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Hoops Legacy: The Washington State Cougars Men's Basketball Chronicle

An in-depth exploration of the Washington State Cougars men's basketball program, from its storied past to its recent resurgence and statistical milestones.

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What is WSU Hoops?

Program Overview

The Washington State Cougars men's basketball team represents Washington State University in NCAA Division I intercollegiate competition. Based in Pullman, Washington, the Cougars play their home games at the Beasley Coliseum, an impressive venue with a capacity of 12,058. The team is currently under the leadership of Head Coach David Riley, who is in his inaugural season.

Early National Recognition

The Cougars' basketball program boasts a significant historical achievement, having been retroactively awarded the 1917 National Championship by both the Helms Athletic Foundation in 1957 and the Premo-Porretta Power Poll in 1995. This early recognition underscores the program's long-standing presence and competitive spirit in collegiate basketball.

Conference Affiliation

The Washington State Cougars are members of the West Coast Conference (WCC), a prominent NCAA Division I athletic conference. Their participation in the WCC places them among a competitive group of institutions, contributing to the rich tapestry of collegiate basketball rivalries and traditions.

Program History

Eras of Leadership

Washington State's men's basketball program commenced varsity intercollegiate competition in 1902. Over the decades, the Cougars have experienced various periods of competitive success and rebuilding. The late 1970s saw significant fan engagement under Head Coach George Raveling. A notable resurgence began with Coach Dick Bennett in the early 2000s, culminating in a successful era led by his son, Tony Bennett, who tied the school record for wins (26) twice in three seasons.

Recent Resurgence

Under Coach Kyle Smith (2019–2024), the Cougars experienced a significant turnaround. The 2021–22 season marked their first winning conference record (11-9) in 14 years, leading to an NIT berth and a run to the Semifinals, achieving their first 20-win season since 2010–11. This momentum continued into the 2023–24 season, where the Cougars returned to the AP Poll for the first time since 2007–08, secured a season sweep against 4th-ranked Arizona, and earned their first NCAA Tournament bid in 16 years as a 7-seed.

  • 1902: Varsity intercollegiate competition begins.
  • 1917: Retroactively awarded National Championship by Helms Athletic Foundation and Premo-Porretta Power Poll.
  • 1972–1983: George Raveling serves as head coach, drawing large crowds.
  • 2004–05: Resurgence under Dick Bennett, including an upset win against Arizona.
  • 2006–07: Tony Bennett leads Cougars to NCAA tournament, beating Oral Roberts, losing to Vanderbilt in double OT. Ties school record with 26 wins. Tony Bennett receives Naismith Coach of the Year award.
  • 2007–08: Cougars return to NCAA tournament, reaching the Sweet Sixteen after victories over Winthrop and Notre Dame, before falling to #1 seed North Carolina. Finishes with 26-9 record.
  • 2009: Tony Bennett departs for Virginia.
  • 2019: Kyle Smith appointed as the 19th head coach.
  • 2021–22: First winning conference record (11-9) in 14 years, reaching NIT Semifinals with a 22-15 overall record.
  • 2024: Returns to AP Poll (#21), sweeps Arizona, secures first NCAA Tournament bid in 16 years as a 7-seed. Defeats Drake in the First Round before losing to Iowa State in the Second Round.

Head Coaches

Coaching Lineage

The Washington State Cougars men's basketball program has been guided by a distinguished line of head coaches since its inception in 1901. Each coach has contributed to the team's development and legacy.

  • John B. Evans (1901–03)
  • James N. Ashmore (1904–05)
  • Everett M. Sweeley (1905–07)
  • John R. Bender (1907–08)
  • Fred Bohler (1908–26)
  • Karl Schlademan (1926–28)
  • Jack Friel (1928–58)
  • Marv Harshman (1959–71)
  • Bob Greenwood (1971–72)
  • George Raveling (1972–83)
  • Len Stevens (1983–87)
  • Kelvin Sampson (1987–94)
  • Kevin Eastman (1994–99)
  • Paul Graham (1999–2003)
  • Dick Bennett (2003–06)
  • Tony Bennett (2006–09)
  • Ken Bone (2009–14)
  • Ernie Kent (2014–19)
  • Kyle Smith (2019–24)
  • David Riley (2024–present)

Winningest Coaches

Several coaches have left an indelible mark on the program through their leadership and win records. The following table highlights coaches with a minimum of 100 games, showcasing their overall performance.

Winningest Coaches (Min. 100 games)
Coach Wins Losses Percentage (%)
Tony Bennett 69 33 .676
Jack Friel 495 377 .568
J. Fred Bohler 226 177 .561
George Raveling 166 137 .548
Kyle Smith 94 71 .573
Kelvin Sampson 103 103 .500
Marv Harshman 155 181 .461
Ken Bone 80 86 .482

Coaching Milestones

George Raveling holds the distinction of being the first African American head coach in the Pacific Athletic Conference (then the PAC 8), leading the Cougars from 1972–1983 and accumulating 167 wins. Tony Bennett, after a successful three-season tenure that included consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, departed for Virginia following the 2008–09 season, leaving a record of 17–16 in his final year at WSU.

Postseason Play

NCAA Tournament

The Cougars have made seven appearances in the prestigious NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, achieving an overall record of 7–7. Their most notable run was in 1941, reaching the National Final.

Year Seed Round Opponent Result
1941 Elite Eight
Final Four
National Final		 Creighton
Arkansas
Wisconsin		 W 48–39
W 64–53
L 34–39
1980 5 Round of 48 (12) Penn L 55–62
1983 8 Round of 48
Round of 32		 (9) Weber State
(1) Virginia		 W 62–52
L 49–54
1994 8 Round of 64 (9) Boston College L 64–67
2007 3 Round of 64
Round of 32		 (14) Oral Roberts
(6) Vanderbilt		 W 70–54
L 74–78 2OT
2008 4 Round of 64
Round of 32
Sweet Sixteen		 (13) Winthrop
#5 Notre Dame
(1) North Carolina		 W 71–40
W 61–41
L 47–68
2024 7 First Round
Second Round		 (10) Drake
(2) Iowa State		 W 66–61
L 56–67

NIT Appearances

The Cougars have participated in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) seven times, compiling a combined record of 10–7. Their runs include reaching the Semifinals twice in program history.

Year Round Opponent Result
1992 First Round
Second Round		 Minnesota
New Mexico		 W 72–70
L 71–79
1995 First Round
Second Round
Quarterfinals		 Texas Tech
Illinois State
Canisius		 W 94–82
W 83–80
L 80–99
1996 First Round
Second Round		 Gonzaga
Nebraska		 W 92–73
L 73–82
2009 First Round Saint Mary's L 57–68
2011 First Round
Second Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals		 Long Beach State
Oklahoma State
Northwestern
Wichita State		 W 85–74
W 74–64
W 69–66 OT
L 44–75
2022 First Round
Second Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals		 Santa Clara
SMU
BYU
Texas A&M		 W 63–50
W 75–63
W 77–58
L 56–72
2023 First Round Eastern Washington L 74–81

Other Tournaments

Beyond the NCAA and NIT, Washington State has also competed in other postseason tournaments, including the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) and the College Basketball Crown (CBC).

College Basketball Invitational (CBI)

The Cougars have appeared in one CBI tournament, holding a combined record of 4–2.

Year Round Opponent Result
2012 First Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
Finals Game 1
Finals Game 2
Finals Game 3		 San Francisco
Wyoming
Oregon State
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh		 W 89–75
W 61–41
W 72–55
W 67–66
L 53–57
L 65–71

College Basketball Crown (CBC)

The Cougars have appeared in one CBC tournament, with a combined record of 0–1.

Year Round Opponent Result
2025 First Round Georgetown L 82–85

Player Legacies

Retired Numbers

In recognition of their exceptional contributions to the program, the Washington State Cougars have retired two jersey numbers in their history, honoring players whose impact transcended their time on the court.

No. Player Pos. Career No. ret. Ref.
1 Klay Thompson SG 2008–2011 2020 [15]
55 Steve Puidokas C 1973–1977 [15]

Cougars in the NBA

The Washington State Cougars program has been a stepping stone for numerous talented athletes who have gone on to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). A total of 21 former players have achieved this professional milestone.

Name Years in NBA
Josh Akognon 2013
Norton Barnhill 1977
Aron Baynes 2013–2021
Robert Bishop 1949
Don Collins 1981–1987
Gene Conley 1953–1964
Ron Davis 1977–1982
James Donaldson 1981–1995
Craig Ehlo 1984–1997
C. J. Elleby 2021–2022
Malachi Flynn 2021–2023
Isaac Fontaine 2002
Robert Franks 2021
Ed Gayda 1951
Mouhamed Gueye 2023–Present
Mark Hendrickson 1997–2000
Brian Quinnett 1990–1992
Randy Stoll 1968
Klay Thompson 2012–Present
Kyle Weaver 2009–2011
Jaylen Wells 2024–Present
Guy Williams 1985–1986

Overseas Players

Beyond the NBA, several former Cougars have continued their professional careers in international leagues, showcasing their talents on a global stage.

  • C. J. Elleby, in the Israeli Basketball Premier League

Statistical Records

Scoring Records

The Cougars have seen numerous players achieve remarkable scoring feats throughout the program's history, both over their careers and in individual seasons and games.

Career Scoring
Rk Player Points Seasons
1 Isaac Fontaine 2,003 1993–94 1994–95 1995–96 1996–97
2 Steve Puidokas 1,894 1973–74 1974–75 1975–76 1976–77
3 Klay Thompson 1,756 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11
4 Don Collins 1,563 1976–77 1977–78 1978–79 1979–80
5 DaVonté Lacy 1,548[27] 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15
6 Brock Motum 1,530[28] 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 2012–13
7 Mark Hendrickson 1,496 1992–93 1993–94 1994–95 1995–96
8 Marcus Moore 1,458 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04
9 Bennie Seltzer 1,423 1989–90 1990–91 1991–92 1992–93
10 Josh Hawkinson 1,414[29] 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17
Season Scoring
Rk Player Points Season
1 Klay Thompson 733 2010–11
2 Isaac Fontaine 657 1996–97
3 Don Collins 647 1979–80
4 Brock Motum 613[28] 2011–12
5 Klay Thompson 609 2009–10
6 Brock Motum 597[28] 2012–13
Vince Hanson 597 1944–45
8 C. J. Elleby 589[30] 2019–20
9 Robert Franks 583[31] 2018–19
10 Terrence Lewis 575 1991–92
Single Game Scoring
Rk Player Points Season Opponent
1 Brian Quinnett 45 1986–87 Loyola-Marymount
2 Brian Quinnett 44 1988–89 USC
3 Guy Williams 43 1982–83 Idaho State
Klay Thompson 43 2009–10 San Diego
Klay Thompson 43 2010–11 Washington
6 Steve Puidokas 42 1974–75 Gonzaga
Marcus Moore 42 2002–03 Gonzaga
8 Noah Williams 40 2020–21 Stanford
9 J Locklier 40 2001–02 Centenary
10 DaVonté Lacy 39 2013–14 California

Assists Records

Playmakers have consistently been a vital part of the Cougars' success, with several players distinguishing themselves in career, season, and single-game assist totals.

Career Assists
Rk Player Assists Seasons
1 Bennie Seltzer 473 1989–90 1990–91 1991–92 1992–93
2 Kyle Weaver 465 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08
3 Keith Morrison 456 1982–83 1983–84 1984–85 1985–86
4 Donminic Ellison 441 1993–94 1994–95 1995–96
5 Marcus Moore 423 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04
6 Reggie Moore 419 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12
7 Taylor Rochestie 381 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09
8 Ike Iroegbu 375[32] 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17
9 Marty Giovacchini 371 1973–74 1974–75 1975–76 1976–77
10 Blake Pengelly 324 1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–00
Season Assists
Rk Player Assists Season
1 Reggie Moore 193 2011–12
2 Donminic Ellison 192 1994–95
3 Taylor Rochestie 165 2007–08
4 Kyle Weaver 157 2006–07
5 Donminic Ellison 151 1995–96
Kyle Weaver 151 2007–08
7 Taylor Rochestie 150 2008–09
8 Brad Jackson 145 1973–74
9 Keith Morrison 137 1984–85
10 Craig Ehlo 135 1982–83
Single Game Assists
Rk Player Assists Season Opponent
1 Donminic Ellison 15 1994–95 Cal State Northridge

Rebounds Records

Dominance on the boards has been a hallmark of many Cougar teams, with several players establishing themselves among the program's all-time rebounding leaders.

Career Rebounds
Rk Player Rebounds Seasons
1 Josh Hawkinson 1,015[29] 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17
2 Steve Puidokas 992 1973–74 1974–75 1975–76 1976–77
3 Mark Hendrickson 927 1992–93 1993–94 1994–95 1995–96
4 Jim McKean 844 1965–66 1966–67 1967–68
5 Ted Werner 837 1962–63 1963–64 1964–65
6 Charlie Sells 827 1959–60 1960–61 1961–62
7 John Maras 808 1957–58 1958–59 1959–60
8 Carlos Daniel 775 1994–95 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98
9 Stuart House 687 1976–77 1977–78 1978–79 1979–80
10 James Donaldson 677 1975–76 1976–77 1977–78 1978–79
Season Rebounds
Rk Player Rebounds Season
1 Josh Hawkinson 334[29] 2014–15
2 Ted Werner 323 1963–64
3 Josh Hawkinson 321[29] 2015–16
4 Josh Hawkinson 315[29] 2016–17
5 James Donaldson 305 1977–78
6 Jim McKean 304 1966–67
7 D.J. Shelton 297[33] 2013–14
8 Ted Werner 396 1964–65
9 Charlie Sells 286 1961–62
10 John Maras 285 1958–59
Single Game Rebounds
Rk Player Rebounds Season Opponent
1 Jim McKean 27 1966–67 West Virginia
2 Ted Werner 24 1964–65 UCLA
James Donaldson 24 1978–79 Seattle Pacific
4 Charlie Sells 23 1959–60 Gonzaga
5 Bill Rehder 21 1954–55 Montana
Charlie Sells 21 1959–60 Idaho
Ted Werner 21 1963–64 Idaho
Dwayne Scholten 21 1986–87 Delaware
9 Ted Werner 20 1963–64 USC
Jim McKean 20 1966–67 Montana State
Josh Hawkinson 20[34] 2015–16 Washington

Key Rivalries

Gonzaga Bulldogs

The rivalry with Gonzaga University, located approximately 75 miles north of Pullman in Spokane, is a significant fixture on the Cougars' schedule. This series, which began in 1907, has been played annually since 2001. As of the 2013–14 season, Washington State held a historical lead of 98–50 (.662) against the Bulldogs. A notable encounter occurred in December 2007, marking the first time both teams met as ranked opponents, with #6 Washington State defeating #19 Gonzaga 51–47 at the McCarthey Athletic Center.

Idaho Vandals (Battle of the Palouse)

The "Battle of the Palouse" against the Idaho Vandals, from nearby Moscow (less than eight miles east of Pullman), represents the oldest continuing rivalry in the Western United States, predating the series with the Washington Huskies by four years. This non-conference series has been played annually since 1906, often featuring multiple games per season in its early history. A memorable moment was the December 1982 overtime thriller at the Kibbie Dome, witnessed by 11,000 fans, which the Vandals won. As of November 2021, Washington State maintains a 167–110 (.603) lead in the series.

Washington Huskies

The rivalry with the University of Washington, situated nearly 300 miles west in Seattle, is another long-standing tradition for the Cougars. This series commenced in 1910, and as of 2023, the Washington Huskies hold a 186–111 (.626) lead. However, Washington State has shown recent dominance, winning 7 of the last 9 meetings against their cross-state rivals.

Pac-12 Records

The Cougars' historical performance against their Pac-12 conference opponents provides insight into their competitive standing within the league.

Opponent Wins Losses Pct. Streak
Arizona 20 69 .225 WSU 2
Arizona St. 42 46 .477 ASU 1
California 61 82 .427 WSU 1
Colorado 7 19 .269 Colorado 1
Oregon 130 176 .425 WSU 1
Oregon St. 131 172 .432 WSU 5
Stanford 67 83 .447 WSU 6
UCLA 19 113 .144 WSU 1
USC 50 81 .382 WSU 2
Utah 6 30 .167 WSU 1
Washington 111 185 .375 UW 1

Note: All-time series includes non-conference matchups.

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References

References

  1.  List of Helms Champs
  2.  Bennett Virginia's New Men's Coach, accessed December 8, 2017
  3.  The Daily Evergreen Online - News - Local
  4.  Hansbrough, UNC roll past Wazzu into Elite Eight
  5.  Virginia to name Bennett coach
A full list of references for this article are available at the Washington State Cougars men's basketball Wikipedia page

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