Boise State walked into Pac-12 media day with two basketball teams talking about the same thing in different ways: a fresh start.
The Broncos are entering a new conference, and both the men and women made it clear they see the move as more than just a schedule change. There are new rosters, new challenges and, in their view, a chance to prove something right away.
On the women’s side, the tone was upbeat, even with a roster that looks young on paper. Boise State is coming off a 25-9 season, but this group is expected to lean heavily on freshmen and sophomores, with at least 10 players listed in those two classes. Head coach Gordy Presnell said he likes what he sees.
“I’m really fired up about our team and our freshmen and what’s ahead,” Presnell said.
The Pac-12 schedule won’t give the Broncos much room to settle in. Gonzaga, Oregon State and Washington State are all on the league slate, and Presnell pointed to the depth at the top and throughout the conference.
“Gonzaga is just loaded and they have the top international player in the United States playing for them. Oregon State has gone to a Final Four in the last 10 years... and Washington State won the Pac-12 two years ago.
So, our league is just loaded. I’m anxious for the competitive part.
We want to meet them at half court and see what happens,” Presnell said.
Junior forward Libby Hutton now finds herself as one of the more experienced pieces on the roster, and she said the team is leaning into a quicker style built around playing together.
“It’s looking like we’re all gonna play as a team, we play very fast pace, so I think that my teammates have really helped me with just understanding my role this year,” Hutton said.
CJ Latta added that the group’s maturity could be the thing that keeps the youth from becoming a problem.
“You won’t even be able to really tell that we’re super young. I think our maturity is very high,” Latta said.
For the men, Leon Rice said last season’s inconsistency pushed him to change the feel of the team. His answer was to bring in players he believes will compete every day and give Boise State a harder edge.
“We’ve got a bunch of guys that are scrappy and tough and out to prove something and that’s what I want. Those are the guys that show up ready to compete,” Rice said.
Pearson Carmichael said the Broncos are looking at the Pac-12’s first year as a chance to make an early statement.
“It’s the first year of the Pac-12, so there’s not really a standard yet. But I will say that we’re coming to set the standard,” Carmichael said.
Both teams will begin Pac-12 play on the road. The men open in Logan against Utah State, while the women head to San Marcos to face Texas State. Pac-12 play begins in January.
In Other News...
Boise State Heads Into Fresno State With A Big Offensive Concern
Boise State heads into Saturday nights trip to Fresno State carrying a familiar offensive concern, with at least two starters unavailable again. Wide receiver Cam Bates and left guard Carson Rasmussen are out for the matchup, leaving the Broncos to piece together protection and targets as they prepare for an 8:30 p.m. Mountain time kickoff on The CW.
The rest of the injury picture is still worth watching because several players from both teams are listed as out or questionable. Boise State does have a few encouraging notes in the backfield and at receiver, but the final availability report could still shape how aggressive the Broncos can be in a game that already comes with plenty of pressure. [Read more 🡒]
Boise State Gets One Offensive Boost But A Real Concern Remains
Boise State got a little clarity on its injury situation Friday when the program released its first Pac-12 availability report ahead of the Fresno State game. The good news for the Broncos is in the backfield, where junior running backs Sire Gaines and Dylan Riley are expected to play after missing time with injuries, giving the offense at least one much-needed boost as it heads into a pivotal matchup.
The bigger concern is at receiver, where the group is still shorthanded. Leading receiver Rasean Jones is questionable after a head injury scare, while Cam Bates and Darren Morris are out, leaving Spencer Danielson to lean on the depth Boise State has tried to build at the position. How much that depth can hold up against Fresno State is the more pressing question as kickoff approaches. [Read more 🡒]
Boise State Heads To Fresno With The Milk Can Finally Feeling Personal
The Milk Can has been around long enough to carry some weight, but the rivalry heading into Saturday at Valley Childrens Stadium feels especially pointed this week. Boise State coach Spencer Danielson talked about the current state of the series with Fresno State, while Bulldogs coach Matt Entz also addressed the matchup and the way the trophy has been part of their practice setting, a reminder that both sides know exactly what is at stake even before kickoff.
For Boise State, the trip comes with a little extra edge because Fresno State has owned the recent history of the series, and the Broncos are trying to change the tone of a game that has started to feel personal again. Danielsons comments suggested as much, with the trophy and the streak both lingering in the background as Boise State heads into a setting where the rivalry will get another chance to define itself. [Read more 🡒]