MOSCOW, Idaho -  After a summer full of uncertainty, official practice got underway on Wednesday afternoon for the Idaho men's basketball team. After making strides in the 2019-20 season, head coach Zac Claus and the Vandals look to improve in a season shaping up to be like no other.

"Luckily for us we are being led by a terrific individual in Chris Walsh, who oversees everything we do from a sports medicine standpoint… Our guys have done a terrific job of adhering to the guidelines," said coach Claus. "So with that said, we've had the ability to get back on the court which has been fabulous for all of us."

"It's always fun to start the season. We have a new group of guys and we've come together really fast," said senior Damen Thacker.

The Vandals return seven letterwinners from last year, including a senior class made of five experienced student-athletes.

Scott Blakney averaged 8.2 ppg and 4.4 rpg last season, both good for second on the squad, while Damen Thacker averaged 6.0 ppg and 2.5 rpg. Making up the rest of the senior class are Chance Garvin, Ja'Vary Christmas, and Babacar Thiombane.

"Our seniors have been fabulous this whole time," said Claus.

Five newcomers join the Vandals for the 2020-21 season. Freshmen Hunter-Jack Madden, Ethan Kilgore, and Tanner Christensen along with transfer DeAndre Robinson will look to make an impression.

"I like the overall competitiveness and toughness of this group. They've been very willing to be coached," said Claus.

"We have a lot of guys that want to play hard. The new guys coming in have a lot of energy and want to get better," said senior Scott Blakney. "We're going to be a very hard playing team, a very defensive minded team. I'm just looking forward to playing hard next to my guys."

Trevon Allen, who was second in the Big Sky in scoring a year ago, leaves a large hole to fill after he graduated and signed a professional contract in Poland.

"It'll continue to be a work in progress… we'll [replace his scoring] collectively. We have guys who we think are going to be up to that challenge," said Coach Claus. "We'll do it across the board. We have guys that we feel very excited about, both returners and incoming guys."   

Comments from head coach Zac Claus


Comments from Scott Blakney and Damen Thacker


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