‘Old-school Larry’ seems re-energized in 5th season

CSU coach stresses improved defense

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the fifth in an 11-part series previewing UNM basketball opponents for the coming season. The series is running in reverse order of the preseason Mountain West Conference media poll and concludes with a nonconference schedule preview.

While fielding all the usual media day questions earlier this month in Las Vegas, Nev., Colorado State senior forward Emmanuel Omogbo summed up the season ahead in an unusual way.

“Old-school Larry Eustachy is coming back,” the 6-foot-8 power forward said in reference to the Rams’ outspoken fifth-year head coach.

Eustachy, whose team was picked seventh in the 11-team preseason Mountain West media poll, says he isn’t entirely sure what the “Old-school Larry” reference even means. Whatever it is, though, the 60-year-old coach seems re-energized, and his approach has resonated with his veteran players.

“It’s very good for the program,” Omogbo said. “It’s not always good for us, but we need that. It’s going to pay off a lot in the long run.”

While last season’s Rams had no problem scoring (MWC-best 79.4 points per game and a leaguebest offensive efficiency rating), defense was, well, not great. CSU was last in the league in defensive efficiency and points allowed per game (77.2).

“I’ve never scored 90 points and lost (before last season),” Eustachy said, something his team actually did twice last season. “I know. I watched a lot of the games from last year and when there’s a couple guys not buying in, and you’re playing three on five, it happens.”

His star, senior Gian Clavell, who averaged 20.8 points per

game before a shoulder injury cut short his 2015-16 season after just 10 games, says the message about improving defense has been received loud and clear.

“It’s going to get there,” said Clavell. “You can hold me accountable to that. We’re going to play defense this year. We’re going to be one of the toughest defensive teams in the conference.”

In Clavell, the 6-4 guard from Puerto Rico, Eustacy believes he has an NBA talent, and Omogbo (10.9 ppg, 8.0 rpg) can anchor the front court. But the roster is largely unproven beyond that, and there was turnover in the coaching staff.

Nevertheless, Eustachy is confident this team “will be better than seventh,” and he seems eager to show off this year’s squad.

“I know this,” Eustachy said, “I love this team. I love going into practice every day. I couldn’t have said that last year.”