2008-09 Vandals - University of Idaho Athletics

2008-09 Vandals 

2008-09 Idaho Vandal Basketball 19

Don 

Verlin 

Head Coach 

First Season 

Colorado State 1993 

MOSCOW, Idaho – Don Verlin has joined the University of 

Idaho family as head coach of the Vandal men’s basketball 

program. Verlin, who was the longest tenured assistant 

coach in Utah State history, brings his offensive expertise 

from the fifth-winningest Division I basketball program of the 

decade. 

coaching staff 

past 20 years his teams have 467 victories. The teams with 

which he has been involved never have had a record below 

.500. 

“I’m extremely honored to be chosen the head basketball 

coach at the University of Idaho,” Verlin said. “I am 

tremendously excited and am looking forward to building a 

winning basketball program here.” 

Verlin said the schools share not only a conference 

affiliation that will be beneficial in his transition but a collegetown 

atmosphere that is a draw to his recruiting style and 

his family. 

“One of the things that really impressed me was the 

passion Rob Spear and (Idaho president) Tim White have for 

the University of Idaho,” Verlin said. 

“Don is a winner. He has been involved with winning 

programs his entire career,” Idaho Director of Athletics Dr. 

Rob Spear said. “He has been mentored by one of the most 

respected coaches in the game – Stew Morrill. 

“Don is a program-builder, a great evaluator of talent, and 

he understands what it takes to be successful in the Western 

Athletic Conference.” 

Verlin has been with Morrill for 15 years, which includes 

their time together at Colorado State University before Morrill 

was hired at Utah 

State 11 seasons 

ago. The offensive 

guru for the Aggies, 

Verlin has been a 

key component in 

Utah State’s nine 

successive postseason 

appearances 

and nine-successive 

20-plus-win seasons. 

In his 16 years at the 

NCAA level, Verlin’s 

teams have won 

73 percent of their 

games and over the 

Verlin, who was in charge of USU’s complex offensive 

schemes, helped turn the Aggies into one of the best shooting 

teams in the country as they currently are in a position to 

finish first in the nation for field goal shooting, as they did in 

2005. The team has ranked among the top three shooting 

teams nationally in four of the last five years. 

“Don has been with me 15 years and it’s always tough 

to see someone go when they’ve been with you that long,” 

Morrill said in a statement released by the school. “I am 

very happy for him and his family. He will be a terrific head 

coach and we will 

miss having him as 

part of our program. 

Even though we will 

be competing in the 

same league, Don 

will always be family 

and that will never 

change.” 

Prior to Utah 

State, Verlin spent 

two tenures at 

Colorado State, as 

he was an assistant 

at CSU during the 

20 

2008-09 Idaho Vandal Basketball


Coaching experience 

1999-2008 

Utah State 

1995-1998 

Colorado State 

1993-1994 

Cal State Bakersfield 

1992 


1989-1991 

Columbia (Calif.) JC 

Assistant Coach 





Education 

1993 


Master’s (Education) 

1991 

Cal State Stanislaus Bachelor’s (Physical Education) 

1983 

Del Oro (Loomis, Calif.) High School 

1992 season before moving to Cal State Bakersfield for the 

1993 and 1994 seasons. During his two seasons as an 

assistant in California, Cal State Bakersfield won back-toback 

NCAA Division II national championships. 

PERSONAL 

Birthdate June 15, 1965 

Hometown 

Loomis, Calif. 

Wife 

Serena 

Children Jacob (12) and Sydnee (5) 

Verlin returned to Colorado State ahead of the 1995 

season and then spent the next five seasons in Fort Collins. 

Prior to his first stint at Colorado State, Verlin was an 

assistant at Columbia (Calif.) Junior College from 1989-91. 

Columbia posted an 81-23 record in his three years there 

and won two conference championships. 

Verlin, 42, graduated from Cal State Stanislaus with a 

degree in physical education in 1991. He earned a master’s 

degree in education from Colorado State in 1993. 

Born June 15, 1965 at Roseville, Calif., Verlin graduated 

from Del Oro High School at Loomis, Calif. He and his wife, 

the former Serena Shumway, have one son (Jacob, 12) and 

one daughter (Sydnee, 5). He also has a twin brother (Ron) 

who is an assistant basketball coach at Pacific. 



Mike 

Score 


Second Season 

Washington 1996 

Mike Score joined the Idaho men’s basketball staff as an assistant 

coach in 2007. 

Score spent the past three seasons at Utah where the Utes advanced 

to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament during the 2004-05 season. 

Prior to his time at Utah, Score spent four seasons as an assistant at 

Eastern Washington University after earning his start in coaching with four 

seasons at Southeastern Community College (Iowa). 

“Mike Score is a very good basketball coach,” Idaho coach Don Verlin 

said. “My relationship with him goes back several years to his days at the 

University of Utah. My first priority when I accepted this position was to 

keep coach Score at the University of Idaho. He is a star in this business 

in every phase of the game. He is both a great recruiter and a great bench 

coach. He will be in charge of implementing a large portion of our offensive 

schemes, as well as serving as our recruiting coordinator. I will rely on him 

a great deal and I am relieved he has chosen to stay at Idaho.” 

During Score’s tenure at Eastern Washington, the Eagles went to the 

NCAA Tournament in 2004 and the NIT in 2003 - the school’s first postseason 

appearances. Eastern also won the Big Sky Conference regularseason 

and tournament titles in 2004. He has recruited heavily in the 

Pacific Northwest, Canada and overseas. 

Before his tenure at Eastern Washington, Score spent four seasons as an 

assistant coach at Southeastern Community College at West Burlington, 

Iowa. He helped guide Southeastern to the 1999-2000 National Junior 

College Athletic Association (NJCAA) championship and a 34-4 record. 

Eight players from that squad went on to play at NCAA Division I schools. 

Southeastern was 94-41 in Score’s four seasons there as he helped 

recruit three junior college All-America selections. Score coordinated 

recruiting, academics, film exchange and scouting, and was also the 

team’s summer camp director. 

Score was a student assistant coach at the University of Washington 

from 1994-96, where he was involved in video exchange and various 

administrative duties. 

Score received two bachelor’s degrees from Washington in 1996, one in 

business administration and another in political science. 

A 1991 graduate of Everett (Wash.) High School, Score was born Dec. 

10, 1972, at Seattle, Wash. He and his wife, Carly, welcomed their first 

daughter, Ella, in August 2008. 


2004-2006 

Utah 

2000-2004 

Eastern Washington 

1996-2004 

Southeastern Community College 

1994-1996 

Washington 

Education 

1996 

Washington 

1991 

Everett (Washington) High School 




Student Assistant Coach 

Bachelor’s (Business Administration) 

Bachelor’s (Political Science) 

PERSONAL 

Birthdate December 10, 1972 

Hometown 

Everett, Wash. 

Wife 

Carly 

Children 

Ella 

22 



Ray 

Lopes 


First Season 

College of Idaho 1987 

Ray Lopes joined the University of Idaho men’s basketball program as an 

assistant coach in 2008. 

“I can’t express how excited I am for Ray Lopes to be joining our Vandal 

family,” Idaho coach Don Verlin said. “His résumé and experience speak for 

themselves.” 

Lopes’ résumé shows success at multiple levels of coaching and includes a 

Western Athletic Conference regular-season title with Fresno State in 2003 and an 

NBA D League Championship with the Idaho Stampede last season. 

“I am very grateful and appreciative to both coach Verlin and (Idaho Director 

of Athletics) Dr. (Rob) Spear for providing me this opportunity to get back into 

the college game and to join the Vandal family,” Lopes said. “I am excited to 

join coach Verlin’s staff and look forward to being a part of a very bright future in 

Idaho basketball. This is a great opportunity for me and my family.” 

Lopes spent the past two years as associate head coach of the Idaho Stampede 

at Boise. The team finished 36-14 last season on its way to the 2007-08 NBA D 

League Championship. During the 2006-07 season, the Stampede tied for the 

best record in the league at 33-17. 

Lopes spent the previous season as a personnel scout for the San Antonio 

Spurs. Prior to his NBA experience, he was head coach at Fresno State University, 

compiling a cumulative 50-37 record over three seasons. He was named WAC 

Coach of the Year and CBS Sportsline Rookie Coach of the Year in 2003. 

Prior to his stint at Fresno, Lopes spent eight seasons as an assistant coach 

at the University of Oklahoma under then-coach Kelvin Sampson. He helped the 

Sooners to eight consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, plus a trip to the 

Sweet 16 in 1999 and the 2002 Final Four. While at Oklahoma, the Sooners won 

at least 20 games five seasons in a row, averaging 26 wins per year, including a 

31-5 record in 2001-02. The Sooners had a 187-74 record while Lopes was an 

assistant coach and won the 2001 and 2002 Big 12 Tournament title. Oklahoma 

was no worse than a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament over his last three 

years. 

Lopes also served as an assistant coach under Sampson for one season at 

Washington State, where he helped the Cougars to a 20-11 record and a berth 

in the NCAA Tournament. He joined the Washington State staff after a four-year 

stint as an assistant at UC Santa Barbara from 1989-93 under head coach Jerry 

Pimm. The Gauchos posted a 73-44 record and advanced to three postseason 

tournaments. In 1990, UC Santa Barbara advanced to the second round of the 

NCAA Southeast Regional before losing to the Steve Smith-led Michigan State 

Spartans. That year, the Gauchos knocked off Jerry Tarkanian’s great UNLV team 

that won 34 consecutive games and the NCAA title. 

Lopes and his wife, Pierrette, have two daughters, Alaina and Teylor, and a 

son, Trey. 



Idaho Stampede 

2005-06 

San Antonio Spurs 

2002-2005 

Fresno State 

1994-2002 

Oklahoma 

1993-1994 

Washington State 

1989-1993 

UC Santa Barbara 

Education 

1987 

College of Idaho 

1980 

Moreau High School 


Personnel Scout 

Head Coach 




Bachelor’s (Business Administration) 

PERSONAL 

Birthdate Dec. 8, 1962 

Hometown 

Hartford, Conn. 

Wife 

Pierrette 

Children Alaina (17), Teylor (14) and Trey (9) 



Mike 

Freeman 


Second Season 

Iowa 2006 


2006-2007 

Lambuth University 

2001-2006 

Iowa 

Education 


Student Manager 

Mike Freeman remains with the University of Idaho men’s basketball 

program for the 2008-09 season and has been promoted to assistant 

coach. 

Freeman joined the Vandals in 2007 and was the Director of Men’s 

Basketball Operations last season. 

“Mike has earned this position,” Idaho coach Don Verlin said. “In my 

short time here he has proven to me his loyalty and commitment rest 

with this program and myself. Coach Freeman is the hardest worker one 

will ever meet and he wants to learn as much as he can. Those are both 

great qualities. During this transition, coach Freeman has been vital in 

keeping everything organized, as well as keeping our players on track 

academically.” 

Freeman’s responsibilities include emphasis on guard play and player 

development, as well as coordinating team travel. 

“I am thrilled to be part of coach Verlin’s staff at Idaho and look forward 

to learning from one of the best offensive minds in the country,” Freeman 

said. “The University of Idaho is a great place and I am excited to be able 

to be part of the Vandal basketball program.” 

Freeman came to Idaho from Lambuth University at Jackson, Tenn., 

where he was an assistant coach during the 2006-07 season. The team 

was ranked in the top ten for twelve consecutive weeks, reaching as high 

as fourth in the country, and advanced to the NAIA National Tournament. 

He coached the Basketball Times NAIA Player of the Year in Ivan Jenkins, 

who was the second overall pick in the 2007 CBA Draft. 

Freeman graduated from Iowa in 2006 with a degree in Communication 

Studies and a minor in Sports Studies. He also earned a certificate in 

Entrepreneurship. While at Iowa, he was the student manager for the 

men’s basketball team from 2001-2006 where the Hawkeyes earned trips 

to three NIT’s and two NCAA Tournaments. In 2005-06, Iowa earned a 25- 

9 overall record, which was the second most wins in school history. The 

team also finished undefeated at home for the first time in school history 

at 17-0 and earned a No. 3 seed at the NCAA Tournament. 

He originally is from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 

2006 

Iowa 

2001 

Xavier High School 

PERSONAL 

Birthdate 

Dec. 29, 1982 

Hometown 

Cedar Rapids, Iowa 

Bachelor’s (Communication Studies) 

24 



Chris 

Helbling 

Director of Operations 



Gonzaga 

2005-2006 

Walla Walla Community College 

Student Assistant 


First Season 

Gonzaga 2008 

Chris Helbling joined the University of Idaho men’s basketball 

program as the Director of Operations in 2008 

Helbling came to Idaho after spending two seasons at Gonzaga 

where he served as a student assistant for the Bulldogs from 

2006-08. During his time at Gonzaga, the Bulldogs compiled 

an overall record of 48-19 and won two West Coast Conference 

championships. The team also made two NCAA Tournament 

appearances. Helbling graduated with honors in 2008. 

“We are excited to have Chris join our basketball staff as he 

brings knowledge of the area and a great work ethic,” Idaho 

coach Don Verlin said. “Chris is a smart individual who is 

going to be a successful coach.” 

Before his time at Gonzaga, Helbling was an assistant coach 

at Walla Walla Community College during the 2005-06 season 

after a back injury ended his playing career. His responsibilities 

with the Warriors included recruiting, player development, 

fundraising, and game preparations. During his three years as 

a player and coach with WWCC, the Warriors earned a 50-34 

overall record and made two trips to the NWAACC tournament 

where they finished fourth in 2004. During the 2004 season, 

WWCC was ranked as high as No. 2 in the NWAACC Coaches 

Poll. 

Helbling graduated from Moscow High School in 2003 and 

was a four-year letterwinner in basketball and baseball. 

“I am extremely excited to be home with the University of 

Idaho,” Helbling said. “I always have been a Vandal and I look 

forward to helping coach Verlin put a team out on the court 

the student body, alumni, and community of Moscow will be 

proud of.” 

Education 

2008 

Gonzaga 

2003 

Moscow High School 

PERSONAL 

Birthdate 

Jan. 13, 1985 

Hometown 

Moscow, Idaho 

Bachelor’s (Physical Education) 


vandal staff 

Scott Gadeken came to Moscow from Louisiana State 

University, where he was an assistant for the nationally 

Scott 

prominent football program and head strength coach for 

the men’s and women’s basketball teams. 

Gadeken Gadeken helped the Tiger football team win a share of 

the national championship in 2003 and helped the LSU 

Strength Coach 

women’s basketball team reach the NCAA Tournament 

Fifth Season Final Four in 2004 and the Elite Eight in 2003. 

Midland Lutheran 1994 In 2001, Gadeken was a finalist for the National Strength 

and Conditioning Association’s National Strength Coach 

of the Year Award. 

Before heading to LSU, Gadeken was at Kansas State as the head strength coach for the nationally recognized 

women’s basketball team in addition to the baseball and volleyball teams. He also served as a football assistant. 

In 1994, Gadeken earned NAIA All-American Honorable Mention honors as well as Academic All-American Honors 

as a football player at Midland Lutheran College. 

“We’re excited to have Scott in our program,” Director of Athletics Rob Spear said. “He obviously fits the mold that 

we’re after in terms of being from a very successful athletic program at LSU. He also brings the same proven strength 

and conditioning philosophies which we already have implemented here.” 

Gadeken and his wife, Stacey, have two sons, Brandon and Wyatt. 

Nate 

Barry 

Assistant Strength Coach 

Third Season 

Idaho 2008 

Nate Barry came to Idaho in 2004 and has spent three 

years as an assistant under head strength and conditioning 

Coach Scott Gadeken. Barry comes from Portland, 

Oregon. 

He is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning 

Association and is a USAW certified sports performance 

coach. 

26 


aquatic rehabilitation center (ARC) 

Idaho Vandal student-athletes now have a new way to train and rehabilitate 

injuries with a HydroWorx therapy pool, located on the second floor of the Vandal 

Athletic Center. 

Head athletic trainer Barrie Steele said as many as four athletes can use the pool at one time, depending on the workout 

and if they are relatively the same height. 

“Aquatic therapy is one of the most versatile tools that we have, in not only rehabilitation, but in injury prevention and 

training,” Steele said. “We’ve been able to train people in a nearly weightless environment, which is one of the most unique 

and best ways of doing it.” 

The weightless environment helps train injured athletes sooner or athletes who have problems doing certain activities on 

dry land because of weight bearing conditions, Steele said. 

Two video cameras are installed beneath the surface of the pool. The feed from the cameras appears on two televisions 

next to the pool, which helps the athletic trainers monitor the athletes’ workouts. A computer and controller above the television 

monitors adjust the pool’s jets, lift, and 

treadmill. 

The lift is used to vary the depth 

of the water, depending on the 

athlete and putting them in the most 

optimal position, which is at the waist, 

shoulders, or at non-weight bearing by 

having floats on. The treadmill is used 

for running or other exercises and jets 

can be turned on to make the water 

more resistant, giving the athlete a 

more intense workout. 

Steele said the athlete reaction has 

been positive because they are able to 

train pain-free. In the pool, they are 

able to run because of the non-weight 

bearing environment. 


athletic training 

The University of Idaho’s commitment to its studentathletes 

can be seen in the continuing enhancement 

and growth of its athletic training, and strength and 

conditioning services. With the number one goal 

being prevention, Idaho athlete services provides 

not only strength and conditioning, and preventative 

athletic training measures, but coordinates with 

sports nutritionists and sports psychologists for the 

overall well-being of Vandal student-athletes. 

head athletic trainer 

Barrie steele 

“We approach our jobs first from a prevention 

standpoint,” head athletic trainer Barrie Steele said. 

“But, injuries do occur in athletics and when they do 

we make sure our student-athletes receive the finest 

in immediate and follow-up care. When they return 

to competition, our goal is to have them in better 

condition than before the injury and with a reduced 

chance of re-injury.” 

Asst. athletic trainers 

Megan Borchert 

nick refvem 

Team Physicians 

Dr. Steve 

Pennington 

dr. david 

rych 

dr. ed 

tingstad 

Nick refvem 

Men’s Basketball 

Athletic Trainer 

Seventh Season 

Oregon State, 2001 

Nick Refvem returned to the University of Idaho Athletic Training staff in July 2005 after working one year 

as an assistant athletic trainer at The University of Tulsa in Tulsa, OK. 

Nick completed his Master of Science degree in Sports and Recreation Management in May 2003. He 

then spent one year as intern assistant athletic trainer at the University of Idaho before leaving for Tulsa. 

Nick graduated from Oregon State University in June 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise 

& Sport Science with an Athletic Training option. 

Refvem’s primary responsibilities include medical coverage for men’s basketball, supervision and teaching 

of athletic training students, and daily coverage of the athletic training room. 

Nick is a certified examiner for the NATABOC and is an approved clinical instructor for the athletic training 

education program. 

He and his wife, Emilee, are both natives of Dallas, OR. 

28 


A plan is in place for remodeling the Kibbie Dome 

to better suit the needs of its student-athletes. In 

September 2008, Idaho student-athletes began 

to enjoy state-of-the-art athletic training and 

equipment rooms, as well as three newly-constructed 

classrooms. 

The first phase was remodeling the old shop and 

constructing a 120-seat classroom and two 20-seat 

classrooms. 

Next up was the remodel of the athletic training 

facility and equipment room. The athletic training 

room almost doubled in size with an increase of 1,680 

square feet for a total 3,520. Approximately 1,600 

square feet was added to the equipment room for a 

total of just more than 4,100. 

“Upgrading our facilities is of utmost importance 

for our student-athletes and the entire Idaho athletic 

department,” Director of Athletics Dr. Rob Spear said. 

“Constant facility improvement is a vital piece in our 

goal of becoming a premier athletic department.” 

facility enhancement 

Above: Views of the new 120-seat classroom 

Below/Left: The athletic training room increased 

by 1,680 square feet 


2008-09 season outlook 

The 2008-09 season is one of change and new beginnings for the University 

of Idaho basketball program as Don Verlin, a long-time assistant at Utah State, 

has joined the Idaho family as head coach of the Vandals. 

“I’m extremely honored to be chosen the head basketball coach at the 

University of Idaho,” Verlin said at his introductory news conference in March. 

“I am tremendously excited and am looking forward to building a winning 

basketball program here.” 

Verlin looks to bring a new philosophy to Idaho basketball, one which he 

hopes will show not only in the players on the court, but also in the fans in 

the stands. 

“I have asked the team to enjoy the season, embrace being a Vandal, and 

forget about the recent past,” Verlin said. “College basketball should be fun 

and we are asking our team to enjoy the season. We hope our passion and 

determination on the court will help the fans follow our lead and really stand 

behind us as we build Idaho into a winning program.” 

Although the results may not come right away, Verlin is building a foundation 

from which to take Idaho to the next level. 

“I have asked our players to play hard, be disciplined and be competitive. 

Those are three areas we will really focus on during this first season. Our 

philosophy for this season is to win our next game. We want to be a little better 

every day and go out on game night with the intention of winning our next 

game,” Verlin said. 

Verlin was known for his offensive expertise while at Utah State but has 

worked hard to instill strong defensive fundamentals in his new roster. 

“I want our team to play a hard and physical style of man-to-man defense. 

We spent a lot of time in the preseason on our defense schemes. On offense 

we will play a pro-style set offense that is based on execution. We are hoping 

our defense will ignite our offense and we will be able to get up and down the 

floor,” Verlin said. 

Aside from the change at the top, the Idaho roster also will welcome 11 new 

players alongside the five who return from last season. Verlin and his staff will 

work continually to develop their system around the players as they learn more 

about each other as the season progresses. 

“I have always felt a key to being a good coach is not having something 

set in stone every year,” Verlin said. “You have to fit what you do around the 

personnel you have and I look forward to figuring out as much as I can about 

these players individually, as well as the team as a whole. So far we have seen 

players who are a more athletic than I am used to, which lends itself to putting 

more pressure on defensively and speeding up the game. “ 

GUARDs 

01 Mac Hopson 6-2 195 Jr. RS 

03 Terrence Simmons 6-3 170 Sr. 1L 

15 Trevor Morris 6-4 182 Sr. 2L 

21 Drew Eisinger 6-3 165 So. JC 

Redshirts 

05 Steffan Johnson 6-1 172 Sr. TR 

20 Marcus Lawrence 5-10 180 Jr. TR 

The guard positions are where Verlin feels the team is strongest as the 

season begins. 

“Right now I would say our perimeter guys are stronger and will lead us in 

our defensive intensity and in our offensive production,” Verlin said. 

Although the team is without a returning starter at guard, the position does 

boast experience in veterans Trevor Morris and Terrence Simmons. Also joining 

the position is Washington State transfer Mac Hopson, who Verlin believes will 

take over the point guard duties. Morris, Simmons, and junior college transfer 

Kashif Watson are all combo guards who should see time at both spots. Walkon 

Drew Eisinger rounds out the position. 

forwards 

11 Brandon Wiley 6-6 225 Jr. JC 

13 Luciano de Souza 6-7 205 Jr. JC 

22 Brandon Brown 6-1 205 Sr. 1L 

32 Kashif Watson 6-4 190 Jr. JC 

34 Travis Blackstock 6-5 Jr. HS 

42 Ryan Votaw 6-1 190 So. JC 

Redshirts 

23 Mark Mahaffy 6-6 189 So. TR 

54 Luiz Toledo 6-7 220 So. TR 

The small forward position returns Brandon Brown, who Verlin feels is a very 

good athlete who can be an important lock-down defender on the perimeter. 

Watson will see time at small forward as his primary position and walk-ons 

Ryan Votaw and Travis Blackstock also are available. 

centers 

44 Luis Augusto 6-8 245 Sr. 1L 

53 Marvin Jefferson 6-10 235 Jr. JC 

Redshirts 

25 Kyle Barone 6-10 215 Fr. HS 

30 


2008-09 season outlook 

The players around the basket will provide a 

different look than Idaho fans have seen lately. 

At power forward are newcomers Brandon Wiley 

and Luciano de Souza, both of whom can shoot 

outside as well as play around the rim. 

“We are hoping to be able to spread the 

defense and move some of our forwards away 

from the basket. We are athletic and will look 

to utilize beating teams off the bounce rather 

than throwing it inside and beating people up 

that way,” Verlin said. 

When the situation does call for getting the 

ball inside, returning center Luis Augusto and 

junior college transfer Marvin Jefferson offer 

Idaho two distinct options. At 6-foot-8, 245- 

pounds, Augusto offers a physical force under 

the basket while the 6-foot-10, 235-pound 

Jefferson provides length and finesse around 

the rim. 

“Our post guys are coming around and 

definitely will improve as they gain more 

experience,” Verlin said. 

Although the Idaho roster boasts players with 

star-caliber talent, Verlin feels the Vandals will 

find more success by approaching the season 

with a team mentality. 

“This is a team thing and we need to be 

balanced,” Verlin said. “The good teams in the Western Athletic Conference 

are balanced and have three, four, or five guys in double figures for points 

and the same amount battling for the team lead in rebounds. We need to do 

it as a team. I really have been preaching that to our players. I don’t feel we 

have one outstanding player who will overshadow the need for us to play team 

basketball.” 

Although the Vandals enter the season with 16 players on its roster, Verlin 

feels depth is a concern as only 11 players are eligible this season with nine 

being scholarship players. 

The 2009-10 roster will boast four transfers from four-year colleges. Steffan 

Johnson was a first team all-Big West Conference selection at Pacific, Marcus 

Lawrence played two seasons at UNLV, Luiz Toledo was the 2007-08 Atlantic 

University Sport (Canada) Rookie of the Year, and Mark Mahaffy is a walkon 

who played last season at Schreiner University. Kyle Barone, a 6-foot-10 

freshman, must fulfill a residency requirement before joining the Vandals next 

fall. 

“We went the way of taking some transfers and the ones we have will be 

great players in this program, but we have sacrificed some depth for this 

season. That can be a good thing, however, as our current players will see a lot 

of minutes and we will get some players seasoned in our program. Barring any 

injuries, we will be able to get our players some great experience faster than we 

otherwise would have been able to,” Verlin said. 

Verlin describes the schedule to be “unbelievably tough” in his first season. 

It features 30 regular-season games, which ties for the most in school history. 

It is the largest amount of regular-season games in a season which does not 

feature participation in a tournament. Also on tap are matchups with NCAA 

powers Michigan State and Gonzaga on the road and Washington State at the 

Cowan Spectrum. All three teams advanced at least to the second round of the 

NCAA Tournament and are in the preseason national rankings this season. 

“Beginning the season at Michigan State and at Gonzaga, two teams ranked 

highly in the preseason polls, would be tough for any team. We know that is a 

big challenge,” Verlin said. 

The remainder of the preseason includes 

games in which Verlin feels his team can be 

competitive and find some success. Idaho 

ends the preseason with games at home vs. 

Washington State and on the road at Idaho 

State, two matchups Verlin feels are important 

rivalry games. 

“We are hoping our non-conference schedule 

will help prepare us for the WAC season by 

helping us get a little better each game and 

teaching us to play with passion. We hope to use 

the two rivalry games at the end to springboard 

us into a very difficult WAC schedule,” Verlin 

said. 

The WAC looks again to be one of the premier 

conferences in the nation and Idaho was done 

no favors with four of its first five conference 

games on the road. 

“The WAC is brutally tough and we have a 

tough start,” Verlin said. “We start with four of 

our first five games on the road beginning with 

Nevada and Utah State, which are two teams 

that don’t lend a lot of wins on their home 

court. We also head to New Mexico State and 

Louisiana Tech shortly after which is a difficult 

and long road trip.” 

Ready to help Verlin in his task is a group of assistant coaches with 34 years 

of combined coaching experience at the Division I level. 

“I am very fortunate to have a very good staff that is well versed in a lot of 

areas,” Verlin said. 

Mike Score enters his second year at Idaho and brings experience from 

Washington, Eastern Washington, and a Sweet 16 trip while at Utah. 

“I was very fortunate to keep coach Score here with his experience at Idaho 

and in college basketball in general. His experience recruiting international 

players will do nothing but help the University of Idaho,” Verlin said. 

Ray Lopes began at the Division I level in 1989 with stints at UC Santa 

Barbara, Washington State, Oklahoma, and Fresno State before moving on to 

three years at the NBA level. 

“Coach Lopes is a great member of this staff because his experience at the 

Division I level is not something a first-year head coach gets to take advantage 

of. His experience at all levels of Division I and with the NBA Developmental 

League is something that will help us tremendously. He also is a great recruiter 

with fantastic contacts all across the nation,” Verlin said. 

Also remaining at Idaho is second-year coach Mike Freeman. Freeman spent 

five seasons at Iowa before coming to Idaho last year. 

“The best way to describe coach Freeman is to say he gets it done. He 

is fantastic with handling all of the behind-the-scenes aspects of running a 

successful program and he will become a great recruiter in the future,” Verlin 

said. 

Rounding out the coaching staff is Director of Men’s Basketball Operations 

Chris Helbling. Helbling graduated from Moscow High School, played and 

coached at Walla Walla Community College, and also spent last season on 

staff at Gonzaga. 

“Chris’ knowledge of the area, and Moscow in particular, has been very 

helpful. He is able to implement a lot of outreach in the community and his 

passion for and knowledge of basketball are things we are fortunate to have on 

our staff,” Verlin said. 


2008-09 team Roster 

No Name Pos Ht Wt Yr Exp Hometown/Previous School 

01 Hopson, Mac G 6-2 195 Jr. RS Portland, Ore. (Washington State) 

03 Simmons, Terrence G 6-3 170 Sr. 1L Durant, Miss. (Connors State) 

05 Johnson, Steffan G 6-1 172 Sr. TR Kent, Wash. (Pacific) 

11 Wiley, Brandon F 6-6 225 Jr. JC Pinole, Calif. (City College of San Francisco) 

13 de Souza, Luciano F 6-7 205 Jr. JC Matão, Brazil (South Plains CC) 

15 Morris, Trevor G 6-4 182 Sr. 2L Missoula, Mont. (Miles CC) 

20 Lawrence, Marcus G 5-10 180 Jr. TR Las Vegas, Nev. (UNLV) 

21 Eisinger, Drew G 6-3 165 So. JC Mill Creek, Wash. (Western Nebraska CC) 

22 Brown, Brandon G 6-1 205 Sr. 1L Philadelphia, Pa. (West Hills CC) 

23 Mahaffy, Mark F 6-6 189 So. JC Moscow, Idaho (Schreiner) 

25 Barone, Kyle C 6-10 215 Fr. HS Garden Grove, Calif. (Pacifica HS) 

32 Watson, Kashif G 6-4 190 Jr. JC Las Vegas, Nev. (Irvine Valley CC) 

34 Blackstock, Travis F 6-5 198 Jr. HS Kuna, Idaho (Kuna HS) 

42 Votaw, Ryan G 6-1 190 So. JC Toledo, Wash. (Wenatchee Valley) 

44 Augusto, Luis F 6-8 245 Sr. 1L São José do Rio Preto, Brazil (Western Oklahoma State) 

53 Jefferson, Marvin C 6-10 235 Jr. JC Merced, Calif. (Modesto JC) 

54 Toledo, Luiz F 6-7 220 So. JC Araraquara, Brazil (St. Francis Xavier) 

Head Coach 

Don Verlin (Cal State Stanislaus, 1991; Colorado State, 1993), first season 

Assistant Coaches 

Mike Score (Washington, 1996), second season 

Ray Lopes (College of Idaho, 1987), first season 

Mike Freeman (Iowa, 2006), second season 

Director of Men’s Basketball Operations 

Chris Helbling (Gonzaga, 2008), first season 

32 


meet the vandals 

Luis Augusto #44 

QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “I love Chevy’s attitude and his willingness to 

learn. I expect him to settle in and be more of a contributor this year after going 

through a number of injuries during his junior year. With his size and strength, 

we are counting on him giving us a physical presence around the basket.” 

2007-08: One of two players to see action in all 29 games... Started 18 games... 

Averaged 2.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 15.0 minutes per game... Had his best 

game of the season at the WAC Tournament vs. New Mexico State with eight 

points on 4-of-5 shooting and grabbing five rebounds... Tied a season high 

with five rebounds vs. Boise State... Grabbed a season-high five rebounds vs. 

Central Arkansas... Started the first seven games of the season... Came of 

the bench to score seven points and grab three rebounds in 12 minutes vs. 

Eastern Washington... Grabbed a then season-high four rebounds vs. South 

Dakota State... Scored seven points and grabbed one rebound in 18 minutes 

vs. Cascade College. 

AT WESTERN OKLAHOMA 

STATE: Averaged 10.5 points, 

8.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks 

per game for coach Rolando 

De La Barrera’s Pioneers... 

Hoopmasters.com ranked 

Augusto No. 48 on its list of 

the nation’s top junior college 

players. 

PERSONAL: Full name is 

Luis Gustavo Augusto... Born 

May 31, 1984 at Sao Jose do 

Rio Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil... 

Son of Jose Augusto Filbo and 

Janete dos Santos Augusto... 

Has one sister, Andressa. 

Senior • Forward 

6-8 • 245 • 1L 

Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Brazil 

Western Oklahoma State 

CAREER HIGHS 

Points 

8 vs. New Mexico State (3/13/08) 

Rebounds 

5, four times, last at New Mexico State (3/13/08) 

Assists 

2 vs. Cascade College (11/9/07) 

Steals 

3 at Boise State (2/2/08) 

Blocked shots 

1 at San Jose State (3/1/08) 

FG made 

4 at New Mexico State (3/13/08) 

FG attempted 

7 at Washington State (11/16/07) 

3FG made 

- 

3FG attempted 

- 

FT made 

3, three times, last vs. EWU (12/9/07) 

FT attempted 

6, twice, last vs. EWU (12/9/07) 

Minutes 

25 vs. Boise State (1/5/08) 

TOTAL 3-PTS FREE THROWS REBOUNDS FOULS 

Year GP GS Min Avg FG FGA Pct 3FG FGA Pct FT FTA Pct Off Def Tot Avg PF FO A TO Blk Stl Pts Avg 

2007-08 29 18 434 15.0 28 75 .373 0 0 .000 18 49 .367 35 32 67 2.3 74 3 8 44 1 15 74 2.6 



Brandon Brown #22 

QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “When I think of Brandon I think of the Energizer Bunny. He 

shows up every day with unbelievable energy and enthusiasm. He gives us toughness and 

athleticism and he is a guard who can finish in traffic. If Brandon can unleash his energy on 

defense and harness it on offense he will have a great senior season.” 

2007-08: Saw action in 28 games and started five... Averaged 5.4 points and shot 43-percent 

in five starts... Led all scorers with a season-high 18 points vs. Central Arkansas in just 14 

minutes... Hit 8-of-10 shots, including 2-of-2 3-pointers, vs. Central Arkansas... Scored seven 

points and grabbed a career high four steals off the bench vs. Eastern Washington... Scored 

eight points in 10 minutes at Central Arkansas... Was Idaho’s leading scorer and rebounder 

at Gonzaga with 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting and seven rebounds... Scored 11 points in 10 

minutes on 3-of-3 shooting vs. Cascade College... hit 5-of-6 free throws vs. Cascade College. 

Senior • Guard 

6-1 • 205 • 1L 

Philadelphia, Penn. 

West Hills CC 

CAREER HIGHS 

Points 

18 vs. Central Arkansas (12/18/07) 

Rebounds 

7 at Gonzaga (11/13/07) 

Assists 


Steals 

4 vs. Eastern Washington (12/9/07) 

Blocked shots 

- 

FG made 

8 vs. Central Arkansas (12/18/07) 

FG attempted 

10, three times, last at NMSU (2/6/08) 

3FG made 

2, twice, last vs. UCA (12/18/07) 

3FG attempted 

5 at Gonzaga (11/13/07) 

FT made 


FT attempted 


Minutes 

26 at Fresno State (1/12/08) 

AT WEST HILLS COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Averaged 18.4 points and 5.2 rebounds per game 

as a sophomore... Shot 50-percent from the floor and 38-percent from the 3-point line.... 

Was an all-California Junior College Team selection... Honored as first team all-conference... 

Selected as the Most Valuable Player 

at the 2006 Cuesta Tournament... 

Was an all-tournament selection at 

the San Jose Tournament. 

AT BEAVER COUNTY 

COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Was 

an all-state, all-region, and allconference 

selection 

AT HOPE CHARTER HIGH 

SCHOOL: Was a first team all-city 

selection as a senior. 

PERSONAL: Full name is Brandon 

Marlon Brown... Born April 29, 

1985 at Philadelphia, Penn.,... 

Son of Davonna Brown... Has 

one brother, DeVon... Majoring 

in General Studies... originally 

committed to Utah State before 

signing with Idaho. 



2007-08 28 5 425 15.2 58 143 .406 6 27 .222 21 31 .677 27 32 59 2.1 52 0 20 44 0 10 143 5.1 

34 



Trevor Morris #15 

QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Trevor has worked extremely hard this summer and fall in the weight room 

and that should help him defensively and on the boards. He has the ability to be a complete guard in this 

league and we will rely on his WAC experience to lead this team. Trevor understands the game and has good 

athleticism. I truly believe he has done everything in his power to have a successful senior season.” 

2007-08: Played in 16 games and started seven... Missed 10 games with a foot injury... Averaged 8.6 

points in seven starts... Scored 14 points vs. Utah State to lead the Vandals... Came off the bench to score 

14 points in 22 minutes vs. Idaho State... Started the first three games of the season... Tied for eighth on 

Idaho’s all-time single-game records list with 11 3-point attempts at Gonzaga... Earned a career-high with 25 

points vs. Cascade College to lead all scorers... made a career-high nine field goals and five 3-pointers vs. 

Cascade College... grabbed two rebounds, dished out two assists and had two steals vs. Cascade College. 

2006-07: Played in all 31 games and started three times... Averaged 15.0 minutes per contest... Averaged 

6.5 points and 0.9 rebounds per game... Raised his scoring average to 7.1 points per game during Western 

Athletic Conference play... 74-percent of shot attempts were from beyond the 3- point line... Shot 64-of-201 

(.318) from the floor and 46-of-149 (.309) from the 3-point arc... Led the team with 85-percent (29-of-34) 

shooting from the free throw line... Tied for eighth on Idaho’s all-time list with 11 3-point field goal attempts 

at Utah State (Jan. 15)... Scored 16 points, grabbed five rebounds, and added four assists in 39 minutes vs. 

Fresno State (Feb. 3); all season highs... Hit a season-high 8-of-8 free throws vs. Boise State (Jan. 27). 

At Miles Community College: 

Averaged 18 points and 3.8 rebounds 

per game as a freshman... Was a second 

team all-Mon Dak Athletic Conference 

selection... Shot 40-percent from the 3- 

point line and 82-percent from the free 

throw line. 

AT HELLGATE High School: A 2005 

graduate of Hellgate High School... 

Was an all-conference selection as a 

junior and a McDonald’s All-American 

nominee... Helped lead the Knights to 

the Class AA championship as a senior 

while averaging 15 points and 5.0 

rebounds per game. 

Personal: Full name is Trevor Patrick 

Morris... Born May 19, 1987 at Missoula, 

Mont.... Son of Brian Morris and Debra 

Hennefer... Has two brothers, Travis and 

Trenton... Father played at the University 

of Montana... Intended major is Sports 

Science. 

Junior • Guard 

6-4 • 182 • 2L 

Missoula, Mont. 

Miles CC 

CAREER HIGHS 

Points 


Rebounds 

5 vs. Fresno State (2/3/07) 

Assists 


Steals 

3 at Idaho State (12/6/06) 

Blocked shots 

1, twice, last at Gonzaga (11/13/07) 

FG made 


FG attempted 

17 at Gonzaga (11/17/07) 

3FG made 


3FG attempted 

11, three times, last at Gonzaga (11/13/07) 

FT made 


FT attempted 


Minutes 




2007-08 16 7 303 18.9 43 122 .352 18 63 .286 15 19 .789 1 17 18 1.1 28 0 21 20 1 13 119 7.4 

2006-07 31 3 466 15.0 64 201 .318 46 149 .309 29 34 .853 2 27 29 0.9 45 2 23 28 1 13 203 6.5 

TOTALS 47 10 769 16.4 107 323 .331 64 212 .302 44 53 .830 3 44 47 1.0 73 2 44 48 2 26 322 6.9 



Terrence Simmons #3 

QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Terrence is an athletic combo guard who should be able to help 

us at both guard spots. I like his size and flexibility and his attitude has been unbelievable. 

Our team needs Terrence to open up and be more of a leader. He is going to be someone 

who can score points and give us good stability at either spot on the perimeter.” 


6-3 • 170 • 1L 

Durant, Miss. 

Connors State 

CAREER HIGHS 

Points 

12 at Louisiana Tech (2/9/08) 

Rebounds 


Assists 


Steals 


Blocked shots 

1, three times, last vs. Utah State (3/8/08) 

FG made 


FG attempted 

8, twice, last at New Mexico State (2/6/08) 

3FG made 

3 at Arizona State (12/22/07) 

3FG attempted 

6 vs. New Mexico State (1/2/08) 

FT made 

1, three times, last at NMSU (2/6/08) 

FT attempted 


Minutes 


2007-08: Saw action in 28 of the team’s 29 games... Earned career highs with 12 points 

and six assists at Louisiana Tech... Had 13 assists in a three-game span... Averaged 5.2 

points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists in six starts... Tallied five season highs vs. New Mexico 

State, including five assists... Started for the first time this season at Arizona State... Earned 

seven season highs in first start at Arizona State... Played 14 minutes and scored five points 

on 2-of-3 shooting vs. Central Arkansas... Earned a career high with four rebounds vs. Eastern 

Washington... Scored eight points on 4-of-4 shooting off the bench vs. Cascade College... 

grabbed three steals vs. Cascade College. 

AT CONNORS STATE: Averaged 10 points and five assists per game for the Cowboys as a 

sophomore... Shot 42-percent from the floor, 32-percent from the 3-point line, and 73-percent 

from the free throw line. 

AT DURANT (MISS.) HIGH 

SCHOOL: Helped lead Durant High 

School to a state championship 

and a 32-2 overall record as a 

senior... Averaged 11.9 points and 

8.0 assists per game... Earned first 

team all-conference and all-region 

selections... Honored as a first 

team all-tournament selection at 

the state tournament. 

PERSONAL: Full name is Terrence 

Demetre Simmons... Born February 

26, 1986 at Jackson, Miss.,... Son 

of Belinda Sumerall... Grandson of 

Henry and Bobbie Dawson... Has 

one brother, Kendrick Brooks Jr., 

and one sister, Kyndris Brooks. 



2007-08 28 6 459 16.4 33 82 .402 14 38 .368 5 16 .313 8 38 46 1.6 41 0 44 37 3 9 85 3.0 

36 



Steffan Johnson #5 

QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Steffan is an outstanding all-around player whose stats and accomplishments at the Division-I 

level speak for themselves. He is an outstanding shooter and playmaker. I have both encouraged and challenged Steffan 

to continue to improve his game during his redshirt year. Our staff is truly looking forward to working with him and cannot 

wait to have him on the court next season.” 

AT PACIFIC: Scored 941 points in three seasons for a 10.1 points per game average… ranked third on Pacific’s all-time 

career records list with 104 steals, tied for sixth with 337 assists, and ranked sixth with 153 3-point field goals made… 

ranked third on Pacific’s all-time single season records with 151 assists and tied for third with 45 steals (2007-08)… earned 

first-team all-Big West Conference honors as a junior (2007-08) and was selected to the Big West Conference All-Freshman 

Team (2005-06)… tallied two double-doubles, seven games of 20+ points, and scored in double figures 48 times… totaled 

double figures for assists on two occasions. 

2007-08: Earned first team all-Big West Conference honors… led the team with 14.5 points, 4.9 assists, and 1.5 steals 

per game… also shot 46-percent from the floor and 41-percent from the 3-point line… started 30 of his 31 games and 

averaged a team high 31.3 minutes per game.. scored 24 points with six assists against Cal State Fullerton... scored in 

double figures in all but five games... tied for the third best single game assist total with 12 against Western Michigan... 

had the third best single game steal total with six against Saint Louis... came back two days later with a career-high 32 

points against Pepperdine... earned All-Tournament honors at the World Vision Invitational and Big West Player of the Week 

honors on Nov. 12. 

2006-07: Second on the team with 9.7 points per game… led the Tigers with 109 assists (3.6 apg) and 37 steals (1.2 

spg)... started the first 16 of his 30 games for the Tigers... averaged 14.3 points per game over the final three games of 

the season... hit four of seven three-point attempts in scoring 15 points at UC Riverside... had eight assists and tied a 

career high with six rebounds against Cal State Northridge... had his first career double-double against Sacramento State 

with 11 points and a career-high 10 assists... scored a career-high 23 points against USF, hitting 10 of 14 shots from the 

field... tallied 19 points against Loyola Marymount... scored 17 points against UMKC, 13 points in the second half... had 

13 points against New Mexico State, all in 

the first half. 

2005-06: Averaged 6.3 points and 2.4 

assists per game… shot .444 from the 

floor… played in all 32 games and averaged 

17.4 minutes per game… scored 10 points 

and dished out four assists in the Big West 

Championship Game against Long Beach 

State... scored 13 points against Cal Poly, 

including 11 straight points that staked the 

Tigers to a 15 point second half lead... had 

13 points and five assists against Fresno 

State... scored 19 points with four assists in 

his collegiate debut against Sonoma State. 

AT KENT-MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL: A 

2005 graduate of Kent-Meridian High School 

at Kent, Wash. … lettered in basketball for 

the Royals... averaged 20.0 points and 6.0 

assists a game as a senior... In 2004-05, led 

his team to an 18-6 record and was named 

South Puget Sound League MVP... was 

an All-Area pick by the Seattle Times, the 

Seattle Post Intelligencer, and the Tacoma 

News Tribune... was named team MVP in 

2003-04, leading the Royals to a 15-7 overall 

record and 11-5 in league play. 


6-1 • 172 • TR 

Kent, Wash. 

Pacific 

Why did you choose the 

University of Idaho? 

“I chose the University of 

Idaho because I wanted to be 

closer to home, I wanted to go 

to school in a college town, 

and I liked that it is a small 

area where I can focus on 

basketball.” 

What do you like about coach 

Verlin and his staff? 

“Coach Verlin and his staff 

teach us every day. They have 

a lot of experience and they 

really care about us players. 

They make Idaho basketball a 

family atmosphere.” 

PERSONAL: Full name is Steffan Phillip 

Johnson… born April 1, 1987 at Tulsa, Okla. 

... son of Phillip and Druscilla Johnson… has 

one brother, Keelan. 



Luciano de Souza #13 

QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Luciano is a very gifted player who will fit into our offensive 

system perfectly. His infectious personality will make him a crowd favorite and he will become 

one of the coaching staff’s favorites if he improves his ability to defend and rebound. Luciano 

has the ability to be one of the surprise players on this team.” 

AT SOUTH PLAINS COLLEGE: Team won the 2008 NJCAA National Championship… scored 

21 points and grabbed six rebounds in semifinal game… Played in 35 games, started 31… 

shot 45-percent from the floor and hit 69 3-pointers to rank second on the team… averaged 

10.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game… had season-highs of 23 points and 12 rebounds… 

Averaged 5.0 points and 2.5 rebounds per game in 2006-07… Had season highs of 12 points 

and 10 rebounds… Scored in double figures four times. 

Junior • Forward 

6-7 • 205 • JC 

Matao, Brazil 

South Plains CC 

PERSONAL: Full name is Luciano Ferreira de Souza… born Dec. 29, 1986 at Matao, Brazil… 

son of Luciano de Souza and Juracy Luzia Pereira… has one brother, Ennes, and one sister, 

Erika. 



“I chose the University of Idaho 

because I heard it is a great 

college and a great basketball 

program. When I came to visit 

I saw everything I had heard 

about, such as a very good 

school, a good basketball 

team, and a very nice place to 

live.” 



“Although I have only been here 

a short time I can already say 

the program coach Verlin has 

is great. What I like the most 

about coach Verlin is he is a 

very honest man. His staff is 

very important and they work 

very hard to supply everything 

we need.” 

38 



Mac Hopson #1 

QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “My staff and I are very excited to coach Mac. Since we have 

been here he has been on of the hardest working players in our program. Mac is physically 

tough-minded and has worked extremely hard to improve his perimeter shooting. His 

leadership on and off the court is something this team must rely on.” 

AT IDAHO (2007-08): Sat out as a redshirt due to NCAA transfer regulations. 

AT WASHINGTON STATE (2006-07): Played in 21 games and averaged 4.2 points and 2.0 

assists... Shot 39-percent from the floor and 45-percent from the 3-point arc... Started seven 

of WSU’s first eight games and averaged 7.8 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 24.8 

minutes per game... Shot 50-percent from the floor, 64-percent from the 3-point line, and 

83-percent from the free throw line in those eight contests... Made a decisive basket in the 

final minute of Washington State’s late-season win over Oregon State. 

AT NORTH IDAHO COLLEGE (2005-06): Helped lead North Idaho College to a co-league 

championship as a freshman... Was named first team all-Region 18 and averaged a teamhigh 

13.7 points, 3.8 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game. 

AT JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL: Was a standout at Jefferson High School at Portland, Ore., 

where he averaged 16.7 points, 

6.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists 

per game as a senior... Was rated 

Oregon’s third best point guard 

by Northwesthoops.com and 

was a member of the All-Oregon 

All-Star third team... Was named 

first team all-conference, team 

MVP, and team captain during 

his junior and senior years while 

also being selected to the All- 

Portland Interscholastic Team. 

PERSONAL: Mac Hopson is 

the son of former Vandal great 

Phil Hopson... Birth name is 

Phillip, Jr. ... Elder Hopson 

helped lead the Vandals to a 

Sweet 16 appearance in 1982 

and currently ranks in the 

top 10 on nine career records 

lists... Mother’s name is Lauren 

Hopson... Has one sister, 

Chanell... Born Oct. 6 at Marcos 

Juarez, Argentina. 


6-2 • 195 • RS 

Portland, Ore. 

Washington State 



“I chose to come to University 

of Idaho for two reasons. I feel 

like the University of Idaho was 

the place I belonged since day 

one. Ever since I was little I 

have looked up to my pops and 

I wanted to continue the legacy 

he has left here. I also want to 

help turn this program around 

and be a part of the turnaround 

year. “ 



“What I like most about coach 

Verlin is he is fair. I have been 

through experiences where I 

have not been treated fairly. 

I also am looking forward to 

help coach turn this program 

around.” 



Marvin Jefferson #53 

QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Marvin has the size, strength and athleticism to 

be one of the team leaders in blocked shots and rebounding. He gives us a 

great post presence and he has all the tools to be an exceptional player. Once 

he feels comfortable in our system and adjusts to the speed of the game he will 

become a very good low post player in this league.” 

Junior • Center 

6-10 • 235 • JC 

Merced, Calif 

Modesto JC 



“I chose Idaho because it 

seemed like the best overall 

fit for me. I like the college 

atmosphere, the friendly 

people, and positive attitude 

the coaches and players have. 



“The thing I like the most 

about this coaching staff is 

the passion they have and 

how they push us to get better 

every day.” 

AT MODESTO JUNIOR COLLEGE: One of the highest-rated post players in 

the California junior college system... played two seasons at Modesto (Calif.) 

Junior College where he was named first team all-Big Eight Conference... led 

the conference at 18.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 4.6 blocks per game as a 

sophomore... totaled a team-high 554 points, 311 rebounds and 136 blocks in 

30 games. 

AT GOLDEN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Golden Valley 

High School at Merced, Calif. ... averaged 16 points, nine rebounds, and 3.5 

blocks per game... selected as the Central California Conference Most Valuable 

Player... earned the Pepsi 

Tournament MVP honor. 


Marvin Hilton Jefferson... 

born Jan. 7, 1986 at 

Gardena, Calif. ... son 

on Marvin Jefferson and 

Daphne Crowell... has five 

sisters, Rosa, Stephanie, 

Thereassa, Lakisha and 

Alyssa, and three brothers, 

Anthony, Jason, and 

Micheal... also recruited 

by Kentucky, Washington 

State, Bradley, Fresno 

State, Nebraska, San 

Diego State, Tulane and 

UC Santa Barbara. 

40 



Marcus Lawrence #20 

QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Marcus is a true point guard who has a great feel for running 

a team. He has exceptional abilities to set up shooters and feed the post. During his redshirt 

year, we will work with Marcus to improve his perimeter shooting and if he can continue to 

mature on and off the court he will become an even better player.” 

AT UNLV (2007-08): Averaged 13.9 minutes in 23 games… averaged 1.4 points, 2.3 

assists and 1.2 rebounds per game… shot 37-percent from the field… led the team with a 

3.5 assist-to-turnover ratio… third on the team with 53 assists. 

AT UNLV (2006-07): Appeared in all 37 of UNLV’s games as a true freshman, starting 

seven times... averaged 1.4 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 2.1 apg and 0.9 spg in 14.1 minutes played per 

contest... shot 30-percent from the field... his assist-to-turnover ratio was 2.5... was second 

on the team in assist-to-turnover ratio, third in assists and third in steals... recorded five or 

more assists in a game six times... scored five points with five assists and three steals with 

no turnovers in 19 minutes at Arizona on Nov. 28... had eight assists with no turnovers 

against NAU on Dec. 2... scored a career-high eight points against San Diego State on Jan. 

23... handed out a career-high nine assists against New Mexico on Jan. 27. 

AT BISHOP GORDON HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of Bishop Gorman High School in 

Las Vegas... averaged 14.0 ppg and 8.5 apg as a senior... team finished 28-4... selected to 

the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s 

Prep All-Star second team... as a 

junior, averaged 16 points, eight 

assists and three steals per game 

helping the Gaels win the Nevada 

Class 4A state championship 

with a 31-3 record... the eight 

assists per game led the state 

of Nevada... selected first team 

all-league, first team all-region 

and second team all-state as 

a junior... as a sophomore, 

averaged 12 points and seven 

assists per game... also played 

quarterback on the football team 

as a senior. 

PERSONAL: Full name is Marcus 

Antoine Lawrence… born Dec. 3, 

1987, at Las Vegas, Nev. ... the 

son of Carmen Burdette... has 

three siblings: Jasmine (18), 

Domonique (15) and Davion (5). 


5-10 • 180 • TR 

Las Vegas, Nev. 

UNLV 




Idaho because of coach Verlin. 

I know he is capable of turning 

this program around. I also 

like going to school in a college 

town.” 



“I like that they will give 

opportunities to players when 

things happen. Coach Verlin 

believes in second chances 

and I respect that about him. I 

can tell the staff anything and 

feel as if they are all father 

figures.” 



Kashif Watson #32 

QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Kashif is one of the most athletic players on this 

team. He runs, jumps, and is in unbelievable shape. He really can finish above 

the rim. Kashif is a guard, but we are going to play him at the three spot. Our 

coaching staff is expecting him to be one of the best defenders in the WAC.” 

AT IRVINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Averaged 13.3 points, 5.5 

rebounds, 2.8 assists as a sophomore... shot 52.3-percent from the floor... 

played in all 32 games... helped the team to a program-record 27 wins and the 

Southern California Regional finals. 


6-4 • 190 • JC 

Las Vegas, Nev. 

Irvine Valley CC 



“I chose Idaho because of the 

great college environment and 

the wonderful coaching staff.” 



“What I like most about our 

coaching staff is I can relate 

to all our coaches. They have 

been where we are so we have 

a better understanding of what 

they want and they know how 

we feel.” 

AT INDIAN HILLS (IOWA) COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Averaged 10.5 points, 

3.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game... team was one of the topranked 

junior colleges in the nation... earned honorable mention all-conference 

honors. 

AT BISHOP GORMAN HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Bishop Gorman 

High School at Las Vegas, 

Nev. ... named all-league 

as a senior... averaged 23 

points, six rebounds and 

four assists per game... 

was a Street & Smith’s 

magazine honorable 

mention All-American... 

rated the No. 2 shooting 

guard on the West Coast 

by one recruiting service. 


Kashif Antwon Watson... 

born Jan. 28, 1987 at 

Las Vegas, Nev. ... son 

of Charles and Cathy 

Watson... has one sister, 

Vonyetta, and one brother, 

C.J. ... C.J. is a guard for 

the Golden State Warriors. 

42 



Brandon Wiley #11 

QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Brandon is a versatile player who can play all 

three front line positions. We need Brandon to use his athleticism and hardnosed 

attitude to impact this team with great effort and energy. The blue-collar 

things he will do will help contribute to the success of this team. Our staff 

expects him to have great season.” 

AT CITY COLLEGE OF SAN FRANCISCO: Averaged 12.9 points, 8.3 rebounds 

and 2.3 assists per game as a sophomore... helped the Rams to a 29-4 overall 

record and a share of the state coaches’ poll top ranking... shot 60-percent from 

the floor... tallied 2.3 blocked shots per game... led the state of California in 

blocked shots... was among the leaders in rebounding. 

AT Pinole Valley High School: A 2006 graduate of Pinole (Calif.) 

Valley High School... was an all-league selection... averaged 15 points and five 

rebounds. 

AT Hercules High School: Played his freshman through junior seasons 

at Hercules (Calif.) High School... averaged 15 points, five rebounds and two 

blocks as a junior 

PERSONAL: Full name is Brandon D. Wiley... born Jan. 11, 1988 at Oakland, 

Calif. ... son of Jerome and Jeanine Wiley. 

Junior • Forward 

6-6 • 225 • JC 

Pinole, Calif. 

City College of San Francisco 




Idaho because the coaching 

staff is a group. Also, the team 

they have assembled is a tight 

group and we blend together 

well.” 



“The staff always is prepared. 

They make sure we know the 

ins and outs of our opponents, 

as well as their tendencies.” 



Luiz Toledo #54 

QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Luiz is a highly talented young forward who has 

the potential to be one of the best front line players in our program. He can 

score right or left-handed and as his perimeter game improves he will be a 

player we can use in a number of different ways. Luiz has a great attitude and, 

if he continues to work hard, the sky is the limit. We are very excited to have him 

in our program for the next three years.” 

Sophomore • Forward 

6-7 • 220 • TR 

Araraquara, Brazil 

St. Francis Xavier 

Why did you choose the University 

of Idaho? 


because is a great place to be 

and everyone is really friendly. The 

University of Idaho has a beautiful 

campus and great academic 

programs. I also felt comfortable 

with my teammates and all of the 

teachers.” 

AT ST. FRANCIS XAVIER: Was the 2007-08 Atlantic University Sport Rookie 

of the Year… led all first-year players with a 13.6 points per game average… 

led all freshman in rebounding (7.8 per game), blocked shots (0.85 per game) 

and minutes played (29.6 per game)… named a second team all-star… named 

to the AUS all-rookie team… appeared in all 20 regular season games… 7.8 

rebounds per game led the team and ranked sixth in AUS… 0.85 blocks per 

game led the team and ranked sixth in AUS… shot 49-percent from the floor. 

AT MODESTO CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL: Spent two years at Modesto 

(California) Christian High School… averaged 20 points and 11 rebounds per 

game… selected to the All-State team in his senior year. 

PERSONAL: Full name is Islam Luiz de Toledo... born July 28, 1987 at Brazil... 

son of Antonio and Aporecida Toledo... has one brother, Julio... is a first cousin 

of Denver Nuggets power forward ‘Nene’. 



“They are a really good coaching 

staff and they will turn the program 

around. Coach Verlin understands 

a lot about the game and he came 

from a very good school. Coach 

Score and coach Lopes know how 

to push the team and make us work 

harder and they are always available 

to help us. Coach Freeman and 

coach Helbling are very important 

to the program because they help us 

on and off the court and are always 

available for us players.” 

44 



Kyle Barone #25 

QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Kyle is a very good basketball player who has a 

tremendous upside. He has a chance to be a complete basketball player. He 

can help us immediately with his ability to run the floor and shoot the 3-point 

shot. He can really shoot it and will give us a big man who can stretch the 

defense. Kyle is a high character kid who we are very excited to have in our 

program.” 

AT SUMMIT PREP SCHOOL: Attended Summit Prep School during the 2008 

season... averaged 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks per 

game. 

AT GARDEN GROVE HIGH SCHOOL: A 2007 graduate of Pacifica High School 

at Garden Grove, Calif. ... averaged 22 points, 16 rebounds, and five assists 

during his high school career... was a three-time first team all-league selection. 

PERSONAL: Full name is Kyle James Barone... born Sept. 12, 1989 at Orange 

County, Calif. ... son of Mike and Diane Barone... has one brother, Ryan. 

Freshman • Center 

6-10 • 215 • HS 

Garden Grove, Calif. 

Pacifica HS 




because of the great coaching 

staff.” 



“What I like most about the 

staff is they are great coaches 

who really care about the 

players.” 



Drew Eisinger #21 

QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Drew is a very good outside shooter and has a great feel for 

the game. He is a high energy player who comes to work everyday. With improved strength, 

conditioning, and experience Drew should be a very good player in our program.” 

At Western Nebraska Community College: Averaged 10.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 

2.7 assists and 1.4 steals in 30 games… scored in double figures in 17 games, including a 

season-high 21 points on two occasions… committed only 52 turnovers to 80 assists (1.54 

ratio). 

Sophomore • Guard 

6-3 • 165 • JC 

Mill Creek, Wash. 

Western Nebraska CC 



“I like the campus 

environment and the coaches 

here at the University” 

What do you like about 

coach Verlin and his staff? 

“Coach Verlin and his staff 

are dedicated to helping 

make the University of Idaho 

a winning program again.” 

AT HENRY M. JACKSON High School: A 2006 graduate of Henry M. Jackson High 

School… earned All-State honors as a senior… led Jackson to a fifth-place finish at the State 

4A Tournament in 2005-06… averaged 19.7 points per game, including a 24.5 average 

and 13 three-point baskets in four tournament games… earned first team all-tournament 

accolades…. selected second team All-State by The Seattle Times (all classifications)… 

All-WesCo Conference first team selection as a senior… played in the 2006 Washington 

Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association (WIBCA) All-State boys basketball game 

following his senior season… selected as the Everett Herald All-Area Player of the Year 

Prep School: Averaged 

21.5 points, 5.6 assists and 

2.9 steals in the 2006-07 

season at Western Reserve 

Academy at Ohio… shot 56- 

percent from the field and 52- 

percent from the three-point 

line… selected the team’s 

Most Valuable Player… alltournament 

team selection at 

the Hill School Tournament 

in Pottstown, Pa., in 2006… 

team finished 13-8. 

Personal: Full name is 

Drew Taylor Eisinger… born 

Aug. 1, 1987 at Everett, 

Wash. … son of Todd and 

Kim Eisinger… has one sister, 

Emilee, and one brother, 

Jamie… played basketball 

with brother, Jamie, at 

Jackson High School and 

WNCC… signed with Eastern 

Washington before playing at 

Western Nebraska. 

46 



Mark Mahaffy #23 

Sophomore • Forward 

6-6 • 189 • TR 

Moscow, Idaho 

Schreiner 

QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Mark is a great kid and is constantly learning and working 

to improve his game. His redshirt season should give him an opportunity to get bigger and 

stronger and adjust his game to the Division I level.” 

AT SCHREINER UNIVERSITY: Started 19 of 25 games 

in which he saw action… averaged 22.1 minutes per 

game… shot 43-percent from the floor… led the team 

with 117 rebounds, including 44 offensive rebounds, 

and a 4.7 rebounds per game average… also led the 

team with seven blocks… ranked fifth on the team 

with a 5.7 points per game average. 

AT FLOUR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL: A 2007 graduate 

of Flour Bluff High School at Corpus Christi, Texas… 

averaged 15 points and 13 rebounds… earned all- 

Metro and District MVP honors… selected as the all- 

South Texas Defensive MVP… was the team captain. 

PERSONAL: Full name is Mark Lawrence Mahaffy… 

born Oct. 24, 1988 at Spokane, Wash. … son of 

Michael and Laura Mahaffy… has three sisters, 

Amber, Sarah, and Elizabeth. 

Ryan Votaw #42 

QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “I am very excited to have a quality person like Ryan as a part 

of our program. His day-to-day work ethic is outstanding and as he gains experience I expect 

him to compete for a spot in our guard rotation.” 

AT WENATCHEE VALLEY COLLEGE: Averaged 14 

points per games... averaged 3.62 free throws per 

game to rank 24th in the NWAACC 

Sophomore • Guard 

6-1 • 190 • JC 

Toledo, Wash. 

Wenatchee Valley 

AT TOLEDO HIGH SCHOOL: A 2007 graduate of 

Toledao (Wash.) High School... Was the Washington 

State 1A Player of the Year in 2007… averaged 23 

points, eight rebounds, and three assists per game... 

helped his team to a runner-up finish at the Class 1A 

High School State Basketball Championship… named 

first team all-State during his junior and senior years… 

named first team all-tournament at the 2006 State 

Basketball Championship 

PERSONAL: Full name is Ryan John Votaw… born 

Sept. 5, 1988 at Longview, Wash. … son of George 

and Teresa Votaw… has one sister, Brianna.

2008-09 Vandals - University of Idaho Athletics

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