By: Matt Chadwick
For those who might not be familiar with the Oquirrh Bucket, every year since 1974 the trophy has been awarded to the in-state college team (BYU, Utah, Utah State, Weber State, Southern Utah, and UVU) which has the best win-loss record against in-state competition. Last years winner? Utah State (which seemed to have showed in the NCAA Tournament). With a fresh college basketball season just around the corner, the question on everyone's mind is: Who will take home the Bucket this year?
BYU:
Having received a preseason rank of 40 in the Associated Press Poll and 39 in the Coaches Poll - not to mention heavy Mountain West Conference favorite picked to finish first with a decisive vote; it would appear that BYU looks to have another solid team again this year. With Lee Cummard out of the picture, can Jimmer Fredette and Jonathan Tavarnari carry the team by themselves? Possibly, but not likely. Look for Junior guard Jackson Emery and Senior center/forward Chris Miles to step up there game this season. Logan Magnusson may also prove to be a nice addition to the team. The Y has a large gap to fill, but is a strong contender for the Bucket this season.
University of Utah:
The U had a decent team last year - despite a generous seed in the Tournament and embarrassing loss to Arizona. How will they hold up this season without big-man Luke Neville at center and forward Shaun Green? It's hard to say. Luka Drca will need to step up his game and play every game like last seasons 94-88 OT win against BYU, where he scored 18 points. Also, look for good things out of Junior College transfer Jay Watkins, who may or may not have something positive to add to the team. Only time will tell if Utah has what it takes to contend this year.
Utah State:
Returning from a 30 and 5 season, some people may have doubts about how well Utah State will actually be this season. The returning WAC champions are favored to finish first in their conference (just over Nevada), despite the loss of last season's WAC Player of the Year Gary Wilkinson. With returning starters Jared Quayle, Tyler Newbold, and Tai Wesley, the team hasn't been left in complete shambles. Expect big things from SLCC transfer Nate Bendall and possibly Freshman guard Preston Medlin. Utah State looked pretty solid in their first exhibition game of the season, and looks to have what it takes to hold on to the Oquirrh Bucket this season.
Weber State:
The Wildcats look to return four starters this year including Sophomore Damian Lillard who shot 8-8 from the field and 6-6 from behind the three point line to lead his team to a 110-58 victory in Weber State's first exhibition game. Senior center Steve Panos should also have a lot to offer the team this year. Weber State fans have something to hope for this season, as they were picked to finish first in their conference. Expect them to be a formidable opponent this year and solid contender for that Bucket.
UVU:
No Ryan Toolsen + One in-state scheduled game = No Qquirrh Bucket and One miserable season. Sorry UVU fans. Maybe next year.
Southern Utah:
With only two in-state opponents on the schedule this year, Southern Utah may find it nearly impossible to take home the award this year.
Look for the BYU/Utah State game to be the deciding factor this year. It should be a good one!
For those who might not be familiar with the Oquirrh Bucket, every year since 1974 the trophy has been awarded to the in-state college team (BYU, Utah, Utah State, Weber State, Southern Utah, and UVU) which has the best win-loss record against in-state competition. Last years winner? Utah State (which seemed to have showed in the NCAA Tournament). With a fresh college basketball season just around the corner, the question on everyone's mind is: Who will take home the Bucket this year?
BYU:
Having received a preseason rank of 40 in the Associated Press Poll and 39 in the Coaches Poll - not to mention heavy Mountain West Conference favorite picked to finish first with a decisive vote; it would appear that BYU looks to have another solid team again this year. With Lee Cummard out of the picture, can Jimmer Fredette and Jonathan Tavarnari carry the team by themselves? Possibly, but not likely. Look for Junior guard Jackson Emery and Senior center/forward Chris Miles to step up there game this season. Logan Magnusson may also prove to be a nice addition to the team. The Y has a large gap to fill, but is a strong contender for the Bucket this season.
University of Utah:
The U had a decent team last year - despite a generous seed in the Tournament and embarrassing loss to Arizona. How will they hold up this season without big-man Luke Neville at center and forward Shaun Green? It's hard to say. Luka Drca will need to step up his game and play every game like last seasons 94-88 OT win against BYU, where he scored 18 points. Also, look for good things out of Junior College transfer Jay Watkins, who may or may not have something positive to add to the team. Only time will tell if Utah has what it takes to contend this year.
Utah State:
Returning from a 30 and 5 season, some people may have doubts about how well Utah State will actually be this season. The returning WAC champions are favored to finish first in their conference (just over Nevada), despite the loss of last season's WAC Player of the Year Gary Wilkinson. With returning starters Jared Quayle, Tyler Newbold, and Tai Wesley, the team hasn't been left in complete shambles. Expect big things from SLCC transfer Nate Bendall and possibly Freshman guard Preston Medlin. Utah State looked pretty solid in their first exhibition game of the season, and looks to have what it takes to hold on to the Oquirrh Bucket this season.
Weber State:
The Wildcats look to return four starters this year including Sophomore Damian Lillard who shot 8-8 from the field and 6-6 from behind the three point line to lead his team to a 110-58 victory in Weber State's first exhibition game. Senior center Steve Panos should also have a lot to offer the team this year. Weber State fans have something to hope for this season, as they were picked to finish first in their conference. Expect them to be a formidable opponent this year and solid contender for that Bucket.
UVU:
No Ryan Toolsen + One in-state scheduled game = No Qquirrh Bucket and One miserable season. Sorry UVU fans. Maybe next year.
Southern Utah:
With only two in-state opponents on the schedule this year, Southern Utah may find it nearly impossible to take home the award this year.
Look for the BYU/Utah State game to be the deciding factor this year. It should be a good one!
Nice Matt! I didn't know about the Oquirrh Bucket, and I call myself a college basketball fan! I think with the departures at Utah State, BYU probably has an edge this year, but then again Stew Morrill always restocks his talent pretty nicely. Should be fun.
ReplyDeleteYeah... And the preseason polls would agree with you on that too. You already know what they ranked BYU. And Utah State was ranked 48 in both polls. I'm going to have to go with Utah State having the edge on this one though - and not because I'm bias - but because the Cougs will have to come out with a win in the Spectrum, which is no easy feat these days.
ReplyDeleteI too was unaware such a thing exsisted. Matt is there a picture of said bucket? Do they actually display this thing in a showcase or do they really mop floors with it?
ReplyDeleteChris. I've got a picture of what it looks like, but I don't think it can be uploaded on a comment. So I will just post the link (courtesy of Wikipedia). It looks more or less like an old mining bucket with a plaque glued on. I'm also posting the link (what can't you find on Wikipedia)of all the schools who have won it since it started. It looks as if University of Utah has been most successful in getting the award over the years.
ReplyDeletePicture of Oquirrh Bucket: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Oquirrh-bucket.jpg
Oquirrh Bucket History: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Oquirrh_Bucket