University of Idaho basketball players Tanoris Shepard and Rashaad Powell don't pay much attention to preseason polls.

The Vandals were picked ninth last season, but ended up fifth in the Big West Conference. Idaho was tabbed for last (10th) by the media two years ago, but snuck up to eighth.

If that trend of stumping the prognosticators continues, the Vandals are positioned for their best season since 1998-99.

Idaho is picked to finish fifth by Big West coaches and sixth by the media. Shepard's vote is decidedly different.

"We have a chance to do something really special," the junior point guard said. "It's about how much we buy into coach (Leonard Perry's) system, and guys are buying in. I always set my standards high."

"The polls don't surprise me," said Powell, a tenacious senior forward. "I don't buy into how they pick or who they pick. I don't consider us underdogs. I feel like we have to go out every night and prove ourselves. I feel we're capable of being at the top of the league."

Both players know what it feels like to be underdogs. They arrived three years ago at the same time as Perry. They redshirted as Perry guided a competitive, but outmanned team to a 9-19 mark.

The talent level improved last year and so did Idaho's record, to 13-15. This year's team has another influx of JC transfers and a healthy Shepard. He missed three-fourths of last season with a torn ACL in his knee.

"It's a more talented team than what we've had," Perry said. "I don't know that it's a big step. It's a gradual one. You would hope in your third year you would be getting better."

Idaho still lacks a dominating center in the mold of UC Irvine's Adam Parada or UC Riverside's Vili Morton, but the Vandals have an abundance of guards, wings and forwards.

And center has been upgraded, too. Recall in Perry's first year, Marquis Holmes, David Howell and even slender forward Rodney Hilaire spent time in the post. Hilaire, at a wiry 6-foot-5, was the tallest of the trio.

Jon Tinnon returns as the starter, backed up by Lionel Davis, a 245-pound space eater. David Radlovic, 6-9 and up to 210 pounds, also returns.

"It's nice to have those big bodies to sub in and out," Powell said. "In my first year, our biggest guy was 6-5 and he was a wing."

Shepard was averaging 12.7 points before injuring his knee last season. He missed Idaho's two exhibition games for violating team rules.

"I've been pushing myself every day at practice and it hasn't given me any problems," Shepard said of his knee. "I don't feel any limitations."

JC transfer Dandrick Jones can play point or off guard. Steady senior Zach White is another option. Threepoint threat Dwayne Williams returns and JC transfer Armend Kahrimanovic is a 6-6 wing who can handle and distribute the ball.

Springy forward Tyrone Hayes averaged 14 points and 5 rebounds last year working in the paint against taller foes. The 6-3 Powell did much

the same, contributing 5.8 points and 4.8 rebounds. JC transfer Anton Lyons adds athleticism to the forward position.

"We're just more talented at all three guard spots and we're bigger and stronger in the post," Shepard said. "If I had to point out one (newcomer) it would probably be Dandrick. He's a big-time scorer. `AK' (Kahrimanovic) can play the 1, 2 or 3. He shoots it. He does everything you're looking for in a guard."

The rotation could go 10 deep. Zach Proett, a 6-10 center from Mt. Spokane High, will redshirt as he recovers from a torn ACL. Dillon Higdon, a promising 6-4 guard/forward, apparently will play.

"I think we have a good mix of everything," Powell said. "Defensively it's always the same -- a lot of intensity and rebounding. That's what we're all about.

"But we have more people who can do more things. That's always a plus when your roster is filled with versatility."

That should allow Idaho to play at a bit faster pace and expand its margin for error, which was somewhere between tiny and minute the last couple seasons.

"We can do a few more things with the ball and make a few more plays and make better decisions than we have in the past," Perry said. "We're trying to take advantage of defenses that aren't quite set. I hope that's something we can continue to do throughout the year."