All three Division I basketball programs in Eastern Washington opened practice Friday.
Washington State and Gonzaga are dealing with major changes. Eastern Washington University is looking to get back into postseason play.
At WSU in Pullman, new coach Ken Bone takes over for Tony Bennett, who left for Virginia after taking the Cougars to three straight postseason appearances. The Cougars have only one senior, Nik Koprivica, returning, along with seven sophomores and eight freshmen.
"It's going to take time to work together and instill our philosophy," Bone said. "But we are a very young team that I see progressing throughout the year."
Gonzaga opened practice for what figured to be the closest to a rebuilding year the Zags get these days.
Four key performers from last year's 28-6 team -- Jeremy Pargo, Austin Daye, Josh Heytvelt and Micah Downs -- are gone.
EWU is seeking to improve from last year's 12-18 record. They were just 6-10 in the Big Sky Conference, missing the league tournament for the third straight year.
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Jets waive EWU's Trufant
Jets waive EWU's Trufant
NEW YORK -- Isaiah Trufant, former Eastern Washington University standout -- saw his NFL career took a hit when he was released by the New York Jets.
The middle brother in a family of talented defensive backs — Marcus Trufant plays for the Seahawks and Desmond made a game-saving interception for the Washington Huskies against Eastern on Saturday — was on the Jets practice squad last December and played in their final home game of the regular season.
Huskies hope to rebound vs. Hawaii
Huskies hope to rebound vs. Hawaii
SEATTLE -- Of all the stats, numbers and facts that got thrown around in the wake of Washington's surprisingly tense victory over Eastern Washington last week, here's one that was largely missed -- UW has the sixth-longest winning streak in the nation.
The win over Eastern was UW's fifth in a row dating to last season. Only Auburn (16), Stanford (9), Nevada and Ohio State (7) and Oklahoma (6) have longer current winning streaks as the Huskies prepare for a game at 12:30 p.m. Saturday against Hawaii.
You'd never have known it, however, from listening to UW players and coaches this week.
EWU, UW set for battle in Seattle
EWU, UW set for battle in Seattle
SEATTLE -- In the midst of getting his team ready for the Holiday Bowl a year ago, Washington coach Steve Sarkisian couldn't help but notice what was happening on the other side of the state.
Eastern Washington's run to the Football Championship Subdivision title brought the Eagles plenty of attention and a few more fans.
"This isn't the biggest state, so you have to support one another," Sarkisian said. "A lot of those are in-state kids and kids that we've had in camp or known through the recruiting process, and you wish them the best of luck. They earned it. They deserved it. It's good for the state of Washington that they did what they did."
Chiawana's Downing, Zamora set to commit to EWU
Chiawana's Downing, Zamora set to commit to EWU
PASCO -- Chiawana seniors Jordan Downing and Miquiyah Zamora, both named to the Washington 4A all-state football team in the fall, plan to remain teammates at Eastern Washington University in Cheney.
The four-year starters went on a recruiting trip last weekend that all but finalized their decision. The next date for athletes to sign letters of intent is Feb. 1.
"It's not official, but it's really solid. It came down to Western Oregon and Eastern, but Eastern gave me a chance to play as a true freshman," said Zamora, a three-time all-CBBN defensive back who will play safety with the Eagles. "I'm just happy I get to prove myself to people that I belong at a Division I program."
Panthers F Versteeg out Wednesday with flu
Panthers F Versteeg out Wednesday with flu
Florida Panthers forward Kris Versteeg will miss Wednesday's game against the Washington Capitals with the flu.
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