Weber State basketball: Rahe's Wildcats are jelling quickly

OGDEN — Name tags weren't completely necessary when the Weber State basketball team officially began preparing for the 2008-09 season last week.

But for a team that returns just two starters and four lettermen, getting on the same page and learning coach Randy Rahe's system will be a process.

"A lot of new players," said junior post player Steve Panos. "I managed to learn everyone's name about a week ago. I'm just joking."

The truth is that although the players haven't known each other for a long period of time, they have quickly jelled. They've already become a tight-knit group through getting to know each other during the summer, and in playing pick-up ball together in the last couple of months. Rahe said he recruited a group of high-character players who are unselfish and willing to buy into the team-first concept.

"The chemistry is better than any of the three years I've been here," said Weber State forward Daviin Davis, one of the team's two seniors along with point guard Kellen McCoy. "I just think no one has egos. No one is coming in with, 'I want to do this. It's all about us.' Everyone has seen the success we've had and I believe everyone wants that, wants that ring, wants that conference championship."

There's no questioning whether this Weber State team has talent. The Wildcats will rely on veterans Davis, McCoy and Panos for leadership. Trevor Morris, a 6-foot-9 sophomore, will team with 6-8 Panos in the post to try and compensate for the loss of Arturas Valeika, who led the Big Sky in rebounding as a senior last season.

Some additions to the team include sharpshooting guard Nick Hansen, who is looking to join the starting lineup, and Marcus Carson. Marco Ramos is a junior transfer who could quickly contribute on the boards. The Wildcats have two extremely talented freshman guards in Damian Lillard and Terrance Dent, and they represent the future of the program.

Kyle Bullinger is a hard-nosed, 6-6 forward who should contribute on both ends of the floor. The Wildcats also have two former state MVPs on their roster in Darin Mahoney and Josh Cottle, both of whom played on state championship teams at Wasatch High.

Rahe said he's more than pleased with how his team has fared since it began practicing on Friday.

"From an effort and togetherness and competing standpoint, they're going very, very well," Rahe said. "We've got a great group. This is going to be an excellent group of guys. I love coaching them."