Colorado State University Athletics
Friday, March 14
Las Vegas, NV
10:00 pm
Colorado State
vs
Utah State
Shootaround: Preparation Stays Key
3/14/2025 3:47:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Scouting, Growth and Semifinal Hopes
LAS VEGAS – Preparation doesn't only mean practice.
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Another vital component – especially during tournament season – is the art of scouting.
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The role is covered by assistant coach Ken DeWeese, and it poses many challenges of its own.
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"Time and lack of sleep are probably the biggest ones," DeWeese said. "It's a lot of games. Going into the first game against Nevada, you want to be so focused on winning the first game, you can't look ahead to the second."
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Focusing on the little elements which could help secure the win, knowing your enemy, is just as important as understanding your friend.
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DeWeese has 20-years of experience coaching, spending four years at CSU's Border War rival – Wyoming.
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"I was the Nevada scout for the last four years prior to this year," DeWeese said. "So, yesterday, was probably the 11th time I've scouted Nevada and played them. But, Utah State's a whole new coaching staff, so it's the third time now of them doing totally different stuff. That presents its own challenges."
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Mbemba's Maturity
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A sophomore, Rashaan Mbemba, has truly made his mark as a Ram.
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Though it's his second time at the conference, he takes every game the same.
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"I would say I'm approaching every new game the same way," Mbemba said. "I'm always a little nervous before games, but it kind of gets me focused. I don't change my approach for the next game really."
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However, his experience at the tournament has opened up some new perspectives.
Â
His growth over the past year has been evident, both in his confidence and his understanding of the game at this level. With more experience under his belt, he has embraced his expanded role and the challenges that come with it, focusing on making a greater impact for his team.
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"I was here last year with people who have played college ball for four or five years of experience," Mbemba said, "So, I definitely feel more comfortable compared to last year knowing how it's supposed to go and look. Knowing the intensity all while being in a bigger role now and doing everything I can to help the team."
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Here and There
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Colorado State has played Utah State twice in regular season, coming out with the win once at home. … In the tournament, CSU is 1-3 against USU. … CSU has been to the semifinals 11 times, winning twice; its last win was in the 2017 season.
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Another vital component – especially during tournament season – is the art of scouting.
Â
The role is covered by assistant coach Ken DeWeese, and it poses many challenges of its own.
Â
"Time and lack of sleep are probably the biggest ones," DeWeese said. "It's a lot of games. Going into the first game against Nevada, you want to be so focused on winning the first game, you can't look ahead to the second."
Â
Focusing on the little elements which could help secure the win, knowing your enemy, is just as important as understanding your friend.
Â
DeWeese has 20-years of experience coaching, spending four years at CSU's Border War rival – Wyoming.
Â
"I was the Nevada scout for the last four years prior to this year," DeWeese said. "So, yesterday, was probably the 11th time I've scouted Nevada and played them. But, Utah State's a whole new coaching staff, so it's the third time now of them doing totally different stuff. That presents its own challenges."
Â
Mbemba's Maturity
Â
A sophomore, Rashaan Mbemba, has truly made his mark as a Ram.
Â
Though it's his second time at the conference, he takes every game the same.
Â
"I would say I'm approaching every new game the same way," Mbemba said. "I'm always a little nervous before games, but it kind of gets me focused. I don't change my approach for the next game really."
Â
However, his experience at the tournament has opened up some new perspectives.
Â
His growth over the past year has been evident, both in his confidence and his understanding of the game at this level. With more experience under his belt, he has embraced his expanded role and the challenges that come with it, focusing on making a greater impact for his team.
Â
"I was here last year with people who have played college ball for four or five years of experience," Mbemba said, "So, I definitely feel more comfortable compared to last year knowing how it's supposed to go and look. Knowing the intensity all while being in a bigger role now and doing everything I can to help the team."
Â
Here and There
Â
Colorado State has played Utah State twice in regular season, coming out with the win once at home. … In the tournament, CSU is 1-3 against USU. … CSU has been to the semifinals 11 times, winning twice; its last win was in the 2017 season.
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Players Mentioned
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