Wendell vs. Wesley

Every WAC contest has an exciting individual battle or two. One of my personal favorites is Utah State's junior power forward Tai Wesley and NMSU's junior Wendell McKines.

It should be interesting, as the two actually go head-to-head for extended periods.

Tai Wesley 6-7 240 14 ppg, 6.7 rpg
Wendell McKines 6-6, 224 16 ppg, 10.7 rpg (three games)

I didn't get to talk to Wendell about if he likes going up against Wesley (tonight is the fourth time they have played against each other since Wendell started figuring more into the rotation last year) but Utah State head coach Stew Morrill had some things to say about McKines and I asked Menzies about the matchup between the two juniors.

Morrill on McKines
"He's a good player. He is a great rebounder and a good all-around player. He has expanded his game and is capable of shooting the 3-pointer and he has been passing it well. We fully anticipated that both of them (McKines and sophomore Troy Gillenwater) would be cleared by conference play and they will be better once they are."

Menzies on McKines vs. Wesley
"It's going to be interesting. They have played each other already and had some good battles. Wesley has some size on him so Wendell will have to work harder than he normally does but we will try to do some things to help Wendell. There is not one guy that is going to be able to stop him just like I don't think one guy can stop Wendell. They are going to have to get help. The game within the game though, I think that matchup is going to be intriguing to see it unfold."