This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Weber State coach Randy Rahe, at least publically, is hesitant about throwing around praise, especially before his team has played.
Losing Damian Lillard, the best player in school history, to the NBA, as well as two senior leaders to graduation, has made the WSU coach cautious about this version of the Wildcats — who are coming off a 25-7 season and a second-place finish in the Big Sky Conference.
"We're not very good yet," said Rahe, whose team was picked in the preseason to finish second behind Montana in conference play. "That's probably the way most coaches feel. I wish Lillard was coming back — I'd feel a lot better."
Weber State does return seven players who saw plenty of game time last season, including starting guard Scott Bamforth and post Kyle Tresnak. Both were all-conference selections.
Bamforth and senior forward Frank Otis are expected to provide the leadership that Rahe seeks.
In addition, guard Jordan Richardson, a junior, and sophomore Gelaun Wheelwright provide Rahe with depth to play either small or large, depending on matchups.
Plenty is also expected out of junior college transfer Davion Berry, a 6-foot-6 wing with an accurate 3-point shot.
"We'll be fine if we can get some leadership," Rahe said. —
Arizona Christian at Weber State
P Season opener
Friday, 7 p.m.
Note • For Weber State's complete schedule, visit
Weber State schedule
Friday • Arizona Christian 7 p.m
Nov. 15 • at San Jose State 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 24 • at Utah State 7 p.m.
Nov. 28 • at Dayton 5 p.m.
Dec. 5 • Utah Valley 7 p.m.
Dec. 8 • UC Irvine 7 p.m.
Dec. 15 • BYU 7 p.m.
Dec. 20 • at Eastern Washington* 8 p.m.
Dec. 22 • at Portland State* 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 29 • University of the Southwest 7 p.m.
Jan. 3 • Northern Colorado* 7 p.m.
Jan. 5 • North Dakota* 7 p.m.
Jan. 10 • at Southern Utah* 7 p.m.
Jan. 14 • at Idaho State* 7 p.m.
Jan. 17 • Northern Arizona* 7 p.m.
Jan. 19 • Sacramento State* 7 p.m.
Jan. 24 • at Montana State* 7 p.m.
Jan. 26 • at Montana* 7 p.m.
Jan. 31 • at North Dakota* 6 p.m.
Feb. 2 • at Northern Colorado* 7 p.m.
Feb. 9 • Southern Utah* 7 p.m.
Feb. 11 • Idaho State* 7 p.m.
Feb. 14 • Montana* 7 p.m.
Feb. 16 • Montana State* 7 p.m.
Feb. 23 • BracketBuster TBA
Feb. 28 • at Sacramento State* 8 p.m.
March 2 • at Northern Arizona* 2 p.m.
March 7 • Portland State* 7 p.m.
March 9 • Eastern Washington* 7 p.m.
March 14-16 • Big Sky Conference Tournament
*Big Sky Conference