New coach, new look for WSU men’s hoops

Changes announced under first-year coach Kamie Ethridge

Washington State University men’s basketball has a new coach and a new look for the 2023-24 season. First-year coach Kamie Ethridge has announced several changes to the team, including a new coaching staff, a new roster, and a new style of play.

Coaching staff

Ethridge has hired a new coaching staff with a wealth of experience at the collegiate level. The staff includes associate head coach Leon Rice, assistant coach Bennie Seltzer, and director of basketball operations Cullen Neal. Rice was previously the head coach at Boise State, while Seltzer was an assistant coach at Gonzaga. Neal was previously the director of player personnel at Washington.

Roster

Ethridge has also made several changes to the roster. He has brought in seven new players, including five transfers and two freshmen. The transfers include guard Justin Powell from Auburn, forward Efe Abogidi from Washington, guard TJ Bamba from Texas, forward Jabe Mullins from San Diego State, and center Dishon Jackson from North Texas. The freshmen include guard Jaylen Dumas and forward Mouhamed Gueye.

Style of play

Ethridge plans to implement a new style of play for the Cougars. He wants his team to play up-tempo on offense and pressure the ball on defense. He also wants his team to be more physical and rebound the ball better.

The Cougars will open the 2023-24 season on November 7 against the Idaho Vandals. They will play their home opener on November 10 against the Seattle Redhawks.