-defensive player of the year.
Key reserve Mohamed Sankhe
Mohamed Sankhe: 6-10, 265, freshman from Senegal with French Pro B league experience.
Key reserve Dominik Robinson
Dominik Robinson: 6-10, 235, freshman with high-upside athleticism and back-to-the-basket scoring potential.
Projected stats
Dembele: 4.5 points, 5.5 rebounds per game; Sankhe: 4.0 points, 4.0 rebounds per game; Robinson: 5.0 points, 3.5 rebounds per game.
The bottom line
Washington State basketball uses three post players to defend without traditional 7-footers by screening, rebounding and disrupting opponents.
