Washington State Cougars

Part of the Pac-12 Conference, established in 1901, and their home arena is Beasley Coliseum, Washington State University in Pullman, Washington.

Intriguing Facts About Washington State Cougars

The Washington State Cougars’ basketball history is rich with intriguing facts that reflect its unique heritage. The team was retroactively awarded the 1917 National Championship by the Helms Athletic Foundation and the Premo-Porretta Power Poll, a testament to its early dominance in the sport. Under the leadership of legendary coach Jack Friel, the 1941 team solidified its place in Cougar lore, remembered as one of the greatest in school history. The early 2000s marked a period of resurgence under coach Dick Bennett, revitalizing the program and laying the groundwork for future success. The team’s Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2008 stands as a high point in recent history, showcasing its competitive spirit. The recent turnaround under Coach Kyle Smith since 2019 has brought renewed vigor to the program, achieving a winning conference record and an NIT berth in the 2021-22 season, signaling a promising future.

The Historical Tapestry of Washington State Cougars

Beginning its journey in 1902, Washington State’s basketball program has navigated through various eras, each contributing to its rich tapestry. The late 1970s saw a surge in popularity and success under coach George Raveling. This was followed by a challenging period in the late 1990s and early 2000s, until a significant revival under the guidance of coach Dick Bennett. His son, Tony Bennett, continued this legacy, bringing the team to new heights with his innovative coaching philosophy and achieving record wins. The Cougars have been a consistent force in the Pac-10 and its predecessor, the Pacific Coast Conference, showcasing a history of competitive spirit and resilience.

The Golden Era – Focus on Coach Dick Bennett and Tony Bennett

The Bennett era marks a golden period in Washington State Cougars’ basketball history. Dick Bennett, known for his defensive strategies, laid the foundation for a competitive team. His son, Tony Bennett, took the helm and led the team to unprecedented success, tying the school record for wins and earning accolades for his coaching prowess. This era was defined by a team that played with heart and discipline, leaving a lasting legacy on the program.

The Current Landscape

Under the leadership of Coach Kyle Smith, the Washington State Cougars have entered a new phase, marked by a blend of experienced leadership and emerging talent. Recent seasons have been a mix of challenges and achievements, with the team showing potential for significant accomplishments. The 2021-22 season, in particular, highlighted the team’s growth and ability to compete at a high level, signaling a promising trajectory for the future.

Legendary Figures in Washington State Cougars History

The history of Washington State Cougars basketball is replete with legendary figures who have left an indelible mark on the program. Coaches like Jack Friel and Dick Bennett stand out for their contributions to the team’s success and culture. Players such as Klay Thompson have also etched their names in Cougar history, showcasing exceptional skill and elevating the team’s profile on the national stage.

Washington State Cougars 2024 Schedule

Regular Season

Week	Date	Opponent	Result
Week 1	Date: Mon 06/11/2023	Opponent: Idaho Vandals	Result: W 84-59
Week 1	Date: Fri 10/11/2023	Opponent: Prairie View A&M Panthers	Result: W 83-65
Week 2	Date: Sat 18/11/2023	Opponent: Mississippi State Bulldogs	Result: L 64-76
Week 2	Date: Sun 19/11/2023	Opponent: Rhode Island Rams	Result: W 78-57
Week 3	Date: Fri 24/11/2023	Opponent: Utah Tech Trailblazers	Result: W 93-53
Week 4	Date: Mon 27/11/2023	Opponent: Eastern Washington Eagles	Result: W 82-72
Week 4	Date: Sat 02/12/2023	Opponent: Portland St. Vikings	Result: W 71-61
Week 5	Date: Wed 06/12/2023	Opponent: UC Riverside Highlanders	Result: W 86-49
Week 5	Date: Sun 10/12/2023	Opponent: Grambling State Tigers	Result: W 83-65
Week 6	Date: Sat 16/12/2023	Opponent: Santa Clara Broncos	Result: L 61-69
Week 7	Date: Thu 21/12/2023	Opponent: Boise St. Broncos	Result: W 66-61
Week 8	Date: Fri 29/12/2023	Opponent: Utah Utes	Result: L 58-80
Week 8	Date: Sun 31/12/2023	Opponent: Colorado Buffaloes	Result: L 67-74
Week 9	Date: Thu 04/01/2024	Opponent: Oregon St. Beavers	Result: W 65-58
Week 9	Date: Sat 06/01/2024	Opponent: Oregon Ducks	Result: L 84-89
Week 10	Date: Wed 10/01/2024	Opponent: Southern California Trojans	Result: W 72-64
Week 10	Date: Sat 13/01/2024	Opponent: Arizona Wildcats	Result: W 73-70
Week 11	Date: Thu 18/01/2024	Opponent: Stanford Cardinal	Result: W 89-75
Week 11	Date: Sat 20/01/2024	Opponent: California Golden Bears	Result: L 75-81
Week 12	Date: Wed 24/01/2024	Opponent: Utah Utes	Result: W 79-57
Week 12	Date: Sat 27/01/2024	Opponent: Colorado Buffaloes	Result: W 78-69
Week 13	Date: Sat 03/02/2024	Opponent: Washington Huskies	Result: W 90-87
Week 14	Date: Thu 08/02/2024	Opponent: Oregon St. Beavers	Result: W 64-58
Week 14	Date: Sat 10/02/2024	Opponent: Oregon Ducks	Result: W 62-56
Week 15	Date: Thu 15/02/2024	Opponent: California Golden Bears	Result: W 84-65
Week 15	Date: Sat 17/02/2024	Opponent: Stanford Cardinal	Result: W 72-59
Week 16	Date: Thu 22/02/2024	Opponent: Arizona Wildcats	Result: W 77-74
Week 16	Date: Sat 24/02/2024	Opponent: Arizona State Sun Devils	Result: L 61-73
Week 17	Date: Thu 29/02/2024	Opponent: Southern California Trojans	Result: W 75-72
Week 17	Date: Sat 02/03/2024	Opponent: UCLA Bruins	Result: W 77-65
Week 18	Date: Thu 07/03/2024	Opponent: Washington Huskies	Result: L 68-74

Post Season

Week	Date	Opponent	Result
Conf. Tournament	Date: Thu 14/03/2024	Opponent: Stanford Cardinal	Result: W 79-62
Conf. Tournament	Date: Fri 15/03/2024	Opponent: Colorado Buffaloes	Result: L 52-58
NCAA Tournament	Date: Thu 21/03/2024	Opponent: Drake Bulldogs	Result: W 66-61
	Date: Sat 23/03/2024	Opponent: Iowa State Cyclones	Result: L 56-67
NCAA Tournament	Date: Sat 23/03/2024	Opponent: Iowa State Cyclones	Result: TBD

Home of Washington State Cougars: Beasley Coliseum

Beasley Coliseum, the home of the Cougars, is more than just a basketball venue; it’s a symbol of the team’s history and achievements. With a capacity of over 12,000, it has witnessed countless historic moments and remains a bastion of support for the team. The Coliseum’s atmosphere during games, filled with passionate fans and a sense of tradition, continues to be a cornerstone of the Cougars’ basketball experience.