Washington State's guards are the distributors in Head Coach Ernie Kent's high-octane, always-running offense.
Returners, redshirt junior Que Johnson, junior Ike Iroegbu, and sophomore Ny Redding, anchor a Cougar backcourt that welcomes three newcomers; junior transfers Charles Callison and Renard Suggs, along with true freshman Viont'e Daniels.
“In the past, with all of our good teams, we've always had excellent guard play, and this team has upgraded in that area,” Kent said.
Daniels leads those talented newcomers as Kent's “most surprising,” addition from a year ago.
“He can shoot it, he can run, he defends, and he just does everything right,” Kent said. “He's been a pleasant surprise and has stepped up into this environment and played well, so far. We're just hoping that once we get going, he can stay at that level.”
The Associated Press 4A Player of the Year in Washington, Daniels averaged 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists per game last year for the Federal Way Eagles.
Iroegbu, Johnson, and Redding are hoping to take another step with Kent in 2015-16.
Redding will work to be one of the Cougars true point guards this season, while Iroegbu should fit in as an off-ball guard for WSU.
“My plan is to not have Ike on the ball that much, because I think the competition between Ny Redding and Charles Callison, right now, is just outstanding,” Kent said. “At times, you will see three guards on the floor. You will see three of our smaller guards, three of our bigger guards, and a big line up with our six-foot eight guy standing at the three spot. Guys are able to move around because of their skill set.”
Iroegbu started in 30-of-31 games for the Cougars last season, and he ranked 10th amongst Pac-12 players in assists per game.
Redding started in 17 games and came along quickly as a true freshman. He ranked 12th in assists per game, in Pac-12 contests.
Johnson hopes to help absorb the 3-point shooting loss of Dexter Kernich-Drew and Davonté Lacy, who both graduated last season. Johnson fits into a group that Kent feels could be up to that task.
“I think we will be a better shooting basketball team, and should be a better scoring basketball team, with having the flexibility to play inside-out a little bit more, and get more things done,” Kent said.
Johnson scored a season-high 16 points at Washington last season, and will hope to replicate performances like that this year, with a heightened level of energy.
Callison is vying for an opportunity to help run WSU's offense this year, and Kent expects to lean on his unique skill set to build a potent offense.
“Charles has strength, and an ability to guard the ball,” Kent said. “He can come in and have a presence on the floor, and knows how to run an offense. That has been impressive to me.”
Callison was the Foothill Conference's MVP in 2014, after leading San Bernardino Valley College to its 14th conference championship. He averaged 15.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.
Suggs should also help fill-in the shooting equation for the Cougars.
“Renard is a deep, long-range shooter,” Kent said. “He can really get to the hole, which has surprised me. You see him do it in junior college, and you see him do it in person, he's almost unstoppable. Yet, he can shoot it too.”
His range was on display at Gillette College in Wyoming last year. He made a team-high 89 3-pointers in 35 games, averaging 2.5 made 3-pointers per game.
In Washington State's exhibition season, the guards were on display. Suggs and Daniels were the Cougars' leading scorers against Pacific, Nov. 6. Suggs scored 18 to lead all scorers, and Daniels added 16. Suggs shot .583 from the field, and Daniels scorched the net to the tune of a .777 mark. Ike Iroegbu and Ny Redding each had 5 assists for the Cougars.
Against Lewis-Clark State College, Callison scored 10 points and dished out 3 assists. Johnson contributed 11 points, and led the team with 2 blocked shots. Iroegbu had a game-high 7 assists and checked in with a block and a steal.
Friday, we'll take a look at the Cougar frontcourt, as the countdown to WSU's home-opener continues on wsucougars.com. Washington State opens its season against Northern Arizona, Friday, at Beasley Coliseum. Opening tip is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., on the Pac-12 Networks, as part of a double-header with WSU Women's Basketball.