Weber State basketball: Wildcats picked 4th in Big Sky poll

OGDEN — The Weber State men's basketball team was predicted to finish fourth in the Big Sky by the media covering the conference and fifth by the league's coaches.

The Wildcats, who finished with a 16-14 record in coach Randy Rahe's second season at Weber State, return two seniors in Kellen McCoy and Daviin Davis. Davis is one of just two returning starters, along with post player Steve Panos.

Reigning Big Sky champion Portland State was picked to win the conference in both polls. The Vikings, coached by Ken Bone, return Big Sky MVP Jeremiah Dominguez. They also bring in three talented transfers from Division I programs.

The Wildcats are somewhat of an unknown in the conference because they return just four lettermen in Davis, McCoy, Steve Panos and Trevor Morris. They have eight players they will rely on who have never played Division I basketball.

Weber State officially opens the 2008-09 season against Miami-Ohio. The Wildcats are the first Big Sky team to tip-off this season.

Big Sky preseason rankings

Coaches poll

Team, (1st-place votes) Total points

1. Portland State (7) 63

2. Montana (2) 56

3. Idaho State 49

4. Northern Arizona 41

5. Weber State 34

6. Northern Colorado 29

7. Eastern Washington 22

8. Montana State 14

9. Sacramento State 10

Media poll

Team, (1st-place votes) Total points

1. Portland State (21) 212

2. Montana (2) 167

3. Idaho State (1) 156

4. Weber State 143

5. Northern Arizona 139

6. Northern Colorado 97

7. Montana State 70

8. Eastern Washington 59

9. Sacramento State 36