Montana State basketball: Bobcats need help for Tyler Hall
By Doug Winkey
Montana State basketball has one of college basketball’s best players, but star Tyler Hall needs help. Who are the Bobcats’ best supporting options?
Montana State basketball was stuck in neutral last year. The Bobcats from Bozeman went 11-7 in the Big Sky but were just 16-16 overall. That record wasted what was an incredible season from wing Tyler Hall. The 6’4″ wing from Rock Island, IL averaged 23.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and shot 43% from deep. The team simply needs more help if it is to maximize its potential with one of the Big Sky’s best talents.
Luckily, sophomore Harald Frey returns alongside Hall. The Oslo, Norway native was second on the Bobcats in scoring with 12.7 points per contest. He also led the team with 3.4 assists per night and shot 41% from outside. His development at point guard is absolutely key for the 2017-2018 season. Frey will also have to hold off freshmen Cooper Olson and Lassi Nikkarinen from Finland.
The team should get another big boost from Utah Valley transfer Konner Frey. The 6’6″, 200-pound senior from Utah sat out last year after transferring, but averaged 14.1 points and 7.1 boards for the Wolverines in 2015-2016. Montana State’s interior is mostly untested beyond junior Sam Neumann (6.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg). Frey will have a great opportunity to battle for starting minutes right away.
What Montana State will lack in size (no returning regular stands taller than 6’7″) they could make up for in versatility. Hall, Neumann, and the Freys would do well to push the tempo and try to outpace opponents. The Bobcats were 103rd in adjusted tempo last year (good for fourth in the Big Sky), but that should increase with more guards and wings.
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MSU has a prime opportunity to move up the Big Sky standings. Several other programs lose key players. Hall can carry the team, but the supporting cast needs to step up on both ends to really make the Bobcats dangerous.