ASU Basketball: 2019 Pac-12 Week 2 Power Rankings
By Trevor Booth
11. Washington State Cougars
Through all the noise about the status of Ernie Kent, the frustration behind Malachi Flynn’s transfer and who would help Robert Franks score the ball, the Cougars rolled Nicholls State 89-72 to open the season 1-0.
Franks picked up right where he left off a year ago, leading the Cougars with 31 points on 12-of-19 shooting and 11 rebounds. Behind him was freshman forward CJ Elleby, who contributed solid totals of 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Notorious for their 3-point onslaughts, the Cougars shot just 8-of-27 from deep in the opener. Five of the makes came from Franks and returning marksman Carter Skaggs.
Without Flynn on the perimeter, Wazzu will continue to make up for his loss by developing consistent playmakers. The team got off to a promising start, as they paired 26 assists against 8 turnovers between eight different players.
Although the win won’t cure all questions, it’s a sign the Cougars still have one of the conference’s most dangerous players and ample offensive pieces around him. Future opponents can’t rest on the defensive end.
The Cougars travel five hours west on Wednesday to face Seattle before returning for the first of three consecutive home games against Cal Poly.