He’s certainly a Coug, through and through.

A week ago, Washington State’s most accomplished alumnus, Klay Thompson, secured his fourth NBA championship. A few days later, the celebration was in full swing, and Klay — like the true Coug he is — made the most of the party.

As he is wont to do, Klay took his boat across the bay to the celebration, documenting his trip on IG. Alas, he was not practicing good hat discipline. But not to worry! He had a replacement lined up, just like the pro he is:

Once arrived, it was time to get started with the parade. Nobody quite lives their best life like Klay Thompson, but the moment surely was made especially sweet by what he had to endure to get to this moment. He missed all of the 2019-20 season with a knee injury suffered in the previous year’s NBA Finals loss to the Toronto Raptors, then — in the leadup to the 2020-21 season — he suffered a torn achilles, causing him to miss all of that season and also the first half of this season.

All told, it was roughly 2.5 calendar years away from competitive basketball. And yet, Klay was an impact contributor, returning to his starting role and playing a major part in the Warriors’ fourth championship in seven seasons. It was all worth it, as he talks here about the “little wins”:

The parade was not without its challenges, however. Watch your step, Klay!

Also … gotta be careful with that jewelry!

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: Watching Klay play basketball at WSU was one of the great joys of my nearly 30 years as a Coug, and the fact that he gets to continue playing — and doing so at a high level, despite the physical setbacks — makes me smile even bigger.

Go Cougs, Klay.

Cougs get a new men’s hoops assistant

After three years on staff, Derrick Phelps is departing WSU to be closer to family. In his place will be Wayne Hunter, who most recently was an assistant coach at Saint Mary’s after serving a (very) brief stint on Kyle Smith’s staff as recruiting coordinator.

A source described the staff as “thrilled” they were able to get Hunter back.

Assistant Derrick Phelps to leave Washington State; Cougs set to hire former Saint Mary’s assistant Wayne Hunter | The Spokesman-Review
PULLMAN – Derrick Phelps, a longtime assistant under Washington State basketball coach Kyle Smith, is stepping down from his post with the Cougars, who have already found his replacement.

LINKS

‘Pioneer of Title IX’: Suit won by WSU runner changed course of state women’s college athletics | The Seattle Times
As the country celebrates the 50th anniversary of Title IX, let’s not overlook the landmark legal decision that profoundly changed women’s college athletics in Washington.

Mouhamed Gueye says TJ Bamba & Adrame Diongue were a ‘huge part’ in return to WSU
“It was always WSU for sure, though. It’s a family out here. I know how it’s going to be. I know they’re going to help me be the best version of myself.”

Duck Dive: Washington State Football 2022 Preview – Addicted To Quack
Going deep with the Cougars’ scheme, returning personnel, and unknowns

Krystal Leger-Walker, Colton Johnsen Named Tom Hansen Medal Winners – Washington State University Athletics
Both seniors end Cougar careers with top conference honor.

From Lifting to Lab: How Sasha Korolenko Excels on the Field and Classroom – Washington State University Athletics
Washington State University hammer thrower Sasha Korolenko’s origin story starts like many track and field athletes, with running. Because of her long legs, Korolenko’s

WSU soccer star, Margie Detrizio, discusses life 1,300 miles from home – Washington State University Athletics
According to Washington State University soccer player Margie Detrizio, there could not be a better fit for her than WSU. The community and her teammates make her