CALDWELL, Idaho – Size at the post will be key for the success of The College of Idaho men's basketball team, as the Coyotes will feature a talented group of interior players as they search for their fourth-straight Cascade Conference Tournament title.
With the entire league back together after traversing the struggles of COVID-19 in 2020-21, the Coyotes will put their string of tourney titles on the line in a 12-team circuit that will feature some of the top teams in the NAIA.
"I don't believe there is any team more excited to play in front of their home crowd than the Yotes," said head coach
Colby Blaine, who claimed CCC Tournament titles in his first two seasons at the helm. "We missed playing in front of our rowdy and loyal YoteFam. We are confident our fans will be pleased with what they see on the court this year."
C of I will have to replace a pair of post players from a season ago –
Jalen Galloway and
Connor Desaulniers. Galloway, who averaged 14.9 points per game, transferred during the offseason to fellow NAIA program – Loyola-New Orleans, while Desaulniers graduated after a solid 3-year run at C of I.
Despite the losses, the squad will feature much more size on the interior – something Blaine is extremely excited for.
"Our bigs bring a variety of skill and length. The youngest group of players we have will take game experience to continue their development, however, returners
Paul Wilson and
Tyler Robinett and newcomer
Tyler Harris bring raw talent that can be difficult for many teams to handle night in and night out."
Wilson, in his third-year in the program, showcased his talents over the final month of last season. The 7-footer averaged 9.5 points and 5.5 rebounds during the stretch, knocking down 24 of his final 37 field goal attempts, while leading the team with 14 blocked shots.
"We saw
Paul Wilson emerge half way through last year and he dominated transition with his ability to run and get deep position around the rim," Blaine said. "At 7-feet, he is a force for anyone to deal with, opening many looks for his teammates."
After spending most of last season flying under the radar, the 6-foot-7 Robinett looks for a breakout season. The second-year Coyote and former All-State player at Middleton High, made the most of his limited opportunities as a true freshman – scoring 11 points in a pair of road games at Division I foes Eastern Washington and Portland.
"One of our most improved players this off season was
Tyler Robinett," Blaine said. "He has come in in great shape with added strength and maturity. He has a very skilled game that allows him to pick and pop for 3 or score with his jump hook. However, Tyler's ability to rebound has been noticeable this fall and will provide him a significant amount of time in our rotation."
Newcomer
Tyler Harris will be key to the Yotes success – providing another big frame at 6-foot-10. The transfer had a solid 2020-21 season at College of the Sequoias in California, averaging six points and six rebounds, connecting on 57-percent of his field goal attempts.
"
Tyler Harris brings great size and length," Blaine said. "As for any newcomer there is a traditional learning curve. Tyler is doing a great job of picking up our system and showing he has a great ability to offensive rebound and provide us extra possessions."
With the season opener vs. Rocky Mountain just 10 days away, Blaine knows that points in the paint will be key to C of I's success.
"I am excited to see this group grow and believe that by the time we hit the half way mark of the season, these three will collectively provide an elite 40 minutes at the center position."
