Big West report | NCAA Tournament report

SportsLine.com Report
March 17, 2000

A Glance At 2001

Look for Utah State to again make a run at the NCAA Tournament as everybody but senior Troy Rolle returns. A key will be how well the bench players develop in the offseason in case the injury bug that was absent this year decides to strike. Another factor is how well Utah State handles high expectations. This year, the Aggies were able to sneak up on everybody; next season they'll be hunted.

The Coach

If he isn't lured away from Logan by a more high-profile program, expect Morrill, the Big West Coach of the Year, to have the Aggies in the postseason hunt once again.

Morrill's 15 wins in 1998-99 were the most for a first-year Utah State coach since 1980 and his total this year is the most ever by a second-year USU coach. In fact, it is the most wins by any coach in school history. If Morrill was this successful with a bunch of newcomers, just imagine what he can do next season when he returns virtually everybody.

Who'll Be Back

Utah State returns four starters next season, including seniors-to-be Shawn Daniels, Dmitri Jorssen and Bernard Rock as well as junior-to-be Brown. Look for Brown to emerge as one of the best shooters in the Big West.

Who's Gone

The Aggies lose only Rolle. They will miss his leadership and consistency, but have enough coming back that the loss shouldn't matter much.

Key Newcomers

With nearly everybody returning, there isn't much room for newcomers on the Aggies' roster next year. Nonetheless, Morrill went to the JC ranks to add some depth, signing a pair of forwards.

• F Toraino Johnson (6-4, 200): Should compete for the starting spot vacated by Rolle.
• F John Neill (6-7): Another player expected to contribute immediately, Neill brings some size to the Aggies' front line.