NCAA Basketball: Top 2023 prospect Tyler Smith signs with Overtime Elite

Idaho to open new facility against Long Beach State

The Idaho Vandals will host the Long Beach State 49ers to open the Idaho Central Credit Union Arena on Nov. 10. LBSU’s coach is Dan Monson, whose father Don Monson coached the Vandals to a 100-41 mark and his 1981 and 1982 teams are two of the best teams in school history. Dan Monson played one year of football at Idaho before injuring his knee.

“When we initially discussed an opening game in the ICCU Arena, it was (associate head coach) Doug Novsek that had the idea to play Long Beach State, and I am so thankful that he did,” UI coach Zac Claus said in a news release.

"“It will enable us to embrace our history within the program and reflect back on the amazing impact and success that coach Don Monson had here at Idaho. Coach Monson has continued to be supportive of our staff, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my opportunities to speak with him.”"

Idaho went 1-21 last year and only has accumulated 14 victories over the last three years. The Vandals lost their top two scorers from last year’s squad. Meanwhile, Long Beach State is coming off a 6-12 campaign, and LBSU only returns one of their four double-figure scorers from that squad.

Texas A&M adds the ninth newcomer

The Texas A&M Aggies added another newcomer to their 2021-22 roster when Jalen Johnson decided to land at College Station via Mississippi State. This is the fourth stop for the 6-6 wing, who also spent time at St. Louis and Louisiana.

“Jalen will be an asset for our team this year due to his experience at the Division I level and his ability to make shots,” Aggies’ assistant coach Steve Roccaforte said.

"“He plays at a high level and can rebound. He will provide leadership to our team and has the resume to back it up. Throughout his 123-game career, he has scored 1,186 points and has 536 rebounds. His skill set matches what we are looking for, and we are excited to have him join the team.”"

Johnson averaged 5.2 points and1.8 rebounds while shooting 38.6%from the field and 37.3% from beyond the arc last year for the Bulldogs. He scored in double-figures in six games. Tyrece Radford, Marcus Williams, Aaron Johnson-Cash, Henry Coleman III, Ethan Henderson, Wade Taylor IV, Manny Obaseki, and Ashton Smith are the other newcomers.