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The #NerdBall era begins at WSU. Here’s why it’s all about defense for Kyle Smith and the Cougars.

PULLMAN – The first 60 minutes of Washington State basketball practices may not be particularly compelling – either for those partaking or those dropping by to get a glimpse – but they’re a fundamental part of what first-year coach Kyle Smith is trying to build in Pullman.

“First hour of practice, we’re doing straight defense,” sophomore forward CJ Elleby said recently. “We’re working on our principles, where we need to be in rotations, how we can help the helper and really how we’re going to guard situation plays. Ball screens, down screens, back screens. Really just trying to learn, and he’s teaching us the ways in which we’re going to play defense.