More on Demarquise Johnson

Here is a new look at recent Washington State commit Demarquise Johnson. This video is from last weekend's Arizona Preps Showcase. Johnson committed to the Cougars on October 22nd.

MARTIN STADIUM RENOVATIONS

Washington State University has released the new renderings for the Martin Stadium renovations. The renovations are expected to be approved by the Board of Regents within the next month.

The renovation calls for completion in two phases. The first phase will include a new press box and premium seating with construction expected to begin on November 21, 2011. The first phase is expected to be completed by August 2012, in time for the Cougars' first home game.

The second phase includes a football facility that will close off the west endzone. This is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2012 Apple Cup.

Martin Stadium renderings

Que to the Zzu

The Washington State Cougars Men's Basketball team today received their fourth commitment for the 2012 recruiting class.

Demarquise Johnson, a 6-5 guard, committed to the Cougars after finishing his official visits and taking a week to decide his college choice. Que based his decision on his relationship with the Cougar coaches.

"Ken Bone is a really good coach," Que said. "Curtis Allen has been like an older brother to me. Coach (Ben) Johnson is a good coach and a good guy, I talk to him a lot."

Que picked Washington State over finalists UW, Gonzaga, and Unlv. He also held offers from a slew of other schools including Virginia, Oregon State, Colorado, Arizona State, and Missouri.

Johnson joins prep teammate Richard Peters, Spokane's Brett Boese, and Oakland's Richard Longrus in the Cougars' 2012 class.

Richard Longrus Commits to WSU

The Washington State Cougars received their third known commitment for the class of 2012 last night. Forward Richard Longrus, a 6-6 forward from Oakland, called and pledged Crimson.

Longrus has drawn comparisons to former WSU star, Kyle Weaver. Richard has the ability to shoot from the outside and is crafty inside the perimeter.

The Cougars are also expecting to hear from DeMarquise Johnson, the top-rated shooting guard on the west coast, on Saturday. Johnson has narrowed his choices to WSU, UW, Gonzaga, and UNLV.

The Season That Was

I'll admit, when I first heard about Klay Thompson being arrested for marijuana possession, I -- like many Coug fans -- sat there in disbelief and thought that someone was playing a cruel, cruel early April Fool's joke. There was no way our golden child of Cougar basketball was busted for pot just moments after a huge win vs USC. Unfortunately, as more and more details came to light, it was ultimately determined Klay would be suspended.

I was angry, sad, furious, and did I mention angry? Sullenly, I sat at work and considered asking for the day off. I texted friends who shared my sentiment. The Cougs started the year 5-0, later losing to Butler in the championship game of the Diamond Head Classic. As Pac-10 play began, however, the Cougars lost their opening games in LA -- fashion capitol of the west coast -- in typical Coug fashion. They blew a lead against UCLA, and no-showed against USC until the final two minutes of the game. The rest of the season, great games would be followed by 20 minute efforts. Players were in and out of the line-up due to injuries and suspensions.

Last year, this would've been easier for me to swallow, but not this year. The starters for this year's team are four juniors and one sophomore. With the exception of Aden, all these players have been here and played since their freshman year. All season long, I've questioned this team's leadership, and clearly, the lack of leadership has cost this team a berth in the NCAA tournament. It's been a season of highs and lows. Unfortunately, most of the highs have been off the court.

Analysis of Cougars' Season

This about sums it up.

January 20 vs ASU = WIN
January 22 vs UA = LOSS
January 30 vs UW = WIN
February 3 vs UO = LOSS
February 5 vs OSU = WIN
February 10 vs STAN = LOSS
February 12 vs CAL = WIN
February 17 vs UA = LOSS

Cougars land 3-star Linebacker

Cougfan has announced the Cougars have received a commitment from Darryl Paulo out of Grant Union High School in Sacramento. Paulo is rated as a 3-star prospect. He also held offers from Oregon State, Fresno State, and San Diego State among others. Expect a few more commitments in the next few days with National Signing Day on Wednesday.