Boise State basketball doesn’t have a great tradition. But, the present is as good as it has been. Leon Rice has won 61% of his games overall and 56% of WAC/MWC games. He has led Boise State to the NCAA First Four two of the last three seasons. Bobby Dye (’83-’95) finished 61% overall and 56% in the Big Sky.

Dye did get to the NCAA’s 3x though.

Rice could do that by winning the MWC tourney which starts this week. Rice has faced Utah, Oregon, LSU, Iowa, Kentucky, Iowa State, Arizona, Michigan State, Wisconsin, and North Carolina State in the past regular season schedules. Rice has taken on 25 teams that have been ranked in the Top 25 during his tenure. Coach Dye never faced a schedule as difficult as that.

What does this prove? That Rice is heading in the right direction. And, with one NCAA Tourney win, he could be the Greatest Of All Time. A GOAT.

I feel Boise fans wants an exciting brand of basketball that they can compare to what they see on TV. This town has proven they will follow a giant killer in Boise State football. But, playing those giants isn’t enough; you need to beat them to get fans attention and admiration. That break through hasn’t happened consistently yet.

It all starts by going through probably Colorado St, Fresno St and San Diego St to get back into the NCAA’s. Then first rounds win over the likes of Kentucky, Purdue or Oregon.

That would really make some noise. And, with that win, push Leon to the All Time Greatest Boise St Coach.  A real GOAT.

@jeffcaves on twitter