As I sit down to analyze the Idaho State basketball landscape for 2024, I can't help but reflect on how player transitions often mirror the unpredictable nature of college basketball itself. Having followed collegiate sports for over fifteen years, I've witnessed countless roster changes that completely transformed team dynamics, much like the intriguing trade scenario we saw when Romeo moved from Globalport to TNT in exchange for Mo Tautuaa. That particular transaction reminds me of how crucial roster stability is for any basketball program, and Idaho State has certainly had their share of transitional challenges heading into this new season.
The Bengals are coming off a 2023 campaign where they finished 11-20 overall and 8-10 in Big Sky conference play, placing them seventh in the standings. From my perspective, that record doesn't fully capture the team's potential, especially considering they lost four games by five points or fewer. Head coach Ryan Looney enters his fifth season with what I believe is his most talented roster yet, featuring eight returning players and what looks like an impressive incoming class. Having watched Coach Looney's system evolve over the years, I'm particularly excited about the defensive improvements he's implemented during the offseason. The team allowed 72.8 points per game last season, which ranked them in the bottom half of the conference, but early practice observations suggest they're committing to much better defensive rotations and communication.
When we talk about roster construction in college basketball, I always emphasize the importance of experienced guards, and Idaho State seems to have taken that to heart. Senior guard Miguel Tomley returns after averaging 12.3 points per game last season, and I've been impressed with his development as a primary ball-handler. His three-point percentage jumped from 34% to 41% between his sophomore and junior years, and if he maintains that upward trajectory, he could easily average 15-plus points this season. What really excites me though is the addition of transfer guard AJ Burgin from UC Riverside. Having watched his high school footage and followed his development, I think he brings exactly the kind of athleticism and scoring punch the Bengals desperately needed off the bench last season.
The frontcourt situation presents what I consider the most intriguing storyline heading into the season. Junior forward Brayden Parker returns after putting up 10.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, but the real wild card is seven-foot freshman center Kiree Huie. Having seen him play in summer workouts, I'm convinced he has the potential to be a game-changer defensively with his shot-blocking ability. The Bengals ranked last in the Big Sky with just 1.8 blocks per game last season, and Huie's length could immediately address that deficiency. However, I do have concerns about his offensive polish and whether he can contribute meaningful minutes early in conference play.
Looking at the schedule, I've identified what could be a crucial five-game stretch in January that includes matchups against conference favorites Eastern Washington and Montana State. The Bengals play three of those five games at home in Holt Arena, where they posted a respectable 7-6 record last season. From my experience covering college basketball, these mid-conference stretches often determine whether a team finishes in the top half of the standings or gets stuck in the play-in game territory. Personally, I'm predicting the Bengals will improve to around 16-15 overall this season, which would represent significant progress for the program.
Recruiting has clearly been a priority, with the coaching staff securing commitments from three three-star prospects according to most major recruiting services. I particularly like what I've seen from wing prospect Jordan Hansen, who chose Idaho State over offers from three other Division I programs. His athletic profile suggests he could develop into a lockdown defender, which aligns perfectly with Coach Looney's stated emphasis on improving the team's defensive identity. Having spoken with several recruits during their official visits, I can confirm the program is selling a vision of sustained growth rather than quick fixes, which I appreciate from a developmental standpoint.
The transfer portal has become increasingly important in modern college basketball, and Idaho State's approach reminds me somewhat of how professional teams manage roster moves. Thinking back to that Romeo trade situation referenced earlier, the importance of fit over pure talent becomes evident. The Bengals added two transfers this offseason, and I'm especially optimistic about guard Isaiah Griffin, who averaged 8.2 points at his previous school but brings exactly the kind of defensive intensity this team needs. In my evaluation, his perimeter defense could be the difference in close conference games where every possession matters.
As we look toward the 2024 season, I believe Idaho State is positioned to exceed expectations, though they'll need several players to make significant jumps in their development. The combination of returning experience and strategic additions through both high school recruiting and the transfer portal creates what I see as the most complete roster of Coach Looney's tenure. While I don't expect them to challenge for the conference title just yet, a top-four finish and potential postseason tournament appearance seems within reach if they can stay healthy and develop the chemistry that often separates good teams from great ones. Having followed this program through its ups and downs, I'm more optimistic about this group than any in recent memory, and I'm genuinely excited to see how they navigate what promises to be a compelling season.