CWU Hoops Adds First Recruit Under Rinta

Central Washington's men's basketball program is still trying to find its new identity after parting ways with head coach Greg Sparling.

The Wildcat team is left with seven players from last year's squad.

Matt Poquette, who just announced his commitment to CWU, is a 6-foot 6 dominant two-way player who was crowned 2B Player of the Year in the 2017-18 season.

Yes, 2B. He led Morton-White Pass to the state quarterfinals this season, averaging 24 points a game, and nearly 10 rebounds.

"I like the fact that Ellensburg is a college town, lots of people come out to the games," said Poquette.

Poquette was originally recruited and committed to Central with Coach Sparling, but re-opened his recruiting after the university announced he would not be returning.

Head Coach Brandon Rinta reached out to Poquette quickly after being hired, and Poquette says that he felt he was still "wanted" by the program.

"We both have similar visions for the future, I'm excited to be a Wildcat and play for him." Poquette said about his decision to re-commit to Coach Rinta's new squad.

The 2018-19 Wildcat squad will return guards Naim Ladd, Malik Montoya, Karsten Chaplik, and redshirt Andres Brown, as well as forwards Cameron Williams, Malcom Cola and Drake Rademacher.

With his size, speed, and ball-handling ability, Poquette will be able to bring a stretch forward role to the Wildcats.

Poquette was able to do it all in high school; Drive, defend, shoot, block shots, and bring down the house with massive dunks.

Don't believe the hype? Watch his highlights here.

The new Wildcat forward seems to be a similar player to 2018 Senior Sage Woodruff, a 6-foot-6 sharpshooter who had great ability from the elbows, and could drive to the rack.

Woodruff averaged 10 points a game off of the bench for the Wildcats last season, but with Poquette's scoring ability, he may fit right into Woodruff's shoes.