2008-09 Vandals - University of Idaho Athletics
2008-09 Vandals - University of Idaho Athletics
2008-09 Vandals - University of Idaho Athletics
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<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Vandals</strong><br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball 19
Don<br />
Verlin<br />
Head Coach<br />
First Season<br />
Colorado State 1993<br />
MOSCOW, <strong>Idaho</strong> – Don Verlin has joined the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Idaho</strong> family as head coach <strong>of</strong> the Vandal men’s basketball<br />
program. Verlin, who was the longest tenured assistant<br />
coach in Utah State history, brings his <strong>of</strong>fensive expertise<br />
from the fifth-winningest Division I basketball program <strong>of</strong> the<br />
decade.<br />
coaching staff<br />
past 20 years his teams have 467 victories. The teams with<br />
which he has been involved never have had a record below<br />
.500.<br />
“I’m extremely honored to be chosen the head basketball<br />
coach at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong>,” Verlin said. “I am<br />
tremendously excited and am looking forward to building a<br />
winning basketball program here.”<br />
Verlin said the schools share not only a conference<br />
affiliation that will be beneficial in his transition but a collegetown<br />
atmosphere that is a draw to his recruiting style and<br />
his family.<br />
“One <strong>of</strong> the things that really impressed me was the<br />
passion Rob Spear and (<strong>Idaho</strong> president) Tim White have for<br />
the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong>,” Verlin said.<br />
“Don is a winner. He has been involved with winning<br />
programs his entire career,” <strong>Idaho</strong> Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>Athletics</strong> Dr.<br />
Rob Spear said. “He has been mentored by one <strong>of</strong> the most<br />
respected coaches in the game – Stew Morrill.<br />
“Don is a program-builder, a great evaluator <strong>of</strong> talent, and<br />
he understands what it takes to be successful in the Western<br />
Athletic Conference.”<br />
Verlin has been with Morrill for 15 years, which includes<br />
their time together at Colorado State <strong>University</strong> before Morrill<br />
was hired at Utah<br />
State 11 seasons<br />
ago. The <strong>of</strong>fensive<br />
guru for the Aggies,<br />
Verlin has been a<br />
key component in<br />
Utah State’s nine<br />
successive postseason<br />
appearances<br />
and nine-successive<br />
20-plus-win seasons.<br />
In his 16 years at the<br />
NCAA level, Verlin’s<br />
teams have won<br />
73 percent <strong>of</strong> their<br />
games and over the<br />
Verlin, who was in charge <strong>of</strong> USU’s complex <strong>of</strong>fensive<br />
schemes, helped turn the Aggies into one <strong>of</strong> the best shooting<br />
teams in the country as they currently are in a position to<br />
finish first in the nation for field goal shooting, as they did in<br />
2005. The team has ranked among the top three shooting<br />
teams nationally in four <strong>of</strong> the last five years.<br />
“Don has been with me 15 years and it’s always tough<br />
to see someone go when they’ve been with you that long,”<br />
Morrill said in a statement released by the school. “I am<br />
very happy for him and his family. He will be a terrific head<br />
coach and we will<br />
miss having him as<br />
part <strong>of</strong> our program.<br />
Even though we will<br />
be competing in the<br />
same league, Don<br />
will always be family<br />
and that will never<br />
change.”<br />
Prior to Utah<br />
State, Verlin spent<br />
two tenures at<br />
Colorado State, as<br />
he was an assistant<br />
at CSU during the<br />
20<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball
coaching staff<br />
Coaching experience<br />
1999-<strong>2008</strong><br />
Utah State<br />
1995-1998<br />
Colorado State<br />
1993-1994<br />
Cal State Bakersfield<br />
1992<br />
Colorado State<br />
1989-1991<br />
Columbia (Calif.) JC<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
Education<br />
1993<br />
Colorado State<br />
Master’s (Education)<br />
1991<br />
Cal State Stanislaus Bachelor’s (Physical Education)<br />
1983<br />
Del Oro (Loomis, Calif.) High School<br />
1992 season before moving to Cal State Bakersfield for the<br />
1993 and 1994 seasons. During his two seasons as an<br />
assistant in California, Cal State Bakersfield won back-toback<br />
NCAA Division II national championships.<br />
PERSONAL<br />
Birthdate June 15, 1965<br />
Hometown<br />
Loomis, Calif.<br />
Wife<br />
Serena<br />
Children Jacob (12) and Sydnee (5)<br />
Verlin returned to Colorado State ahead <strong>of</strong> the 1995<br />
season and then spent the next five seasons in Fort Collins.<br />
Prior to his first stint at Colorado State, Verlin was an<br />
assistant at Columbia (Calif.) Junior College from 1989-91.<br />
Columbia posted an 81-23 record in his three years there<br />
and won two conference championships.<br />
Verlin, 42, graduated from Cal State Stanislaus with a<br />
degree in physical education in 1991. He earned a master’s<br />
degree in education from Colorado State in 1993.<br />
Born June 15, 1965 at Roseville, Calif., Verlin graduated<br />
from Del Oro High School at Loomis, Calif. He and his wife,<br />
the former Serena Shumway, have one son (Jacob, 12) and<br />
one daughter (Sydnee, 5). He also has a twin brother (Ron)<br />
who is an assistant basketball coach at Pacific.<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball 21
coaching staff<br />
Mike<br />
Score<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
Second Season<br />
Washington 1996<br />
Mike Score joined the <strong>Idaho</strong> men’s basketball staff as an assistant<br />
coach in 2007.<br />
Score spent the past three seasons at Utah where the Utes advanced<br />
to the Sweet 16 <strong>of</strong> the NCAA Tournament during the 2004-05 season.<br />
Prior to his time at Utah, Score spent four seasons as an assistant at<br />
Eastern Washington <strong>University</strong> after earning his start in coaching with four<br />
seasons at Southeastern Community College (Iowa).<br />
“Mike Score is a very good basketball coach,” <strong>Idaho</strong> coach Don Verlin<br />
said. “My relationship with him goes back several years to his days at the<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Utah. My first priority when I accepted this position was to<br />
keep coach Score at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong>. He is a star in this business<br />
in every phase <strong>of</strong> the game. He is both a great recruiter and a great bench<br />
coach. He will be in charge <strong>of</strong> implementing a large portion <strong>of</strong> our <strong>of</strong>fensive<br />
schemes, as well as serving as our recruiting coordinator. I will rely on him<br />
a great deal and I am relieved he has chosen to stay at <strong>Idaho</strong>.”<br />
During Score’s tenure at Eastern Washington, the Eagles went to the<br />
NCAA Tournament in 2004 and the NIT in 2003 - the school’s first postseason<br />
appearances. Eastern also won the Big Sky Conference regularseason<br />
and tournament titles in 2004. He has recruited heavily in the<br />
Pacific Northwest, Canada and overseas.<br />
Before his tenure at Eastern Washington, Score spent four seasons as an<br />
assistant coach at Southeastern Community College at West Burlington,<br />
Iowa. He helped guide Southeastern to the 1999-2000 National Junior<br />
College Athletic Association (NJCAA) championship and a 34-4 record.<br />
Eight players from that squad went on to play at NCAA Division I schools.<br />
Southeastern was 94-41 in Score’s four seasons there as he helped<br />
recruit three junior college All-America selections. Score coordinated<br />
recruiting, academics, film exchange and scouting, and was also the<br />
team’s summer camp director.<br />
Score was a student assistant coach at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Washington<br />
from 1994-96, where he was involved in video exchange and various<br />
administrative duties.<br />
Score received two bachelor’s degrees from Washington in 1996, one in<br />
business administration and another in political science.<br />
A 1991 graduate <strong>of</strong> Everett (Wash.) High School, Score was born Dec.<br />
10, 1972, at Seattle, Wash. He and his wife, Carly, welcomed their first<br />
daughter, Ella, in August <strong>2008</strong>.<br />
Coaching experience<br />
2004-2006<br />
Utah<br />
2000-2004<br />
Eastern Washington<br />
1996-2004<br />
Southeastern Community College<br />
1994-1996<br />
Washington<br />
Education<br />
1996<br />
Washington<br />
1991<br />
Everett (Washington) High School<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
Student Assistant Coach<br />
Bachelor’s (Business Administration)<br />
Bachelor’s (Political Science)<br />
PERSONAL<br />
Birthdate December 10, 1972<br />
Hometown<br />
Everett, Wash.<br />
Wife<br />
Carly<br />
Children<br />
Ella<br />
22<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball
coaching staff<br />
Ray<br />
Lopes<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
First Season<br />
College <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> 1987<br />
Ray Lopes joined the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> men’s basketball program as an<br />
assistant coach in <strong>2008</strong>.<br />
“I can’t express how excited I am for Ray Lopes to be joining our Vandal<br />
family,” <strong>Idaho</strong> coach Don Verlin said. “His résumé and experience speak for<br />
themselves.”<br />
Lopes’ résumé shows success at multiple levels <strong>of</strong> coaching and includes a<br />
Western Athletic Conference regular-season title with Fresno State in 2003 and an<br />
NBA D League Championship with the <strong>Idaho</strong> Stampede last season.<br />
“I am very grateful and appreciative to both coach Verlin and (<strong>Idaho</strong> Director<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Athletics</strong>) Dr. (Rob) Spear for providing me this opportunity to get back into<br />
the college game and to join the Vandal family,” Lopes said. “I am excited to<br />
join coach Verlin’s staff and look forward to being a part <strong>of</strong> a very bright future in<br />
<strong>Idaho</strong> basketball. This is a great opportunity for me and my family.”<br />
Lopes spent the past two years as associate head coach <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Idaho</strong> Stampede<br />
at Boise. The team finished 36-14 last season on its way to the 2007-08 NBA D<br />
League Championship. During the 2006-07 season, the Stampede tied for the<br />
best record in the league at 33-17.<br />
Lopes spent the previous season as a personnel scout for the San Antonio<br />
Spurs. Prior to his NBA experience, he was head coach at Fresno State <strong>University</strong>,<br />
compiling a cumulative 50-37 record over three seasons. He was named WAC<br />
Coach <strong>of</strong> the Year and CBS Sportsline Rookie Coach <strong>of</strong> the Year in 2003.<br />
Prior to his stint at Fresno, Lopes spent eight seasons as an assistant coach<br />
at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Oklahoma under then-coach Kelvin Sampson. He helped the<br />
Sooners to eight consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, plus a trip to the<br />
Sweet 16 in 1999 and the 2002 Final Four. While at Oklahoma, the Sooners won<br />
at least 20 games five seasons in a row, averaging 26 wins per year, including a<br />
31-5 record in 2001-02. The Sooners had a 187-74 record while Lopes was an<br />
assistant coach and won the 2001 and 2002 Big 12 Tournament title. Oklahoma<br />
was no worse than a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament over his last three<br />
years.<br />
Lopes also served as an assistant coach under Sampson for one season at<br />
Washington State, where he helped the Cougars to a 20-11 record and a berth<br />
in the NCAA Tournament. He joined the Washington State staff after a four-year<br />
stint as an assistant at UC Santa Barbara from 1989-93 under head coach Jerry<br />
Pimm. The Gauchos posted a 73-44 record and advanced to three postseason<br />
tournaments. In 1990, UC Santa Barbara advanced to the second round <strong>of</strong> the<br />
NCAA Southeast Regional before losing to the Steve Smith-led Michigan State<br />
Spartans. That year, the Gauchos knocked <strong>of</strong>f Jerry Tarkanian’s great UNLV team<br />
that won 34 consecutive games and the NCAA title.<br />
Lopes and his wife, Pierrette, have two daughters, Alaina and Teylor, and a<br />
son, Trey.<br />
Coaching experience<br />
2006-<strong>2008</strong><br />
<strong>Idaho</strong> Stampede<br />
2005-06<br />
San Antonio Spurs<br />
2002-2005<br />
Fresno State<br />
1994-2002<br />
Oklahoma<br />
1993-1994<br />
Washington State<br />
1989-1993<br />
UC Santa Barbara<br />
Education<br />
1987<br />
College <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong><br />
1980<br />
Moreau High School<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
Personnel Scout<br />
Head Coach<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
Bachelor’s (Business Administration)<br />
PERSONAL<br />
Birthdate Dec. 8, 1962<br />
Hometown<br />
Hartford, Conn.<br />
Wife<br />
Pierrette<br />
Children Alaina (17), Teylor (14) and Trey (9)<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball 23
coaching staff<br />
Mike<br />
Freeman<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
Second Season<br />
Iowa 2006<br />
Coaching experience<br />
2006-2007<br />
Lambuth <strong>University</strong><br />
2001-2006<br />
Iowa<br />
Education<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
Student Manager<br />
Mike Freeman remains with the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> men’s basketball<br />
program for the <strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> season and has been promoted to assistant<br />
coach.<br />
Freeman joined the <strong>Vandals</strong> in 2007 and was the Director <strong>of</strong> Men’s<br />
Basketball Operations last season.<br />
“Mike has earned this position,” <strong>Idaho</strong> coach Don Verlin said. “In my<br />
short time here he has proven to me his loyalty and commitment rest<br />
with this program and myself. Coach Freeman is the hardest worker one<br />
will ever meet and he wants to learn as much as he can. Those are both<br />
great qualities. During this transition, coach Freeman has been vital in<br />
keeping everything organized, as well as keeping our players on track<br />
academically.”<br />
Freeman’s responsibilities include emphasis on guard play and player<br />
development, as well as coordinating team travel.<br />
“I am thrilled to be part <strong>of</strong> coach Verlin’s staff at <strong>Idaho</strong> and look forward<br />
to learning from one <strong>of</strong> the best <strong>of</strong>fensive minds in the country,” Freeman<br />
said. “The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> is a great place and I am excited to be able<br />
to be part <strong>of</strong> the Vandal basketball program.”<br />
Freeman came to <strong>Idaho</strong> from Lambuth <strong>University</strong> at Jackson, Tenn.,<br />
where he was an assistant coach during the 2006-07 season. The team<br />
was ranked in the top ten for twelve consecutive weeks, reaching as high<br />
as fourth in the country, and advanced to the NAIA National Tournament.<br />
He coached the Basketball Times NAIA Player <strong>of</strong> the Year in Ivan Jenkins,<br />
who was the second overall pick in the 2007 CBA Draft.<br />
Freeman graduated from Iowa in 2006 with a degree in Communication<br />
Studies and a minor in Sports Studies. He also earned a certificate in<br />
Entrepreneurship. While at Iowa, he was the student manager for the<br />
men’s basketball team from 2001-2006 where the Hawkeyes earned trips<br />
to three NIT’s and two NCAA Tournaments. In 2005-06, Iowa earned a 25-<br />
9 overall record, which was the second most wins in school history. The<br />
team also finished undefeated at home for the first time in school history<br />
at 17-0 and earned a No. 3 seed at the NCAA Tournament.<br />
He originally is from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.<br />
2006<br />
Iowa<br />
2001<br />
Xavier High School<br />
PERSONAL<br />
Birthdate<br />
Dec. 29, 1982<br />
Hometown<br />
Cedar Rapids, Iowa<br />
Bachelor’s (Communication Studies)<br />
24<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball
coaching staff<br />
Chris<br />
Helbling<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> Operations<br />
Coaching experience<br />
2006-<strong>2008</strong><br />
Gonzaga<br />
2005-2006<br />
Walla Walla Community College<br />
Student Assistant<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
First Season<br />
Gonzaga <strong>2008</strong><br />
Chris Helbling joined the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> men’s basketball<br />
program as the Director <strong>of</strong> Operations in <strong>2008</strong><br />
Helbling came to <strong>Idaho</strong> after spending two seasons at Gonzaga<br />
where he served as a student assistant for the Bulldogs from<br />
2006-08. During his time at Gonzaga, the Bulldogs compiled<br />
an overall record <strong>of</strong> 48-19 and won two West Coast Conference<br />
championships. The team also made two NCAA Tournament<br />
appearances. Helbling graduated with honors in <strong>2008</strong>.<br />
“We are excited to have Chris join our basketball staff as he<br />
brings knowledge <strong>of</strong> the area and a great work ethic,” <strong>Idaho</strong><br />
coach Don Verlin said. “Chris is a smart individual who is<br />
going to be a successful coach.”<br />
Before his time at Gonzaga, Helbling was an assistant coach<br />
at Walla Walla Community College during the 2005-06 season<br />
after a back injury ended his playing career. His responsibilities<br />
with the Warriors included recruiting, player development,<br />
fundraising, and game preparations. During his three years as<br />
a player and coach with WWCC, the Warriors earned a 50-34<br />
overall record and made two trips to the NWAACC tournament<br />
where they finished fourth in 2004. During the 2004 season,<br />
WWCC was ranked as high as No. 2 in the NWAACC Coaches<br />
Poll.<br />
Helbling graduated from Moscow High School in 2003 and<br />
was a four-year letterwinner in basketball and baseball.<br />
“I am extremely excited to be home with the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Idaho</strong>,” Helbling said. “I always have been a Vandal and I look<br />
forward to helping coach Verlin put a team out on the court<br />
the student body, alumni, and community <strong>of</strong> Moscow will be<br />
proud <strong>of</strong>.”<br />
Education<br />
<strong>2008</strong><br />
Gonzaga<br />
2003<br />
Moscow High School<br />
PERSONAL<br />
Birthdate<br />
Jan. 13, 1985<br />
Hometown<br />
Moscow, <strong>Idaho</strong><br />
Bachelor’s (Physical Education)<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball 25
vandal staff<br />
Scott Gadeken came to Moscow from Louisiana State<br />
<strong>University</strong>, where he was an assistant for the nationally<br />
Scott<br />
prominent football program and head strength coach for<br />
the men’s and women’s basketball teams.<br />
Gadeken Gadeken helped the Tiger football team win a share <strong>of</strong><br />
the national championship in 2003 and helped the LSU<br />
Strength Coach<br />
women’s basketball team reach the NCAA Tournament<br />
Fifth Season Final Four in 2004 and the Elite Eight in 2003.<br />
Midland Lutheran 1994 In 2001, Gadeken was a finalist for the National Strength<br />
and Conditioning Association’s National Strength Coach<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Year Award.<br />
Before heading to LSU, Gadeken was at Kansas State as the head strength coach for the nationally recognized<br />
women’s basketball team in addition to the baseball and volleyball teams. He also served as a football assistant.<br />
In 1994, Gadeken earned NAIA All-American Honorable Mention honors as well as Academic All-American Honors<br />
as a football player at Midland Lutheran College.<br />
“We’re excited to have Scott in our program,” Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>Athletics</strong> Rob Spear said. “He obviously fits the mold that<br />
we’re after in terms <strong>of</strong> being from a very successful athletic program at LSU. He also brings the same proven strength<br />
and conditioning philosophies which we already have implemented here.”<br />
Gadeken and his wife, Stacey, have two sons, Brandon and Wyatt.<br />
Nate<br />
Barry<br />
Assistant Strength Coach<br />
Third Season<br />
<strong>Idaho</strong> <strong>2008</strong><br />
Nate Barry came to <strong>Idaho</strong> in 2004 and has spent three<br />
years as an assistant under head strength and conditioning<br />
Coach Scott Gadeken. Barry comes from Portland,<br />
Oregon.<br />
He is a member <strong>of</strong> the National Strength and Conditioning<br />
Association and is a USAW certified sports performance<br />
coach.<br />
26<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball
aquatic rehabilitation center (ARC)<br />
<strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal student-athletes now have a new way to train and rehabilitate<br />
injuries with a HydroWorx therapy pool, located on the second floor <strong>of</strong> the Vandal<br />
Athletic Center.<br />
Head athletic trainer Barrie Steele said as many as four athletes can use the pool at one time, depending on the workout<br />
and if they are relatively the same height.<br />
“Aquatic therapy is one <strong>of</strong> the most versatile tools that we have, in not only rehabilitation, but in injury prevention and<br />
training,” Steele said. “We’ve been able to train people in a nearly weightless environment, which is one <strong>of</strong> the most unique<br />
and best ways <strong>of</strong> doing it.”<br />
The weightless environment helps train injured athletes sooner or athletes who have problems doing certain activities on<br />
dry land because <strong>of</strong> weight bearing conditions, Steele said.<br />
Two video cameras are installed beneath the surface <strong>of</strong> the pool. The feed from the cameras appears on two televisions<br />
next to the pool, which helps the athletic trainers monitor the athletes’ workouts. A computer and controller above the television<br />
monitors adjust the pool’s jets, lift, and<br />
treadmill.<br />
The lift is used to vary the depth<br />
<strong>of</strong> the water, depending on the<br />
athlete and putting them in the most<br />
optimal position, which is at the waist,<br />
shoulders, or at non-weight bearing by<br />
having floats on. The treadmill is used<br />
for running or other exercises and jets<br />
can be turned on to make the water<br />
more resistant, giving the athlete a<br />
more intense workout.<br />
Steele said the athlete reaction has<br />
been positive because they are able to<br />
train pain-free. In the pool, they are<br />
able to run because <strong>of</strong> the non-weight<br />
bearing environment.<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball 27
athletic training<br />
The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong>’s commitment to its studentathletes<br />
can be seen in the continuing enhancement<br />
and growth <strong>of</strong> its athletic training, and strength and<br />
conditioning services. With the number one goal<br />
being prevention, <strong>Idaho</strong> athlete services provides<br />
not only strength and conditioning, and preventative<br />
athletic training measures, but coordinates with<br />
sports nutritionists and sports psychologists for the<br />
overall well-being <strong>of</strong> Vandal student-athletes.<br />
head athletic trainer<br />
Barrie steele<br />
“We approach our jobs first from a prevention<br />
standpoint,” head athletic trainer Barrie Steele said.<br />
“But, injuries do occur in athletics and when they do<br />
we make sure our student-athletes receive the finest<br />
in immediate and follow-up care. When they return<br />
to competition, our goal is to have them in better<br />
condition than before the injury and with a reduced<br />
chance <strong>of</strong> re-injury.”<br />
Asst. athletic trainers<br />
Megan Borchert<br />
nick refvem<br />
Team Physicians<br />
Dr. Steve<br />
Pennington<br />
dr. david<br />
rych<br />
dr. ed<br />
tingstad<br />
Nick refvem<br />
Men’s Basketball<br />
Athletic Trainer<br />
Seventh Season<br />
Oregon State, 2001<br />
Nick Refvem returned to the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Athletic Training staff in July 2005 after working one year<br />
as an assistant athletic trainer at The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Tulsa in Tulsa, OK.<br />
Nick completed his Master <strong>of</strong> Science degree in Sports and Recreation Management in May 2003. He<br />
then spent one year as intern assistant athletic trainer at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> before leaving for Tulsa.<br />
Nick graduated from Oregon State <strong>University</strong> in June 2001 with a Bachelor <strong>of</strong> Science degree in Exercise<br />
& Sport Science with an Athletic Training option.<br />
Refvem’s primary responsibilities include medical coverage for men’s basketball, supervision and teaching<br />
<strong>of</strong> athletic training students, and daily coverage <strong>of</strong> the athletic training room.<br />
Nick is a certified examiner for the NATABOC and is an approved clinical instructor for the athletic training<br />
education program.<br />
He and his wife, Emilee, are both natives <strong>of</strong> Dallas, OR.<br />
28<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball
A plan is in place for remodeling the Kibbie Dome<br />
to better suit the needs <strong>of</strong> its student-athletes. In<br />
September <strong>2008</strong>, <strong>Idaho</strong> student-athletes began<br />
to enjoy state-<strong>of</strong>-the-art athletic training and<br />
equipment rooms, as well as three newly-constructed<br />
classrooms.<br />
The first phase was remodeling the old shop and<br />
constructing a 120-seat classroom and two 20-seat<br />
classrooms.<br />
Next up was the remodel <strong>of</strong> the athletic training<br />
facility and equipment room. The athletic training<br />
room almost doubled in size with an increase <strong>of</strong> 1,680<br />
square feet for a total 3,520. Approximately 1,600<br />
square feet was added to the equipment room for a<br />
total <strong>of</strong> just more than 4,100.<br />
“Upgrading our facilities is <strong>of</strong> utmost importance<br />
for our student-athletes and the entire <strong>Idaho</strong> athletic<br />
department,” Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>Athletics</strong> Dr. Rob Spear said.<br />
“Constant facility improvement is a vital piece in our<br />
goal <strong>of</strong> becoming a premier athletic department.”<br />
facility enhancement<br />
Above: Views <strong>of</strong> the new 120-seat classroom<br />
Below/Left: The athletic training room increased<br />
by 1,680 square feet<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball 29
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> season outlook<br />
The <strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> season is one <strong>of</strong> change and new beginnings for the <strong>University</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> basketball program as Don Verlin, a long-time assistant at Utah State,<br />
has joined the <strong>Idaho</strong> family as head coach <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Vandals</strong>.<br />
“I’m extremely honored to be chosen the head basketball coach at the<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong>,” Verlin said at his introductory news conference in March.<br />
“I am tremendously excited and am looking forward to building a winning<br />
basketball program here.”<br />
Verlin looks to bring a new philosophy to <strong>Idaho</strong> basketball, one which he<br />
hopes will show not only in the players on the court, but also in the fans in<br />
the stands.<br />
“I have asked the team to enjoy the season, embrace being a Vandal, and<br />
forget about the recent past,” Verlin said. “College basketball should be fun<br />
and we are asking our team to enjoy the season. We hope our passion and<br />
determination on the court will help the fans follow our lead and really stand<br />
behind us as we build <strong>Idaho</strong> into a winning program.”<br />
Although the results may not come right away, Verlin is building a foundation<br />
from which to take <strong>Idaho</strong> to the next level.<br />
“I have asked our players to play hard, be disciplined and be competitive.<br />
Those are three areas we will really focus on during this first season. Our<br />
philosophy for this season is to win our next game. We want to be a little better<br />
every day and go out on game night with the intention <strong>of</strong> winning our next<br />
game,” Verlin said.<br />
Verlin was known for his <strong>of</strong>fensive expertise while at Utah State but has<br />
worked hard to instill strong defensive fundamentals in his new roster.<br />
“I want our team to play a hard and physical style <strong>of</strong> man-to-man defense.<br />
We spent a lot <strong>of</strong> time in the preseason on our defense schemes. On <strong>of</strong>fense<br />
we will play a pro-style set <strong>of</strong>fense that is based on execution. We are hoping<br />
our defense will ignite our <strong>of</strong>fense and we will be able to get up and down the<br />
floor,” Verlin said.<br />
Aside from the change at the top, the <strong>Idaho</strong> roster also will welcome 11 new<br />
players alongside the five who return from last season. Verlin and his staff will<br />
work continually to develop their system around the players as they learn more<br />
about each other as the season progresses.<br />
“I have always felt a key to being a good coach is not having something<br />
set in stone every year,” Verlin said. “You have to fit what you do around the<br />
personnel you have and I look forward to figuring out as much as I can about<br />
these players individually, as well as the team as a whole. So far we have seen<br />
players who are a more athletic than I am used to, which lends itself to putting<br />
more pressure on defensively and speeding up the game. “<br />
GUARDs<br />
01 Mac Hopson 6-2 195 Jr. RS<br />
03 Terrence Simmons 6-3 170 Sr. 1L<br />
15 Trevor Morris 6-4 182 Sr. 2L<br />
21 Drew Eisinger 6-3 165 So. JC<br />
Redshirts<br />
05 Steffan Johnson 6-1 172 Sr. TR<br />
20 Marcus Lawrence 5-10 180 Jr. TR<br />
The guard positions are where Verlin feels the team is strongest as the<br />
season begins.<br />
“Right now I would say our perimeter guys are stronger and will lead us in<br />
our defensive intensity and in our <strong>of</strong>fensive production,” Verlin said.<br />
Although the team is without a returning starter at guard, the position does<br />
boast experience in veterans Trevor Morris and Terrence Simmons. Also joining<br />
the position is Washington State transfer Mac Hopson, who Verlin believes will<br />
take over the point guard duties. Morris, Simmons, and junior college transfer<br />
Kashif Watson are all combo guards who should see time at both spots. Walkon<br />
Drew Eisinger rounds out the position.<br />
forwards<br />
11 Brandon Wiley 6-6 225 Jr. JC<br />
13 Luciano de Souza 6-7 205 Jr. JC<br />
22 Brandon Brown 6-1 205 Sr. 1L<br />
32 Kashif Watson 6-4 190 Jr. JC<br />
34 Travis Blackstock 6-5 Jr. HS<br />
42 Ryan Votaw 6-1 190 So. JC<br />
Redshirts<br />
23 Mark Mahaffy 6-6 189 So. TR<br />
54 Luiz Toledo 6-7 220 So. TR<br />
The small forward position returns Brandon Brown, who Verlin feels is a very<br />
good athlete who can be an important lock-down defender on the perimeter.<br />
Watson will see time at small forward as his primary position and walk-ons<br />
Ryan Votaw and Travis Blackstock also are available.<br />
centers<br />
44 Luis Augusto 6-8 245 Sr. 1L<br />
53 Marvin Jefferson 6-10 235 Jr. JC<br />
Redshirts<br />
25 Kyle Barone 6-10 215 Fr. HS<br />
30<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> season outlook<br />
The players around the basket will provide a<br />
different look than <strong>Idaho</strong> fans have seen lately.<br />
At power forward are newcomers Brandon Wiley<br />
and Luciano de Souza, both <strong>of</strong> whom can shoot<br />
outside as well as play around the rim.<br />
“We are hoping to be able to spread the<br />
defense and move some <strong>of</strong> our forwards away<br />
from the basket. We are athletic and will look<br />
to utilize beating teams <strong>of</strong>f the bounce rather<br />
than throwing it inside and beating people up<br />
that way,” Verlin said.<br />
When the situation does call for getting the<br />
ball inside, returning center Luis Augusto and<br />
junior college transfer Marvin Jefferson <strong>of</strong>fer<br />
<strong>Idaho</strong> two distinct options. At 6-foot-8, 245-<br />
pounds, Augusto <strong>of</strong>fers a physical force under<br />
the basket while the 6-foot-10, 235-pound<br />
Jefferson provides length and finesse around<br />
the rim.<br />
“Our post guys are coming around and<br />
definitely will improve as they gain more<br />
experience,” Verlin said.<br />
Although the <strong>Idaho</strong> roster boasts players with<br />
star-caliber talent, Verlin feels the <strong>Vandals</strong> will<br />
find more success by approaching the season<br />
with a team mentality.<br />
“This is a team thing and we need to be<br />
balanced,” Verlin said. “The good teams in the Western Athletic Conference<br />
are balanced and have three, four, or five guys in double figures for points<br />
and the same amount battling for the team lead in rebounds. We need to do<br />
it as a team. I really have been preaching that to our players. I don’t feel we<br />
have one outstanding player who will overshadow the need for us to play team<br />
basketball.”<br />
Although the <strong>Vandals</strong> enter the season with 16 players on its roster, Verlin<br />
feels depth is a concern as only 11 players are eligible this season with nine<br />
being scholarship players.<br />
The 20<strong>09</strong>-10 roster will boast four transfers from four-year colleges. Steffan<br />
Johnson was a first team all-Big West Conference selection at Pacific, Marcus<br />
Lawrence played two seasons at UNLV, Luiz Toledo was the 2007-08 Atlantic<br />
<strong>University</strong> Sport (Canada) Rookie <strong>of</strong> the Year, and Mark Mahaffy is a walkon<br />
who played last season at Schreiner <strong>University</strong>. Kyle Barone, a 6-foot-10<br />
freshman, must fulfill a residency requirement before joining the <strong>Vandals</strong> next<br />
fall.<br />
“We went the way <strong>of</strong> taking some transfers and the ones we have will be<br />
great players in this program, but we have sacrificed some depth for this<br />
season. That can be a good thing, however, as our current players will see a lot<br />
<strong>of</strong> minutes and we will get some players seasoned in our program. Barring any<br />
injuries, we will be able to get our players some great experience faster than we<br />
otherwise would have been able to,” Verlin said.<br />
Verlin describes the schedule to be “unbelievably tough” in his first season.<br />
It features 30 regular-season games, which ties for the most in school history.<br />
It is the largest amount <strong>of</strong> regular-season games in a season which does not<br />
feature participation in a tournament. Also on tap are matchups with NCAA<br />
powers Michigan State and Gonzaga on the road and Washington State at the<br />
Cowan Spectrum. All three teams advanced at least to the second round <strong>of</strong> the<br />
NCAA Tournament and are in the preseason national rankings this season.<br />
“Beginning the season at Michigan State and at Gonzaga, two teams ranked<br />
highly in the preseason polls, would be tough for any team. We know that is a<br />
big challenge,” Verlin said.<br />
The remainder <strong>of</strong> the preseason includes<br />
games in which Verlin feels his team can be<br />
competitive and find some success. <strong>Idaho</strong><br />
ends the preseason with games at home vs.<br />
Washington State and on the road at <strong>Idaho</strong><br />
State, two matchups Verlin feels are important<br />
rivalry games.<br />
“We are hoping our non-conference schedule<br />
will help prepare us for the WAC season by<br />
helping us get a little better each game and<br />
teaching us to play with passion. We hope to use<br />
the two rivalry games at the end to springboard<br />
us into a very difficult WAC schedule,” Verlin<br />
said.<br />
The WAC looks again to be one <strong>of</strong> the premier<br />
conferences in the nation and <strong>Idaho</strong> was done<br />
no favors with four <strong>of</strong> its first five conference<br />
games on the road.<br />
“The WAC is brutally tough and we have a<br />
tough start,” Verlin said. “We start with four <strong>of</strong><br />
our first five games on the road beginning with<br />
Nevada and Utah State, which are two teams<br />
that don’t lend a lot <strong>of</strong> wins on their home<br />
court. We also head to New Mexico State and<br />
Louisiana Tech shortly after which is a difficult<br />
and long road trip.”<br />
Ready to help Verlin in his task is a group <strong>of</strong> assistant coaches with 34 years<br />
<strong>of</strong> combined coaching experience at the Division I level.<br />
“I am very fortunate to have a very good staff that is well versed in a lot <strong>of</strong><br />
areas,” Verlin said.<br />
Mike Score enters his second year at <strong>Idaho</strong> and brings experience from<br />
Washington, Eastern Washington, and a Sweet 16 trip while at Utah.<br />
“I was very fortunate to keep coach Score here with his experience at <strong>Idaho</strong><br />
and in college basketball in general. His experience recruiting international<br />
players will do nothing but help the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong>,” Verlin said.<br />
Ray Lopes began at the Division I level in 1989 with stints at UC Santa<br />
Barbara, Washington State, Oklahoma, and Fresno State before moving on to<br />
three years at the NBA level.<br />
“Coach Lopes is a great member <strong>of</strong> this staff because his experience at the<br />
Division I level is not something a first-year head coach gets to take advantage<br />
<strong>of</strong>. His experience at all levels <strong>of</strong> Division I and with the NBA Developmental<br />
League is something that will help us tremendously. He also is a great recruiter<br />
with fantastic contacts all across the nation,” Verlin said.<br />
Also remaining at <strong>Idaho</strong> is second-year coach Mike Freeman. Freeman spent<br />
five seasons at Iowa before coming to <strong>Idaho</strong> last year.<br />
“The best way to describe coach Freeman is to say he gets it done. He<br />
is fantastic with handling all <strong>of</strong> the behind-the-scenes aspects <strong>of</strong> running a<br />
successful program and he will become a great recruiter in the future,” Verlin<br />
said.<br />
Rounding out the coaching staff is Director <strong>of</strong> Men’s Basketball Operations<br />
Chris Helbling. Helbling graduated from Moscow High School, played and<br />
coached at Walla Walla Community College, and also spent last season on<br />
staff at Gonzaga.<br />
“Chris’ knowledge <strong>of</strong> the area, and Moscow in particular, has been very<br />
helpful. He is able to implement a lot <strong>of</strong> outreach in the community and his<br />
passion for and knowledge <strong>of</strong> basketball are things we are fortunate to have on<br />
our staff,” Verlin said.<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball 31
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> team Roster<br />
No Name Pos Ht Wt Yr Exp Hometown/Previous School<br />
01 Hopson, Mac G 6-2 195 Jr. RS Portland, Ore. (Washington State)<br />
03 Simmons, Terrence G 6-3 170 Sr. 1L Durant, Miss. (Connors State)<br />
05 Johnson, Steffan G 6-1 172 Sr. TR Kent, Wash. (Pacific)<br />
11 Wiley, Brandon F 6-6 225 Jr. JC Pinole, Calif. (City College <strong>of</strong> San Francisco)<br />
13 de Souza, Luciano F 6-7 205 Jr. JC Matão, Brazil (South Plains CC)<br />
15 Morris, Trevor G 6-4 182 Sr. 2L Missoula, Mont. (Miles CC)<br />
20 Lawrence, Marcus G 5-10 180 Jr. TR Las Vegas, Nev. (UNLV)<br />
21 Eisinger, Drew G 6-3 165 So. JC Mill Creek, Wash. (Western Nebraska CC)<br />
22 Brown, Brandon G 6-1 205 Sr. 1L Philadelphia, Pa. (West Hills CC)<br />
23 Mahaffy, Mark F 6-6 189 So. JC Moscow, <strong>Idaho</strong> (Schreiner)<br />
25 Barone, Kyle C 6-10 215 Fr. HS Garden Grove, Calif. (Pacifica HS)<br />
32 Watson, Kashif G 6-4 190 Jr. JC Las Vegas, Nev. (Irvine Valley CC)<br />
34 Blackstock, Travis F 6-5 198 Jr. HS Kuna, <strong>Idaho</strong> (Kuna HS)<br />
42 Votaw, Ryan G 6-1 190 So. JC Toledo, Wash. (Wenatchee Valley)<br />
44 Augusto, Luis F 6-8 245 Sr. 1L São José do Rio Preto, Brazil (Western Oklahoma State)<br />
53 Jefferson, Marvin C 6-10 235 Jr. JC Merced, Calif. (Modesto JC)<br />
54 Toledo, Luiz F 6-7 220 So. JC Araraquara, Brazil (St. Francis Xavier)<br />
Head Coach<br />
Don Verlin (Cal State Stanislaus, 1991; Colorado State, 1993), first season<br />
Assistant Coaches<br />
Mike Score (Washington, 1996), second season<br />
Ray Lopes (College <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong>, 1987), first season<br />
Mike Freeman (Iowa, 2006), second season<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> Men’s Basketball Operations<br />
Chris Helbling (Gonzaga, <strong>2008</strong>), first season<br />
32<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball
meet the vandals<br />
Luis Augusto #44<br />
QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “I love Chevy’s attitude and his willingness to<br />
learn. I expect him to settle in and be more <strong>of</strong> a contributor this year after going<br />
through a number <strong>of</strong> injuries during his junior year. With his size and strength,<br />
we are counting on him giving us a physical presence around the basket.”<br />
2007-08: One <strong>of</strong> two players to see action in all 29 games... Started 18 games...<br />
Averaged 2.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 15.0 minutes per game... Had his best<br />
game <strong>of</strong> the season at the WAC Tournament vs. New Mexico State with eight<br />
points on 4-<strong>of</strong>-5 shooting and grabbing five rebounds... Tied a season high<br />
with five rebounds vs. Boise State... Grabbed a season-high five rebounds vs.<br />
Central Arkansas... Started the first seven games <strong>of</strong> the season... Came <strong>of</strong><br />
the bench to score seven points and grab three rebounds in 12 minutes vs.<br />
Eastern Washington... Grabbed a then season-high four rebounds vs. South<br />
Dakota State... Scored seven points and grabbed one rebound in 18 minutes<br />
vs. Cascade College.<br />
AT WESTERN OKLAHOMA<br />
STATE: Averaged 10.5 points,<br />
8.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks<br />
per game for coach Rolando<br />
De La Barrera’s Pioneers...<br />
Hoopmasters.com ranked<br />
Augusto No. 48 on its list <strong>of</strong><br />
the nation’s top junior college<br />
players.<br />
PERSONAL: Full name is<br />
Luis Gustavo Augusto... Born<br />
May 31, 1984 at Sao Jose do<br />
Rio Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil...<br />
Son <strong>of</strong> Jose Augusto Filbo and<br />
Janete dos Santos Augusto...<br />
Has one sister, Andressa.<br />
Senior • Forward<br />
6-8 • 245 • 1L<br />
Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Brazil<br />
Western Oklahoma State<br />
CAREER HIGHS<br />
Points<br />
8 vs. New Mexico State (3/13/08)<br />
Rebounds<br />
5, four times, last at New Mexico State (3/13/08)<br />
Assists<br />
2 vs. Cascade College (11/9/07)<br />
Steals<br />
3 at Boise State (2/2/08)<br />
Blocked shots<br />
1 at San Jose State (3/1/08)<br />
FG made<br />
4 at New Mexico State (3/13/08)<br />
FG attempted<br />
7 at Washington State (11/16/07)<br />
3FG made<br />
-<br />
3FG attempted<br />
-<br />
FT made<br />
3, three times, last vs. EWU (12/9/07)<br />
FT attempted<br />
6, twice, last vs. EWU (12/9/07)<br />
Minutes<br />
25 vs. Boise State (1/5/08)<br />
TOTAL 3-PTS FREE THROWS REBOUNDS FOULS<br />
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<br />
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<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball 33
meet the vandals<br />
Brandon Brown #22<br />
QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “When I think <strong>of</strong> Brandon I think <strong>of</strong> the Energizer Bunny. He<br />
shows up every day with unbelievable energy and enthusiasm. He gives us toughness and<br />
athleticism and he is a guard who can finish in traffic. If Brandon can unleash his energy on<br />
defense and harness it on <strong>of</strong>fense he will have a great senior season.”<br />
2007-08: Saw action in 28 games and started five... Averaged 5.4 points and shot 43-percent<br />
in five starts... Led all scorers with a season-high 18 points vs. Central Arkansas in just 14<br />
minutes... Hit 8-<strong>of</strong>-10 shots, including 2-<strong>of</strong>-2 3-pointers, vs. Central Arkansas... Scored seven<br />
points and grabbed a career high four steals <strong>of</strong>f the bench vs. Eastern Washington... Scored<br />
eight points in 10 minutes at Central Arkansas... Was <strong>Idaho</strong>’s leading scorer and rebounder<br />
at Gonzaga with 12 points on 5-<strong>of</strong>-10 shooting and seven rebounds... Scored 11 points in 10<br />
minutes on 3-<strong>of</strong>-3 shooting vs. Cascade College... hit 5-<strong>of</strong>-6 free throws vs. Cascade College.<br />
Senior • Guard<br />
6-1 • 205 • 1L<br />
Philadelphia, Penn.<br />
West Hills CC<br />
CAREER HIGHS<br />
Points<br />
18 vs. Central Arkansas (12/18/07)<br />
Rebounds<br />
7 at Gonzaga (11/13/07)<br />
Assists<br />
3 vs. Boise State (1/5/08)<br />
Steals<br />
4 vs. Eastern Washington (12/9/07)<br />
Blocked shots<br />
-<br />
FG made<br />
8 vs. Central Arkansas (12/18/07)<br />
FG attempted<br />
10, three times, last at NMSU (2/6/08)<br />
3FG made<br />
2, twice, last vs. UCA (12/18/07)<br />
3FG attempted<br />
5 at Gonzaga (11/13/07)<br />
FT made<br />
5 vs. Cascade College (11/9/07)<br />
FT attempted<br />
6 vs. Cascade College (11/9/07)<br />
Minutes<br />
26 at Fresno State (1/12/08)<br />
AT WEST HILLS COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Averaged 18.4 points and 5.2 rebounds per game<br />
as a sophomore... Shot 50-percent from the floor and 38-percent from the 3-point line....<br />
Was an all-California Junior College Team selection... Honored as first team all-conference...<br />
Selected as the Most Valuable Player<br />
at the 2006 Cuesta Tournament...<br />
Was an all-tournament selection at<br />
the San Jose Tournament.<br />
AT BEAVER COUNTY<br />
COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Was<br />
an all-state, all-region, and allconference<br />
selection<br />
AT HOPE CHARTER HIGH<br />
SCHOOL: Was a first team all-city<br />
selection as a senior.<br />
PERSONAL: Full name is Brandon<br />
Marlon Brown... Born April 29,<br />
1985 at Philadelphia, Penn.,...<br />
Son <strong>of</strong> Davonna Brown... Has<br />
one brother, DeVon... Majoring<br />
in General Studies... originally<br />
committed to Utah State before<br />
signing with <strong>Idaho</strong>.<br />
TOTAL 3-PTS FREE THROWS REBOUNDS FOULS<br />
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<br />
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<br />
34<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball
meet the vandals<br />
Trevor Morris #15<br />
QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Trevor has worked extremely hard this summer and fall in the weight room<br />
and that should help him defensively and on the boards. He has the ability to be a complete guard in this<br />
league and we will rely on his WAC experience to lead this team. Trevor understands the game and has good<br />
athleticism. I truly believe he has done everything in his power to have a successful senior season.”<br />
2007-08: Played in 16 games and started seven... Missed 10 games with a foot injury... Averaged 8.6<br />
points in seven starts... Scored 14 points vs. Utah State to lead the <strong>Vandals</strong>... Came <strong>of</strong>f the bench to score<br />
14 points in 22 minutes vs. <strong>Idaho</strong> State... Started the first three games <strong>of</strong> the season... Tied for eighth on<br />
<strong>Idaho</strong>’s all-time single-game records list with 11 3-point attempts at Gonzaga... Earned a career-high with 25<br />
points vs. Cascade College to lead all scorers... made a career-high nine field goals and five 3-pointers vs.<br />
Cascade College... grabbed two rebounds, dished out two assists and had two steals vs. Cascade College.<br />
2006-07: Played in all 31 games and started three times... Averaged 15.0 minutes per contest... Averaged<br />
6.5 points and 0.9 rebounds per game... Raised his scoring average to 7.1 points per game during Western<br />
Athletic Conference play... 74-percent <strong>of</strong> shot attempts were from beyond the 3- point line... Shot 64-<strong>of</strong>-201<br />
(.318) from the floor and 46-<strong>of</strong>-149 (.3<strong>09</strong>) from the 3-point arc... Led the team with 85-percent (29-<strong>of</strong>-34)<br />
shooting from the free throw line... Tied for eighth on <strong>Idaho</strong>’s all-time list with 11 3-point field goal attempts<br />
at Utah State (Jan. 15)... Scored 16 points, grabbed five rebounds, and added four assists in 39 minutes vs.<br />
Fresno State (Feb. 3); all season highs... Hit a season-high 8-<strong>of</strong>-8 free throws vs. Boise State (Jan. 27).<br />
At Miles Community College:<br />
Averaged 18 points and 3.8 rebounds<br />
per game as a freshman... Was a second<br />
team all-Mon Dak Athletic Conference<br />
selection... Shot 40-percent from the 3-<br />
point line and 82-percent from the free<br />
throw line.<br />
AT HELLGATE High School: A 2005<br />
graduate <strong>of</strong> Hellgate High School...<br />
Was an all-conference selection as a<br />
junior and a McDonald’s All-American<br />
nominee... Helped lead the Knights to<br />
the Class AA championship as a senior<br />
while averaging 15 points and 5.0<br />
rebounds per game.<br />
Personal: Full name is Trevor Patrick<br />
Morris... Born May 19, 1987 at Missoula,<br />
Mont.... Son <strong>of</strong> Brian Morris and Debra<br />
Hennefer... Has two brothers, Travis and<br />
Trenton... Father played at the <strong>University</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> Montana... Intended major is Sports<br />
Science.<br />
Junior • Guard<br />
6-4 • 182 • 2L<br />
Missoula, Mont.<br />
Miles CC<br />
CAREER HIGHS<br />
Points<br />
25 vs. Cascade College (11/9/07)<br />
Rebounds<br />
5 vs. Fresno State (2/3/07)<br />
Assists<br />
4 vs. Fresno State (2/3/07)<br />
Steals<br />
3 at <strong>Idaho</strong> State (12/6/06)<br />
Blocked shots<br />
1, twice, last at Gonzaga (11/13/07)<br />
FG made<br />
9 vs. Cascade College (11/9/07)<br />
FG attempted<br />
17 at Gonzaga (11/17/07)<br />
3FG made<br />
5 vs. Cascade College (11/9/07)<br />
3FG attempted<br />
11, three times, last at Gonzaga (11/13/07)<br />
FT made<br />
8 vs. Boise State (1/27/07)<br />
FT attempted<br />
8 vs. Boise State (1/27/07)<br />
Minutes<br />
39 vs. Fresno State (2/3/07)<br />
TOTAL 3-PTS FREE THROWS REBOUNDS FOULS<br />
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<br />
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<br />
2006-07 31 3 466 15.0 64 201 .318 46 149 .3<strong>09</strong> 29 34 .853 2 27 29 0.9 45 2 23 28 1 13 203 6.5<br />
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<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball 35
meet the vandals<br />
Terrence Simmons #3<br />
QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Terrence is an athletic combo guard who should be able to help<br />
us at both guard spots. I like his size and flexibility and his attitude has been unbelievable.<br />
Our team needs Terrence to open up and be more <strong>of</strong> a leader. He is going to be someone<br />
who can score points and give us good stability at either spot on the perimeter.”<br />
Senior • Guard<br />
6-3 • 170 • 1L<br />
Durant, Miss.<br />
Connors State<br />
CAREER HIGHS<br />
Points<br />
12 at Louisiana Tech (2/9/08)<br />
Rebounds<br />
9 at New Mexico State (2/6/08)<br />
Assists<br />
6 at Louisiana Tech (2/9/08)<br />
Steals<br />
3 vs. Cascade College (11/9/07)<br />
Blocked shots<br />
1, three times, last vs. Utah State (3/8/08)<br />
FG made<br />
5 at Louisiana Tech (2/9/08)<br />
FG attempted<br />
8, twice, last at New Mexico State (2/6/08)<br />
3FG made<br />
3 at Arizona State (12/22/07)<br />
3FG attempted<br />
6 vs. New Mexico State (1/2/08)<br />
FT made<br />
1, three times, last at NMSU (2/6/08)<br />
FT attempted<br />
3 at Louisiana Tech (2/9/08)<br />
Minutes<br />
29 at New Mexico State (2/6/08)<br />
2007-08: Saw action in 28 <strong>of</strong> the team’s 29 games... Earned career highs with 12 points<br />
and six assists at Louisiana Tech... Had 13 assists in a three-game span... Averaged 5.2<br />
points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists in six starts... Tallied five season highs vs. New Mexico<br />
State, including five assists... Started for the first time this season at Arizona State... Earned<br />
seven season highs in first start at Arizona State... Played 14 minutes and scored five points<br />
on 2-<strong>of</strong>-3 shooting vs. Central Arkansas... Earned a career high with four rebounds vs. Eastern<br />
Washington... Scored eight points on 4-<strong>of</strong>-4 shooting <strong>of</strong>f the bench vs. Cascade College...<br />
grabbed three steals vs. Cascade College.<br />
AT CONNORS STATE: Averaged 10 points and five assists per game for the Cowboys as a<br />
sophomore... Shot 42-percent from the floor, 32-percent from the 3-point line, and 73-percent<br />
from the free throw line.<br />
AT DURANT (MISS.) HIGH<br />
SCHOOL: Helped lead Durant High<br />
School to a state championship<br />
and a 32-2 overall record as a<br />
senior... Averaged 11.9 points and<br />
8.0 assists per game... Earned first<br />
team all-conference and all-region<br />
selections... Honored as a first<br />
team all-tournament selection at<br />
the state tournament.<br />
PERSONAL: Full name is Terrence<br />
Demetre Simmons... Born February<br />
26, 1986 at Jackson, Miss.,... Son<br />
<strong>of</strong> Belinda Sumerall... Grandson <strong>of</strong><br />
Henry and Bobbie Dawson... Has<br />
one brother, Kendrick Brooks Jr.,<br />
and one sister, Kyndris Brooks.<br />
TOTAL 3-PTS FREE THROWS REBOUNDS FOULS<br />
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<br />
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<br />
36<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball
meet the vandals<br />
Steffan Johnson #5<br />
QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Steffan is an outstanding all-around player whose stats and accomplishments at the Division-I<br />
level speak for themselves. He is an outstanding shooter and playmaker. I have both encouraged and challenged Steffan<br />
to continue to improve his game during his redshirt year. Our staff is truly looking forward to working with him and cannot<br />
wait to have him on the court next season.”<br />
AT PACIFIC: Scored 941 points in three seasons for a 10.1 points per game average… ranked third on Pacific’s all-time<br />
career records list with 104 steals, tied for sixth with 337 assists, and ranked sixth with 153 3-point field goals made…<br />
ranked third on Pacific’s all-time single season records with 151 assists and tied for third with 45 steals (2007-08)… earned<br />
first-team all-Big West Conference honors as a junior (2007-08) and was selected to the Big West Conference All-Freshman<br />
Team (2005-06)… tallied two double-doubles, seven games <strong>of</strong> 20+ points, and scored in double figures 48 times… totaled<br />
double figures for assists on two occasions.<br />
2007-08: Earned first team all-Big West Conference honors… led the team with 14.5 points, 4.9 assists, and 1.5 steals<br />
per game… also shot 46-percent from the floor and 41-percent from the 3-point line… started 30 <strong>of</strong> his 31 games and<br />
averaged a team high 31.3 minutes per game.. scored 24 points with six assists against Cal State Fullerton... scored in<br />
double figures in all but five games... tied for the third best single game assist total with 12 against Western Michigan...<br />
had the third best single game steal total with six against Saint Louis... came back two days later with a career-high 32<br />
points against Pepperdine... earned All-Tournament honors at the World Vision Invitational and Big West Player <strong>of</strong> the Week<br />
honors on Nov. 12.<br />
2006-07: Second on the team with 9.7 points per game… led the Tigers with 1<strong>09</strong> assists (3.6 apg) and 37 steals (1.2<br />
spg)... started the first 16 <strong>of</strong> his 30 games for the Tigers... averaged 14.3 points per game over the final three games <strong>of</strong><br />
the season... hit four <strong>of</strong> seven three-point attempts in scoring 15 points at UC Riverside... had eight assists and tied a<br />
career high with six rebounds against Cal State Northridge... had his first career double-double against Sacramento State<br />
with 11 points and a career-high 10 assists... scored a career-high 23 points against USF, hitting 10 <strong>of</strong> 14 shots from the<br />
field... tallied 19 points against Loyola Marymount... scored 17 points against UMKC, 13 points in the second half... had<br />
13 points against New Mexico State, all in<br />
the first half.<br />
2005-06: Averaged 6.3 points and 2.4<br />
assists per game… shot .444 from the<br />
floor… played in all 32 games and averaged<br />
17.4 minutes per game… scored 10 points<br />
and dished out four assists in the Big West<br />
Championship Game against Long Beach<br />
State... scored 13 points against Cal Poly,<br />
including 11 straight points that staked the<br />
Tigers to a 15 point second half lead... had<br />
13 points and five assists against Fresno<br />
State... scored 19 points with four assists in<br />
his collegiate debut against Sonoma State.<br />
AT KENT-MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL: A<br />
2005 graduate <strong>of</strong> Kent-Meridian High School<br />
at Kent, Wash. … lettered in basketball for<br />
the Royals... averaged 20.0 points and 6.0<br />
assists a game as a senior... In 2004-05, led<br />
his team to an 18-6 record and was named<br />
South Puget Sound League MVP... was<br />
an All-Area pick by the Seattle Times, the<br />
Seattle Post Intelligencer, and the Tacoma<br />
News Tribune... was named team MVP in<br />
2003-04, leading the Royals to a 15-7 overall<br />
record and 11-5 in league play.<br />
Senior • Guard<br />
6-1 • 172 • TR<br />
Kent, Wash.<br />
Pacific<br />
Why did you choose the<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong>?<br />
“I chose the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Idaho</strong> because I wanted to be<br />
closer to home, I wanted to go<br />
to school in a college town,<br />
and I liked that it is a small<br />
area where I can focus on<br />
basketball.”<br />
What do you like about coach<br />
Verlin and his staff?<br />
“Coach Verlin and his staff<br />
teach us every day. They have<br />
a lot <strong>of</strong> experience and they<br />
really care about us players.<br />
They make <strong>Idaho</strong> basketball a<br />
family atmosphere.”<br />
PERSONAL: Full name is Steffan Phillip<br />
Johnson… born April 1, 1987 at Tulsa, Okla.<br />
... son <strong>of</strong> Phillip and Druscilla Johnson… has<br />
one brother, Keelan.<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball 37
meet the vandals<br />
Luciano de Souza #13<br />
QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Luciano is a very gifted player who will fit into our <strong>of</strong>fensive<br />
system perfectly. His infectious personality will make him a crowd favorite and he will become<br />
one <strong>of</strong> the coaching staff’s favorites if he improves his ability to defend and rebound. Luciano<br />
has the ability to be one <strong>of</strong> the surprise players on this team.”<br />
AT SOUTH PLAINS COLLEGE: Team won the <strong>2008</strong> NJCAA National Championship… scored<br />
21 points and grabbed six rebounds in semifinal game… Played in 35 games, started 31…<br />
shot 45-percent from the floor and hit 69 3-pointers to rank second on the team… averaged<br />
10.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game… had season-highs <strong>of</strong> 23 points and 12 rebounds…<br />
Averaged 5.0 points and 2.5 rebounds per game in 2006-07… Had season highs <strong>of</strong> 12 points<br />
and 10 rebounds… Scored in double figures four times.<br />
Junior • Forward<br />
6-7 • 205 • JC<br />
Matao, Brazil<br />
South Plains CC<br />
PERSONAL: Full name is Luciano Ferreira de Souza… born Dec. 29, 1986 at Matao, Brazil…<br />
son <strong>of</strong> Luciano de Souza and Juracy Luzia Pereira… has one brother, Ennes, and one sister,<br />
Erika.<br />
Why did you choose the<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong>?<br />
“I chose the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong><br />
because I heard it is a great<br />
college and a great basketball<br />
program. When I came to visit<br />
I saw everything I had heard<br />
about, such as a very good<br />
school, a good basketball<br />
team, and a very nice place to<br />
live.”<br />
What do you like about coach<br />
Verlin and his staff?<br />
“Although I have only been here<br />
a short time I can already say<br />
the program coach Verlin has<br />
is great. What I like the most<br />
about coach Verlin is he is a<br />
very honest man. His staff is<br />
very important and they work<br />
very hard to supply everything<br />
we need.”<br />
38<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball
meet the vandals<br />
Mac Hopson #1<br />
QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “My staff and I are very excited to coach Mac. Since we have<br />
been here he has been on <strong>of</strong> the hardest working players in our program. Mac is physically<br />
tough-minded and has worked extremely hard to improve his perimeter shooting. His<br />
leadership on and <strong>of</strong>f the court is something this team must rely on.”<br />
AT IDAHO (2007-08): Sat out as a redshirt due to NCAA transfer regulations.<br />
AT WASHINGTON STATE (2006-07): Played in 21 games and averaged 4.2 points and 2.0<br />
assists... Shot 39-percent from the floor and 45-percent from the 3-point arc... Started seven<br />
<strong>of</strong> WSU’s first eight games and averaged 7.8 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 24.8<br />
minutes per game... Shot 50-percent from the floor, 64-percent from the 3-point line, and<br />
83-percent from the free throw line in those eight contests... Made a decisive basket in the<br />
final minute <strong>of</strong> Washington State’s late-season win over Oregon State.<br />
AT NORTH IDAHO COLLEGE (2005-06): Helped lead North <strong>Idaho</strong> College to a co-league<br />
championship as a freshman... Was named first team all-Region 18 and averaged a teamhigh<br />
13.7 points, 3.8 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game.<br />
AT JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL: Was a standout at Jefferson High School at Portland, Ore.,<br />
where he averaged 16.7 points,<br />
6.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists<br />
per game as a senior... Was rated<br />
Oregon’s third best point guard<br />
by Northwesthoops.com and<br />
was a member <strong>of</strong> the All-Oregon<br />
All-Star third team... Was named<br />
first team all-conference, team<br />
MVP, and team captain during<br />
his junior and senior years while<br />
also being selected to the All-<br />
Portland Interscholastic Team.<br />
PERSONAL: Mac Hopson is<br />
the son <strong>of</strong> former Vandal great<br />
Phil Hopson... Birth name is<br />
Phillip, Jr. ... Elder Hopson<br />
helped lead the <strong>Vandals</strong> to a<br />
Sweet 16 appearance in 1982<br />
and currently ranks in the<br />
top 10 on nine career records<br />
lists... Mother’s name is Lauren<br />
Hopson... Has one sister,<br />
Chanell... Born Oct. 6 at Marcos<br />
Juarez, Argentina.<br />
Junior • Guard<br />
6-2 • 195 • RS<br />
Portland, Ore.<br />
Washington State<br />
Why did you choose the<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong>?<br />
“I chose to come to <strong>University</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> for two reasons. I feel<br />
like the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> was<br />
the place I belonged since day<br />
one. Ever since I was little I<br />
have looked up to my pops and<br />
I wanted to continue the legacy<br />
he has left here. I also want to<br />
help turn this program around<br />
and be a part <strong>of</strong> the turnaround<br />
year. “<br />
What do you like about coach<br />
Verlin and his staff?<br />
“What I like most about coach<br />
Verlin is he is fair. I have been<br />
through experiences where I<br />
have not been treated fairly.<br />
I also am looking forward to<br />
help coach turn this program<br />
around.”<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball 39
meet the vandals<br />
Marvin Jefferson #53<br />
QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Marvin has the size, strength and athleticism to<br />
be one <strong>of</strong> the team leaders in blocked shots and rebounding. He gives us a<br />
great post presence and he has all the tools to be an exceptional player. Once<br />
he feels comfortable in our system and adjusts to the speed <strong>of</strong> the game he will<br />
become a very good low post player in this league.”<br />
Junior • Center<br />
6-10 • 235 • JC<br />
Merced, Calif<br />
Modesto JC<br />
Why did you choose the<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong>?<br />
“I chose <strong>Idaho</strong> because it<br />
seemed like the best overall<br />
fit for me. I like the college<br />
atmosphere, the friendly<br />
people, and positive attitude<br />
the coaches and players have.<br />
What do you like about coach<br />
Verlin and his staff?<br />
“The thing I like the most<br />
about this coaching staff is<br />
the passion they have and<br />
how they push us to get better<br />
every day.”<br />
AT MODESTO JUNIOR COLLEGE: One <strong>of</strong> the highest-rated post players in<br />
the California junior college system... played two seasons at Modesto (Calif.)<br />
Junior College where he was named first team all-Big Eight Conference... led<br />
the conference at 18.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 4.6 blocks per game as a<br />
sophomore... totaled a team-high 554 points, 311 rebounds and 136 blocks in<br />
30 games.<br />
AT GOLDEN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate <strong>of</strong> Golden Valley<br />
High School at Merced, Calif. ... averaged 16 points, nine rebounds, and 3.5<br />
blocks per game... selected as the Central California Conference Most Valuable<br />
Player... earned the Pepsi<br />
Tournament MVP honor.<br />
PERSONAL: Full name is<br />
Marvin Hilton Jefferson...<br />
born Jan. 7, 1986 at<br />
Gardena, Calif. ... son<br />
on Marvin Jefferson and<br />
Daphne Crowell... has five<br />
sisters, Rosa, Stephanie,<br />
Thereassa, Lakisha and<br />
Alyssa, and three brothers,<br />
Anthony, Jason, and<br />
Micheal... also recruited<br />
by Kentucky, Washington<br />
State, Bradley, Fresno<br />
State, Nebraska, San<br />
Diego State, Tulane and<br />
UC Santa Barbara.<br />
40<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball
meet the vandals<br />
Marcus Lawrence #20<br />
QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Marcus is a true point guard who has a great feel for running<br />
a team. He has exceptional abilities to set up shooters and feed the post. During his redshirt<br />
year, we will work with Marcus to improve his perimeter shooting and if he can continue to<br />
mature on and <strong>of</strong>f the court he will become an even better player.”<br />
AT UNLV (2007-08): Averaged 13.9 minutes in 23 games… averaged 1.4 points, 2.3<br />
assists and 1.2 rebounds per game… shot 37-percent from the field… led the team with a<br />
3.5 assist-to-turnover ratio… third on the team with 53 assists.<br />
AT UNLV (2006-07): Appeared in all 37 <strong>of</strong> UNLV’s games as a true freshman, starting<br />
seven times... averaged 1.4 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 2.1 apg and 0.9 spg in 14.1 minutes played per<br />
contest... shot 30-percent from the field... his assist-to-turnover ratio was 2.5... was second<br />
on the team in assist-to-turnover ratio, third in assists and third in steals... recorded five or<br />
more assists in a game six times... scored five points with five assists and three steals with<br />
no turnovers in 19 minutes at Arizona on Nov. 28... had eight assists with no turnovers<br />
against NAU on Dec. 2... scored a career-high eight points against San Diego State on Jan.<br />
23... handed out a career-high nine assists against New Mexico on Jan. 27.<br />
AT BISHOP GORDON HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate <strong>of</strong> Bishop Gorman High School in<br />
Las Vegas... averaged 14.0 ppg and 8.5 apg as a senior... team finished 28-4... selected to<br />
the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s<br />
Prep All-Star second team... as a<br />
junior, averaged 16 points, eight<br />
assists and three steals per game<br />
helping the Gaels win the Nevada<br />
Class 4A state championship<br />
with a 31-3 record... the eight<br />
assists per game led the state<br />
<strong>of</strong> Nevada... selected first team<br />
all-league, first team all-region<br />
and second team all-state as<br />
a junior... as a sophomore,<br />
averaged 12 points and seven<br />
assists per game... also played<br />
quarterback on the football team<br />
as a senior.<br />
PERSONAL: Full name is Marcus<br />
Antoine Lawrence… born Dec. 3,<br />
1987, at Las Vegas, Nev. ... the<br />
son <strong>of</strong> Carmen Burdette... has<br />
three siblings: Jasmine (18),<br />
Domonique (15) and Davion (5).<br />
Junior • Guard<br />
5-10 • 180 • TR<br />
Las Vegas, Nev.<br />
UNLV<br />
Why did you choose the<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong>?<br />
“I chose the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Idaho</strong> because <strong>of</strong> coach Verlin.<br />
I know he is capable <strong>of</strong> turning<br />
this program around. I also<br />
like going to school in a college<br />
town.”<br />
What do you like about coach<br />
Verlin and his staff?<br />
“I like that they will give<br />
opportunities to players when<br />
things happen. Coach Verlin<br />
believes in second chances<br />
and I respect that about him. I<br />
can tell the staff anything and<br />
feel as if they are all father<br />
figures.”<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball 41
meet the vandals<br />
Kashif Watson #32<br />
QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Kashif is one <strong>of</strong> the most athletic players on this<br />
team. He runs, jumps, and is in unbelievable shape. He really can finish above<br />
the rim. Kashif is a guard, but we are going to play him at the three spot. Our<br />
coaching staff is expecting him to be one <strong>of</strong> the best defenders in the WAC.”<br />
AT IRVINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Averaged 13.3 points, 5.5<br />
rebounds, 2.8 assists as a sophomore... shot 52.3-percent from the floor...<br />
played in all 32 games... helped the team to a program-record 27 wins and the<br />
Southern California Regional finals.<br />
Junior • Guard<br />
6-4 • 190 • JC<br />
Las Vegas, Nev.<br />
Irvine Valley CC<br />
Why did you choose the<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong>?<br />
“I chose <strong>Idaho</strong> because <strong>of</strong> the<br />
great college environment and<br />
the wonderful coaching staff.”<br />
What do you like about coach<br />
Verlin and his staff?<br />
“What I like most about our<br />
coaching staff is I can relate<br />
to all our coaches. They have<br />
been where we are so we have<br />
a better understanding <strong>of</strong> what<br />
they want and they know how<br />
we feel.”<br />
AT INDIAN HILLS (IOWA) COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Averaged 10.5 points,<br />
3.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game... team was one <strong>of</strong> the topranked<br />
junior colleges in the nation... earned honorable mention all-conference<br />
honors.<br />
AT BISHOP GORMAN HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate <strong>of</strong> Bishop Gorman<br />
High School at Las Vegas,<br />
Nev. ... named all-league<br />
as a senior... averaged 23<br />
points, six rebounds and<br />
four assists per game...<br />
was a Street & Smith’s<br />
magazine honorable<br />
mention All-American...<br />
rated the No. 2 shooting<br />
guard on the West Coast<br />
by one recruiting service.<br />
PERSONAL: Full name is<br />
Kashif Antwon Watson...<br />
born Jan. 28, 1987 at<br />
Las Vegas, Nev. ... son<br />
<strong>of</strong> Charles and Cathy<br />
Watson... has one sister,<br />
Vonyetta, and one brother,<br />
C.J. ... C.J. is a guard for<br />
the Golden State Warriors.<br />
42<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball
meet the vandals<br />
Brandon Wiley #11<br />
QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Brandon is a versatile player who can play all<br />
three front line positions. We need Brandon to use his athleticism and hardnosed<br />
attitude to impact this team with great effort and energy. The blue-collar<br />
things he will do will help contribute to the success <strong>of</strong> this team. Our staff<br />
expects him to have great season.”<br />
AT CITY COLLEGE OF SAN FRANCISCO: Averaged 12.9 points, 8.3 rebounds<br />
and 2.3 assists per game as a sophomore... helped the Rams to a 29-4 overall<br />
record and a share <strong>of</strong> the state coaches’ poll top ranking... shot 60-percent from<br />
the floor... tallied 2.3 blocked shots per game... led the state <strong>of</strong> California in<br />
blocked shots... was among the leaders in rebounding.<br />
AT Pinole Valley High School: A 2006 graduate <strong>of</strong> Pinole (Calif.)<br />
Valley High School... was an all-league selection... averaged 15 points and five<br />
rebounds.<br />
AT Hercules High School: Played his freshman through junior seasons<br />
at Hercules (Calif.) High School... averaged 15 points, five rebounds and two<br />
blocks as a junior<br />
PERSONAL: Full name is Brandon D. Wiley... born Jan. 11, 1988 at Oakland,<br />
Calif. ... son <strong>of</strong> Jerome and Jeanine Wiley.<br />
Junior • Forward<br />
6-6 • 225 • JC<br />
Pinole, Calif.<br />
City College <strong>of</strong> San Francisco<br />
Why did you choose the<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong>?<br />
“I chose the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Idaho</strong> because the coaching<br />
staff is a group. Also, the team<br />
they have assembled is a tight<br />
group and we blend together<br />
well.”<br />
What do you like about coach<br />
Verlin and his staff?<br />
“The staff always is prepared.<br />
They make sure we know the<br />
ins and outs <strong>of</strong> our opponents,<br />
as well as their tendencies.”<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball 43
meet the vandals<br />
Luiz Toledo #54<br />
QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Luiz is a highly talented young forward who has<br />
the potential to be one <strong>of</strong> the best front line players in our program. He can<br />
score right or left-handed and as his perimeter game improves he will be a<br />
player we can use in a number <strong>of</strong> different ways. Luiz has a great attitude and,<br />
if he continues to work hard, the sky is the limit. We are very excited to have him<br />
in our program for the next three years.”<br />
Sophomore • Forward<br />
6-7 • 220 • TR<br />
Araraquara, Brazil<br />
St. Francis Xavier<br />
Why did you choose the <strong>University</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong>?<br />
“I chose the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong><br />
because is a great place to be<br />
and everyone is really friendly. The<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> has a beautiful<br />
campus and great academic<br />
programs. I also felt comfortable<br />
with my teammates and all <strong>of</strong> the<br />
teachers.”<br />
AT ST. FRANCIS XAVIER: Was the 2007-08 Atlantic <strong>University</strong> Sport Rookie<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Year… led all first-year players with a 13.6 points per game average…<br />
led all freshman in rebounding (7.8 per game), blocked shots (0.85 per game)<br />
and minutes played (29.6 per game)… named a second team all-star… named<br />
to the AUS all-rookie team… appeared in all 20 regular season games… 7.8<br />
rebounds per game led the team and ranked sixth in AUS… 0.85 blocks per<br />
game led the team and ranked sixth in AUS… shot 49-percent from the floor.<br />
AT MODESTO CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL: Spent two years at Modesto<br />
(California) Christian High School… averaged 20 points and 11 rebounds per<br />
game… selected to the All-State team in his senior year.<br />
PERSONAL: Full name is Islam Luiz de Toledo... born July 28, 1987 at Brazil...<br />
son <strong>of</strong> Antonio and Aporecida Toledo... has one brother, Julio... is a first cousin<br />
<strong>of</strong> Denver Nuggets power forward ‘Nene’.<br />
What do you like about coach<br />
Verlin and his staff?<br />
“They are a really good coaching<br />
staff and they will turn the program<br />
around. Coach Verlin understands<br />
a lot about the game and he came<br />
from a very good school. Coach<br />
Score and coach Lopes know how<br />
to push the team and make us work<br />
harder and they are always available<br />
to help us. Coach Freeman and<br />
coach Helbling are very important<br />
to the program because they help us<br />
on and <strong>of</strong>f the court and are always<br />
available for us players.”<br />
44<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball
meet the vandals<br />
Kyle Barone #25<br />
QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Kyle is a very good basketball player who has a<br />
tremendous upside. He has a chance to be a complete basketball player. He<br />
can help us immediately with his ability to run the floor and shoot the 3-point<br />
shot. He can really shoot it and will give us a big man who can stretch the<br />
defense. Kyle is a high character kid who we are very excited to have in our<br />
program.”<br />
AT SUMMIT PREP SCHOOL: Attended Summit Prep School during the <strong>2008</strong><br />
season... averaged 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks per<br />
game.<br />
AT GARDEN GROVE HIGH SCHOOL: A 2007 graduate <strong>of</strong> Pacifica High School<br />
at Garden Grove, Calif. ... averaged 22 points, 16 rebounds, and five assists<br />
during his high school career... was a three-time first team all-league selection.<br />
PERSONAL: Full name is Kyle James Barone... born Sept. 12, 1989 at Orange<br />
County, Calif. ... son <strong>of</strong> Mike and Diane Barone... has one brother, Ryan.<br />
Freshman • Center<br />
6-10 • 215 • HS<br />
Garden Grove, Calif.<br />
Pacifica HS<br />
Why did you choose the<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong>?<br />
“I chose the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong><br />
because <strong>of</strong> the great coaching<br />
staff.”<br />
What do you like about coach<br />
Verlin and his staff?<br />
“What I like most about the<br />
staff is they are great coaches<br />
who really care about the<br />
players.”<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball 45
meet the vandals<br />
Drew Eisinger #21<br />
QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Drew is a very good outside shooter and has a great feel for<br />
the game. He is a high energy player who comes to work everyday. With improved strength,<br />
conditioning, and experience Drew should be a very good player in our program.”<br />
At Western Nebraska Community College: Averaged 10.7 points, 4.4 rebounds,<br />
2.7 assists and 1.4 steals in 30 games… scored in double figures in 17 games, including a<br />
season-high 21 points on two occasions… committed only 52 turnovers to 80 assists (1.54<br />
ratio).<br />
Sophomore • Guard<br />
6-3 • 165 • JC<br />
Mill Creek, Wash.<br />
Western Nebraska CC<br />
Why did you choose the<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong>?<br />
“I like the campus<br />
environment and the coaches<br />
here at the <strong>University</strong>”<br />
What do you like about<br />
coach Verlin and his staff?<br />
“Coach Verlin and his staff<br />
are dedicated to helping<br />
make the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong><br />
a winning program again.”<br />
AT HENRY M. JACKSON High School: A 2006 graduate <strong>of</strong> Henry M. Jackson High<br />
School… earned All-State honors as a senior… led Jackson to a fifth-place finish at the State<br />
4A Tournament in 2005-06… averaged 19.7 points per game, including a 24.5 average<br />
and 13 three-point baskets in four tournament games… earned first team all-tournament<br />
accolades…. selected second team All-State by The Seattle Times (all classifications)…<br />
All-WesCo Conference first team selection as a senior… played in the 2006 Washington<br />
Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association (WIBCA) All-State boys basketball game<br />
following his senior season… selected as the Everett Herald All-Area Player <strong>of</strong> the Year<br />
Prep School: Averaged<br />
21.5 points, 5.6 assists and<br />
2.9 steals in the 2006-07<br />
season at Western Reserve<br />
Academy at Ohio… shot 56-<br />
percent from the field and 52-<br />
percent from the three-point<br />
line… selected the team’s<br />
Most Valuable Player… alltournament<br />
team selection at<br />
the Hill School Tournament<br />
in Pottstown, Pa., in 2006…<br />
team finished 13-8.<br />
Personal: Full name is<br />
Drew Taylor Eisinger… born<br />
Aug. 1, 1987 at Everett,<br />
Wash. … son <strong>of</strong> Todd and<br />
Kim Eisinger… has one sister,<br />
Emilee, and one brother,<br />
Jamie… played basketball<br />
with brother, Jamie, at<br />
Jackson High School and<br />
WNCC… signed with Eastern<br />
Washington before playing at<br />
Western Nebraska.<br />
46<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball
meet the vandals<br />
Mark Mahaffy #23<br />
Sophomore • Forward<br />
6-6 • 189 • TR<br />
Moscow, <strong>Idaho</strong><br />
Schreiner<br />
QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “Mark is a great kid and is constantly learning and working<br />
to improve his game. His redshirt season should give him an opportunity to get bigger and<br />
stronger and adjust his game to the Division I level.”<br />
AT SCHREINER UNIVERSITY: Started 19 <strong>of</strong> 25 games<br />
in which he saw action… averaged 22.1 minutes per<br />
game… shot 43-percent from the floor… led the team<br />
with 117 rebounds, including 44 <strong>of</strong>fensive rebounds,<br />
and a 4.7 rebounds per game average… also led the<br />
team with seven blocks… ranked fifth on the team<br />
with a 5.7 points per game average.<br />
AT FLOUR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL: A 2007 graduate<br />
<strong>of</strong> Flour Bluff High School at Corpus Christi, Texas…<br />
averaged 15 points and 13 rebounds… earned all-<br />
Metro and District MVP honors… selected as the all-<br />
South Texas Defensive MVP… was the team captain.<br />
PERSONAL: Full name is Mark Lawrence Mahaffy…<br />
born Oct. 24, 1988 at Spokane, Wash. … son <strong>of</strong><br />
Michael and Laura Mahaffy… has three sisters,<br />
Amber, Sarah, and Elizabeth.<br />
Ryan Votaw #42<br />
QUOTING COACH VERLIN: “I am very excited to have a quality person like Ryan as a part<br />
<strong>of</strong> our program. His day-to-day work ethic is outstanding and as he gains experience I expect<br />
him to compete for a spot in our guard rotation.”<br />
AT WENATCHEE VALLEY COLLEGE: Averaged 14<br />
points per games... averaged 3.62 free throws per<br />
game to rank 24th in the NWAACC<br />
Sophomore • Guard<br />
6-1 • 190 • JC<br />
Toledo, Wash.<br />
Wenatchee Valley<br />
AT TOLEDO HIGH SCHOOL: A 2007 graduate <strong>of</strong><br />
Toledao (Wash.) High School... Was the Washington<br />
State 1A Player <strong>of</strong> the Year in 2007… averaged 23<br />
points, eight rebounds, and three assists per game...<br />
helped his team to a runner-up finish at the Class 1A<br />
High School State Basketball Championship… named<br />
first team all-State during his junior and senior years…<br />
named first team all-tournament at the 2006 State<br />
Basketball Championship<br />
PERSONAL: Full name is Ryan John Votaw… born<br />
Sept. 5, 1988 at Longview, Wash. … son <strong>of</strong> George<br />
and Teresa Votaw… has one sister, Brianna.<br />
<strong>2008</strong>-<strong>09</strong> <strong>Idaho</strong> Vandal Basketball 47