9. Washington State Cougars (4-2) Last Week: 11
The new season has been kind to the Washington State Cougars. Building an early season record of 4-2, the team is on the right track, for now.
Leading the way has been senior forward Robert Franks. After a breakout 2017 season in which he doubled his points, assists and rebound, 2018 has seen even more growth.
The 6-foot-9 wing has been the go to guy for the Cougars. Posting averages of 24.8 points and 9.6 rebounds, Franks has made his mark on the offensive end. He’s broken the 20-point plane in four of his five games played.
Franks is currently the nations 11th leading scorer above the likes of St. John’s Shamorie Ponds (22.4), South Dakota State’s Mike Daum (24.1) and Arizona State freshman sensation Luguentz Dort (21.7).
While basketball can be a sport dominated by superstars and stand-out talent, it’s more than just a one-man show. Completing the Cougars’ cohort are Viont’e Daniels and CJ Elleby.
The Cougars’ early-season success has mostly come from the production of Franks, and if they want to continue to soar, he must be superhuman. Franks is just 110 points away from 1000 in his career at WSU, putting him in exclusive company.
Their next matchup is tonight against the Idaho Vandals. We’ll see if the Cougars can keep it rolling.