Washington State Preview Capsule

By The Associated Press=

Washington State

Last season: 9-22, lost in first round of Pac-12 tournament.

Nickname: Cougars

Coach: Ernie Kent

Conference: Pacific-12

Who's gone: G Que Johnson, C Valentine Izundu, F Junior Longrus.

Who's back: F Josh Hawkinson averaged 15.4 points and 11.1 rebounds per game last season; G Ike Iroegbu averaged 12.7 points and 3.6 assists; G Charles Callison averaged 7.9 points and 3 assists.

Who's new: G Milan Acquaah, G KJ Langston, F Jeff Pollard all expected to help immediately.

The Skinny: Cougars look to improve 1-17 conference record posted by team that averaged only 68 points in league play. Need to boost home attendance of 2,800 fans per game to build excitement during Kent's third season at helm. Kent believes team tour of Italy this summer paid big dividends.