Realignment discussion doesn’t distract Broncos

Leon Rice doesn't dwell on things he has no control over. So like any right-minded individual, the Boise State basketball coach focuses on today.

Tomorrow can wait until, well, whenever his bosses make up their minds as to what they intend to do.

The Broncos have plans to leave the Mountain West and join the Big East, or whatever the restructured football league will call itself. But those plans might be canceled, depending on whether the Mountain West's revamped television deal makes it lucrative enough for Boise State to remain.

If Boise State does leave the Mountain West, Rice will be coaching in the Big West, which is where the school's other sports will compete while football plays in a realigned Big East.

"My focus has been on the program and building it," Rice said. "You don't worry about your (future) league. I let the higher-ups worry about that.

"I was able to have some input with our president (Bob Kustra) and our athletic director (Mark Coyle), so I felt like I was part of the process. But ultimately, it's their call as to what happens."

The Broncos look good this season, improving to 9-2 after an impressive 67-51 victory over New Orleans on Sunday in the Holiday Hoops Classic in front of just 732 at the MGM Grand Garden. It wrapped up a successful weekend for Boise State, after its football team beat Washington 28-26 in the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas on Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium.

The Broncos shoot the ball well from the perimeter, and that was evident early on Sunday as they made seven of their first eight 3-point tries. But BSU cooled off considerably and finished 8-for-22 from long distance.

Anthony Drmic, the Mountain West's reigning player of the week, led the way with 20 points against the Privateers (3-8). Former Canyon Springs High School star and redshirt freshman guard Mikey Thompson had five points in 31 minutes off the bench in his first game back in his hometown.

"I was really proud with the way our guys came out focused," Rice said. "I'm pleased to be where we are at the (Christmas) break."

With Mountain West play starting Jan. 9, the focus is on UNLV, San Diego State and New Mexico. Yet Boise State might be quietly playing itself into the conversation as a team to look at in the upcoming league race.

"We've got great chemistry," Rice said. "They all really click. We make the extra pass. We share the ball."

Included in Boise State's resume is an impressive 83-70 win at Creighton on Nov. 28 and an 89-70 home win over Louisiana State on Dec. 14. A 74-70 loss at Michigan State on Nov. 20 is also part of the Broncos' early-season body of work.

"I'm surprised a little at our success," Rice said. "We played a tough schedule. It's been brutal, and I thought we might have over-scheduled a little bit. But our guys have been great, and it's going to help us get ready for league play."

He was referring to the Mountain West, of course. But Rice said when he visits with recruits and they ask him about the future, he's as honest with them as possible.

"Right now, if someone asks, I tell them we'll be in the Big West," he said. "But the subject doesn't come up too often. We're like the eye of a storm. You'd be surprised at how little I get asked."

Rice said whatever league his team ultimately competes in, he'll have them ready.

"It's going to sort itself out," he said. "If it changes again, we'll go with it."

In the tournament's second game Sunday, James Madison (6-6) claimed a 62-59 win over San Diego (6-8).

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.