Get Well Soon Jeff... Boise State Basketball Needs You!!!

The two games this past week have proven one thing: Jeff Elorriaga is the peanut butter to Boise State's jelly sandwich... The thing that holds the everything together and, no offense to jelly, is truly what makes or breaks the sandwich. I mean who really wants to eat just a jelly sandwich??? Amiright?

If you want to read into this picture, it might be suggesting that Elorriaga would make a fantastic Peter Pan.

Last week

After receiving a concussion in the waning moments of the thrilling New Mexico game on January 16th, Elorriaga sat out the next game (a loss to Air Force) only to be cleared to play against Fresno State. Unfortunately, he took another hard blow in the first half of that game and has been ruled out ever since due to concussion-like symptoms. I won't speculate about the severity of the injury or when his expected return might be, but I would like to wish him a speedy recovery.

Jeff’s absence has been felt… a lot. Not only is he a good (great? God-like?) three-point shooter, he also plays exceptional perimeter defense and averages the most minutes played on the team. Without him on the floor, Boise State offensive sets do not seem as dynamic and opposing guards are able to penetrate, resulting in rampant foul trouble (for example, against Nevada both Marks and Buckner fouled out and Nevada shot ten more free throws than the Broncos). If Coach Rice can get the players (especially Hadziomerovic) to learn to play well during this stretch, the injury could prove to be beneficial in the long-run. Bottom-line, every member of Boise State’s roster needs to realize the loss of one player can’t derail a promising season, especially for a team that has so much potential.

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This week

This is probably the toughest week for the Broncos so far... next week, however, probably gets worse. Just a brutal league. I hope the NCAA Selection Committee takes that into account.

Luckily, the Colorado State game is televised. The UNLV game is not but features a bonafide stud in 6'7" Power Forward Anthony Bennett. Should be a great Saturday evening matchup to attend!! (Hint Hint) Bennett is currently projected to go 7th overall in this year's NBA draft. Have fun Ryan and Kenny!

Boise State

Record: 14-5, 2-3 MWC

AP Ranking: NR

RPI: 58 (Last Week: 48)

Best Win: @Creighton (RPI: 31)

Worst Loss: @Utah (RPI: 155)

@ Colorado State – Wednesday, January 30, 2013 @ 7:00pm MST, Fort Collins, Colorado

TV: Root Sports

Record: 16-4, 3-2 MWC

AP Ranking: NR

RPI: 23

Best Win: UNLV (RPI: 14)

Worst Loss: Illinois-Chicago (RPI: 99)

Key Player: Colton Iverson (14.3 ppg, 9.5 rpg)

UNLV – Saturday, February 2, 2013 @ 7:00pm MST, Taco Bell Arena

TV: ---

Record: 16-4, 3-2 MWC

AP Ranking: NR

RPI: 14

Best Win: @San Diego State (RPI: 30)

Worst Loss: @North Carolina (RPI: 35)

Key Player: Anthony Bennett, Freshman (18.4 ppg, 8.6 rpg) ***Projected Lottery Pick***