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IN HIS LATEST summer newsletter keeping fans updated on Washington State basketball, head man David Riley focused on the specific concepts and traits that the coaching staff is going to be pushing from the first day of practice for the 2026-27 season. Riley sent the e-mail out on Thursday and emphasized three areas.
Physical and Disruptive: "We are playing a high level of basketball and every team we play against is going to have a game-plan walking in the door. We need to find a way to be physical and disruptive and take our opponents out of their game plan. These are some ways we can do that on both sides of the ball."
**Winning the Margins: "**We were disappointed with how last season turned out, but the reality is we were right there. Sixteen of our twenty losses were within two possessions with five minutes remaining. The difference comes down to a handful of possessions. We have to communicate at a higher level and understand that small details can have a huge impact on winning and losing."
Toughness and Togetherness: "The last slide is about our mindset every day at practice. We are going to be a team that is tough, connected, and resilient. Toughness comes from embracing hard things, so there shouldn't be many days where we walk out of practice feeling comfortable."
WSU slide deck (Photo: David Riley)
THE SECOND POINT really stands out for what separated the Cougars from a successful campaign last season.
Not even including games like Idaho, Pepperdine and San Diego where a furious comeback came up short, winning was very much within reach at Bradley, at San Francisco, at Oregon State, vs. Santa Clara and at LMU. Flip a few of those results and we're talking about a much different season.
Don't fall so far behind the 8 ball vs. Idaho, Pepperdine and San Diego and those furious comebacks don't have to be so furious.
The physicality and toughness has been a point of frustration the last two seasons. Wazzu has often been pushed around by bigger, stronger, tougher teams. Some of that is personnel and the Cougars have been smaller in the paint. But there's a mentality piece that has to be emphasized, and it appears that Riley and the staff are going to do just that.
RILEY ALSO ANNOUNCED that there will be an experience with the Coug program and coaches in Las Vegas from July 11-13. Albert Hall, the co-founder of the NBA Summer League is a Coug alum and has worked with Riley to create an opportunity for Coug fans.
"Thanks to Albert, we've been able to put together a unique weekend where we'll have the opportunity to watch former Cougs compete, spend time together as a Cougar Basketball family, and gain access to experiences that most fans never get the chance to see," Riley said.
More info can be found HERE.
Related: WSU hoops has chip on its shoulder
David Riley (Photo: WSU/Hare)