March Madness is only recently in the rear-view mirror, but it’s never too early to start thinking about the next basketball season.
Stephan Wiebe
Both Idaho basketball team’s lost their leading scorers from the 2014-2015 season, but both teams will also return with a solid group of key contributors heading into next year. Here are my “too early” projections for next year’s starting lineups.
Men’s basketball
Perrion Callendret — PG
The departures of Mike Scott and Sekou Wiggs at the point guard position opens up the opportunity for 6-foot-2 guard Perrion Callendret to start for the Vandals during his junior season. The Bothel, Washington, native played in all 30 games last year for Idaho, averaging 6.7 points per game. He greatly improved his 3-point shooting from his freshman to his sophomore seasons.
Nick Blair — G/F
Idaho’s highest rated 2015 recruit, 3-star small forward Nick Blair, should have an opportunity to start right away for the Vandals. He needs to work on his shooting, but his ability to get to the rim is reminiscent of Wiggs, the player he is likely replacing. Blair, who stands at 6-foot-5, brings a winning attitude to Idaho after winning four consecutive state titles at Nevada’s Bishop Gorman High School.
Victor Sanders — G/F
No matter who starts, the Vandals will probably be starting a taller lineup next season than they did a year ago. Sophomore Victor Sanders, who also stands at 6-foot-5, may be asked to step into a starting role at either guard or forward after 3.8 points per game for the Vandals. Sanders played in all 30 games for Idaho and also contributed on the defensive end with three blocks and 10 steals.
Arkadiy Mkrtychyan — F
Despite only being a sophomore, Arkadiy Mkrtychyan is Idaho’s top returning scorer. Originally from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, the 6-foot-7 Mkrtychyan scored 8.8 points per game and grabbed 4.8 rebounds per game last year. He consistently scored against taller players in the post and brings toughness for the Vandals in the post.
Paulin Mpawe — F
Senior Paulin Mpawe is the tallest returning Vandal at 6-foot-10 and has the most returning starts from last season with 25. But the San Bernardino, California, native needs to improve on his 2.6 points per game and 2.9 rebounds per game next season for Idaho to have success.
Women’s basketball
Christina Salvatore — G
With leading scorer Stacey Barr out of eligibility, Christina Salvatore should be the one to step into Idaho’s leading scorer role. The 5-foot-11 guard’s scoring took a slight dip last season with 9.8 points per game compared to 10.6 two years ago, so she’ll need to take a step forward this season. Salvatore is known for her 3-point shooting, but she is also a solid rebounder as she was second on the team in rebounds last season with 7.2 per game.
Karlee Wilson — G
The emergence of Karlee Wilson last season was the biggest boost to Idaho’s roster. Wilson brings quickness and energy to the Vandals as she is arguably the fastest player on the team despite suffering a season-ending knee injury two seasons ago. The junior from Lewiston started 10 games last season in place of three-year starter Connie Ballestero.
Connie Ballestero — G
One question heading into next season is how Idaho coach Jon Newlee is going to use point guards Wilson and Ballestero. Both started at times last season. Ballestero, a 5-foot-9 guard from Orange, California, never complained about coming off the bench for the latter half of last season after starting two and a half years for the Vandals. Whether she is playing point guard or moved to shooting guard, Ballestero is a valuable player for Idaho and will likely return to her starting role, especially if she improves her scoring.
Ali Forde — P
Two-sport athlete Ali Forde is a force on the basketball court when the team can steal her away from the volleyball team. The Woodinville, Washington, native averaged 9.4 points per game and 7.6 rebounds for Idaho last season and she is poised for a breakout season. She is a matchup problem in the post for many opposing teams and has conference player of the year potential.
Brooke Reilly — P
Brooke Reilly is another player who had a solid season after overcoming an injury. Reilly’s 7.1 points per game and 7.1 rebounds per game could improve to double figures next season. The 6-foot-1 post from Spokane uses her quickness to her advantage playing underneath the basket.
Stephan Wiebe can be reached at [email protected]