The Washington State Cougars represent a remarkable chapter in NCAA basketball, embodying resilience, passion, and a storied history that underscores their unique position in college sports. From early triumphs to modern-day challenges and successes, their journey is a tapestry of memorable moments, strategic shifts, and an enduring spirit of competition that exemplifies the essence of collegiate basketball.
Intriguing Facts About Washington State Cougars
The Washington State Cougars’ basketball history is rich with intriguing facts that reflect its unique heritage. The team was retroactively awarded the 1917 National Championship by the Helms Athletic Foundation and the Premo-Porretta Power Poll, a testament to its early dominance in the sport. Under the leadership of legendary coach Jack Friel, the 1941 team solidified its place in Cougar lore, remembered as one of the greatest in school history. The early 2000s marked a period of resurgence under coach Dick Bennett, revitalizing the program and laying the groundwork for future success. The team’s Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2008 stands as a high point in recent history, showcasing its competitive spirit. The recent turnaround under Coach Kyle Smith since 2019 has brought renewed vigor to the program, achieving a winning conference record and an NIT berth in the 2021-22 season, signaling a promising future.
The Historical Tapestry of Washington State Cougars
Beginning its journey in 1902, Washington State’s basketball program has navigated through various eras, each contributing to its rich tapestry. The late 1970s saw a surge in popularity and success under coach George Raveling. This was followed by a challenging period in the late 1990s and early 2000s, until a significant revival under the guidance of coach Dick Bennett. His son, Tony Bennett, continued this legacy, bringing the team to new heights with his innovative coaching philosophy and achieving record wins. The Cougars have been a consistent force in the Pac-10 and its predecessor, the Pacific Coast Conference, showcasing a history of competitive spirit and resilience.
The Golden Era – Focus on Coach Dick Bennett and Tony Bennett
The Bennett era marks a golden period in Washington State Cougars’ basketball history. Dick Bennett, known for his defensive strategies, laid the foundation for a competitive team. His son, Tony Bennett, took the helm and led the team to unprecedented success, tying the school record for wins and earning accolades for his coaching prowess. This era was defined by a team that played with heart and discipline, leaving a lasting legacy on the program.
The Current Landscape
Under the leadership of Coach Kyle Smith, the Washington State Cougars have entered a new phase, marked by a blend of experienced leadership and emerging talent. Recent seasons have been a mix of challenges and achievements, with the team showing potential for significant accomplishments. The 2021-22 season, in particular, highlighted the team’s growth and ability to compete at a high level, signaling a promising trajectory for the future.
Legendary Figures in Washington State Cougars History
The history of Washington State Cougars basketball is replete with legendary figures who have left an indelible mark on the program. Coaches like Jack Friel and Dick Bennett stand out for their contributions to the team’s success and culture. Players such as Klay Thompson have also etched their names in Cougar history, showcasing exceptional skill and elevating the team’s profile on the national stage.
Washington State Cougars [year] Schedule
Regular Season
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Date: Mon 06/11/2023 | Opponent: Idaho Vandals | Result: W 84-59 |
| Week 1 | Date: Fri 10/11/2023 | Opponent: Prairie View A&M Panthers | Result: W 83-65 |
| Week 2 | Date: Sat 18/11/2023 | Opponent: Mississippi State Bulldogs | Result: L 64-76 |
| Week 2 | Date: Sun 19/11/2023 | Opponent: Rhode Island Rams | Result: W 78-57 |
| Week 3 | Date: Fri 24/11/2023 | Opponent: Utah Tech Trailblazers | Result: W 93-53 |
| Week 4 | Date: Mon 27/11/2023 | Opponent: Eastern Washington Eagles | Result: W 82-72 |
| Week 4 | Date: Sat 02/12/2023 | Opponent: Portland St. Vikings | Result: W 71-61 |
| Week 5 | Date: Wed 06/12/2023 | Opponent: UC Riverside Highlanders | Result: W 86-49 |
| Week 5 | Date: Sun 10/12/2023 | Opponent: Grambling State Tigers | Result: W 83-65 |
| Week 6 | Date: Sat 16/12/2023 | Opponent: Santa Clara Broncos | Result: L 61-69 |
| Week 7 | Date: Thu 21/12/2023 | Opponent: Boise St. Broncos | Result: W 66-61 |
| Week 8 | Date: Fri 29/12/2023 | Opponent: Utah Utes | Result: L 58-80 |
| Week 8 | Date: Sun 31/12/2023 | Opponent: Colorado Buffaloes | Result: L 67-74 |
| Week 9 | Date: Thu 04/01/2024 | Opponent: Oregon St. Beavers | Result: W 65-58 |
| Week 9 | Date: Sat 06/01/2024 | Opponent: Oregon Ducks | Result: L 84-89 |
| Week 10 | Date: Wed 10/01/2024 | Opponent: Southern California Trojans | Result: W 72-64 |
| Week 10 | Date: Sat 13/01/2024 | Opponent: Arizona Wildcats | Result: W 73-70 |
| Week 11 | Date: Thu 18/01/2024 | Opponent: Stanford Cardinal | Result: W 89-75 |
| Week 11 | Date: Sat 20/01/2024 | Opponent: California Golden Bears | Result: L 75-81 |
| Week 12 | Date: Wed 24/01/2024 | Opponent: Utah Utes | Result: W 79-57 |
| Week 12 | Date: Sat 27/01/2024 | Opponent: Colorado Buffaloes | Result: W 78-69 |
| Week 13 | Date: Sat 03/02/2024 | Opponent: Washington Huskies | Result: W 90-87 |
| Week 14 | Date: Thu 08/02/2024 | Opponent: Oregon St. Beavers | Result: W 64-58 |
| Week 14 | Date: Sat 10/02/2024 | Opponent: Oregon Ducks | Result: W 62-56 |
| Week 15 | Date: Thu 15/02/2024 | Opponent: California Golden Bears | Result: W 84-65 |
| Week 15 | Date: Sat 17/02/2024 | Opponent: Stanford Cardinal | Result: W 72-59 |
| Week 16 | Date: Thu 22/02/2024 | Opponent: Arizona Wildcats | Result: W 77-74 |
| Week 16 | Date: Sat 24/02/2024 | Opponent: Arizona State Sun Devils | Result: L 61-73 |
| Week 17 | Date: Thu 29/02/2024 | Opponent: Southern California Trojans | Result: W 75-72 |
| Week 17 | Date: Sat 02/03/2024 | Opponent: UCLA Bruins | Result: W 77-65 |
| Week 18 | Date: Thu 07/03/2024 | Opponent: Washington Huskies | Result: L 68-74 |
Post Season
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conf. Tournament | Date: Thu 14/03/2024 | Opponent: Stanford Cardinal | Result: W 79-62 |
| Conf. Tournament | Date: Fri 15/03/2024 | Opponent: Colorado Buffaloes | Result: L 52-58 |
| NCAA Tournament | Date: Thu 21/03/2024 | Opponent: Drake Bulldogs | Result: W 66-61 |
| Date: Sat 23/03/2024 | Opponent: Iowa State Cyclones | Result: L 56-67 | |
| NCAA Tournament | Date: Sat 23/03/2024 | Opponent: Iowa State Cyclones | Result: TBD |
Home of Washington State Cougars: Beasley Coliseum
Beasley Coliseum, the home of the Cougars, is more than just a basketball venue; it’s a symbol of the team’s history and achievements. With a capacity of over 12,000, it has witnessed countless historic moments and remains a bastion of support for the team. The Coliseum’s atmosphere during games, filled with passionate fans and a sense of tradition, continues to be a cornerstone of the Cougars’ basketball experience.