A note about UC Davis

(With an apology to Andrew Lloyd Webber) don't cry for me UC Davis fans for the tide will turn. Your residence in Aggie-dom will be rewarded and rewarding and here's why:

Coach Jim Les has a core of players in Ryan Sypkens (whose season-ending injury has really limited the team's firepower), Tyler Les, Josh Ritchart, JT Adenrele, Tyrell Corbin, plus Corey Hawkins redshirting.  This bunch possesses the necessary skill sets plus solid athleticism, if not yet the requisite experience in both college basketball and Coach Jim Les' new style.

Plus, help is on the way in 5-foot-10 point Darius Graham, 6-foot-4 wing Tyler Ott (although Ott's tenure will at some point be interrupted by his LDS mission) and 6-foot-2 combo backcourter Olivier Paul-Betu. Each possesses plus athleticism and the ability to get one's own shot.

Putting points on the scoreboard should not be a problem in the next or future seasons for the Aggies.

However, at least one but but maybe two frontcourters, ones who can contribute in the paint right away, must be signed. Ritchart seems best suited for at least some time at the wing and two large additions will allow that to take place. The current bigs are Alex Tiffin, who is appearing as more of help off the bench, Mike Kurtz who must add weight and strength in order to be effective and walk-on Justin Dueck. None yet appear as guys don't (yet) appear as talents who can win the individual nightly battles at their position.

UC Davis is an attractive option academically and having a new coach also allows the opportunity of convincing recruits to come in and be program changers. Add in the opportunity for major playing time and you can bet the Aggie coaching staff will have added center/power forward talent and beef by the time April concludes.

But what also needs to come around is a player commitment to defending, a mindset of preventing points. Graham will certainly bring that and it's nice when the tip of the defensive spear prides himself on making opponents work for everything. That contagion needs spreading.