Three keys to season:
Rebounding. The Rams struggled to a minus-6.7 rebounding margin in conference games last season. Andy Ogide, a 6-foot-8, 240-pound Ole Miss transfer, figures to help the most.
More consistent scorers. No one will welcome sharing the shots more than Marcus Walker, second in MWC scoring with a 17.1 average, but forced to carry almost the entire offensive load. “We need to have three (consistent scorers) every night,” Miles said.
A new mind-set. Miles said the Rams need to find ways to win and shake a losing mentality.
Most improved part of team: Miles has seen improvement from forward Andre McFarland after he was forced to play out of position a year ago; guard Willis Gardner now that he has recovered from dual shoulder surgeries; and even Walker, who doesn’t have to carry the entire team.
Biggest surprise: Miles wrote off Purdue transfer Dan Vandervieren in mid-October because of a combination of injuries and personal issues. The 6-10 center has worked his way back and is intent on contributing.
Who has to take ownership of the team? Walker. The guard was thrust into the leader’s role last season when fifth-year senior Stuart Creason was shelved with foot injuries. Now with a year in the program and a proven scorer, he commands the respect of the team.
Game/stretch most worrisome: “All of it,” Miles said. CSU gets three foes at home — Montana, Northern Colorado and Minnesota — that as Miles said “waxed” the Rams a year ago.
Roster adjustments: None.
Coming out strong: The first two weeks in December features Nevada, at Boise State, at CU and Stanford at home. This is where CSU needs to pick it up.
Natalie Meisler, The Denver Post
