Colorado State University Athletics
Shootaround: Game Day Has Arrived
3/13/2025 1:25:00 PM | Men's Basketball
The Rams prepare for their game against No. 7 Nevada
LAS VEGAS – Get in a new environment and take a deep breath.
Â
In preparation for its first game of the tournament, Colorado State made their way to a basketball gym 20 minutes outside of the Vegas strip for a quick shootaround.
Â
Snowy peaks capped the skyline outside of the windows, as opposed to the blinding lights of the strip, and it was familiar – though far away from home.
Â
One player feeling the impact is true freshman Kyle Jorgenson. His first time at the Mountain West championships, the new environment could seem daunting.
Â
But as fans know, the Rams have worked to stay focused on themselves, not standings. Though he is feeling the pressure, the shootaround was a welcome change.
Â
"Obviously, I'm a little nervous," Jorgenson said. "First conference tournament, but I'm excited. But (practicing here) makes us not think about the game so much. Not being on the actual court, just meeting with the guys is a good refresher for the game."
Â
On the opposite side of the spectrum is senior Jalen Lake who has braved the Mountain West championship for four years now.
Â
Used to the pressure, he stays excited for the challenge.
Â
"I'm excited," Lake said. "We have to put everything behind us and be focused. It's going to be a challenge, but we have the right mentality going in."
Â
New Group, Same Culture
Â
Finishing in just under an hour, the Rams know they've done all they can for now, it's up to their grit to push them through.
Â
Though the team looks a bit different than last year, the team culture continues to shine through.
Â
Seniors like Nique Clifford and Lake know what the team was like in years past. But sophomores such as Kyan Evans and Jaylen Crocker-Johnson bring their own type of leadership.
Â
Assistant coach Tim Shelton has been with the Rams for two years and has seen both sides.
Â
"We had a really veteran led group last year that had been here for four or five years," Shelton said. "We had some returners and obviously the culture overlapped. But the roles and the identities of the guys evolving into who they are, has been the biggest difference (between seasons)."
Â
Here and There
Â
With their win against Fresno State, Nevada becomes the contender against CSU. The Rams are 1-1 against Nevada in the tournament. … Nevada themselves are 8-11 in the tournament compared to CSU's 19-24. … The Rams are ranked No. 2 and the Wolfpack is No. 7 going into the game. ... Nevada's coach Steve Alford has won 16 of his 24 games against CSU, five wins and six losses while coaching for Nevada. Whereas coach Niko Medved is 6-6 against the Wolfpack.
Â
In preparation for its first game of the tournament, Colorado State made their way to a basketball gym 20 minutes outside of the Vegas strip for a quick shootaround.
Â
Snowy peaks capped the skyline outside of the windows, as opposed to the blinding lights of the strip, and it was familiar – though far away from home.
Â
One player feeling the impact is true freshman Kyle Jorgenson. His first time at the Mountain West championships, the new environment could seem daunting.
Â
But as fans know, the Rams have worked to stay focused on themselves, not standings. Though he is feeling the pressure, the shootaround was a welcome change.
Â
"Obviously, I'm a little nervous," Jorgenson said. "First conference tournament, but I'm excited. But (practicing here) makes us not think about the game so much. Not being on the actual court, just meeting with the guys is a good refresher for the game."
Â
On the opposite side of the spectrum is senior Jalen Lake who has braved the Mountain West championship for four years now.
Â
Used to the pressure, he stays excited for the challenge.
Â
"I'm excited," Lake said. "We have to put everything behind us and be focused. It's going to be a challenge, but we have the right mentality going in."
Â
New Group, Same Culture
Â
Finishing in just under an hour, the Rams know they've done all they can for now, it's up to their grit to push them through.
Â
Though the team looks a bit different than last year, the team culture continues to shine through.
Â
Seniors like Nique Clifford and Lake know what the team was like in years past. But sophomores such as Kyan Evans and Jaylen Crocker-Johnson bring their own type of leadership.
Â
Assistant coach Tim Shelton has been with the Rams for two years and has seen both sides.
Â
"We had a really veteran led group last year that had been here for four or five years," Shelton said. "We had some returners and obviously the culture overlapped. But the roles and the identities of the guys evolving into who they are, has been the biggest difference (between seasons)."
Â
Here and There
Â
With their win against Fresno State, Nevada becomes the contender against CSU. The Rams are 1-1 against Nevada in the tournament. … Nevada themselves are 8-11 in the tournament compared to CSU's 19-24. … The Rams are ranked No. 2 and the Wolfpack is No. 7 going into the game. ... Nevada's coach Steve Alford has won 16 of his 24 games against CSU, five wins and six losses while coaching for Nevada. Whereas coach Niko Medved is 6-6 against the Wolfpack.
Players Mentioned
G
/ Men's Basketball
F
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's BasketballColorado State Basketball (M): Season 1 - Ep. 1
Sunday, August 10
Ramily - CSU Men's Basketball
Tuesday, August 05
Ram Line - Shoot Around with Josh Pascarelli & Darnez Slater (MBB)
Monday, August 04
Behind the White Board - Ken DeWeese
Monday, August 04