Eastern Washington Transfer Dane Erikstrup Brings Size and Paint Scoring

After a productive sophomore season, the former EWU forward looks to bring a mix of interior and perimeter skill to Pullman.

Dec 13, 2022; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles forward Dane Erikstrup (32) stops to shoot in front of Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Robert Jennings (4) and forward Kevin Obanor (0) in the fist half at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports / Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Upon seeing former Eastern Washington Eagle Dane Erikstrup, the immediate conclusion would be to pigeonhole him as a back-to-the-basket center, a rebounder on the block that spends his time cleaning the glass and protecting the rim exclusively.

Given his size at 6-foot-11, this is understandable – but the less-obvious skills come to the forefront upon watching his tape.

Beyond his abilities as a spot-up shooter, Erikstrup doesn't mind putting the ball on the deck and attacking the occasional closeout either. Of course, these attributes go hand-in-hand with being a pick-and-pop threat, making him an all-around offensive player that can go get a bucket, sporting a functional handle, especially given his size.

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After averaging 10.8 points, 3.3 boards, and 1.8 assists per game as a sophomore, Erikstrup looks to build on these numbers in a brand-new environment with the Cougars, though there will be plenty of familiar faces on this Washington State roster.

Given a three-star transfer ranking by 247 Sports, he will join Eastern Washington teammates Cedric Coward, LeJuan Watts, and Ethan Price in following head coach Kyle Smith to Pullman to usher in a new era of Cougar basketball.

Given the skilled players on this roster, and the already-established chemistry and rapport with his fellow former Eagles, Erikstrup will have all of the talent around him needed to thrive. With a player like Nate Calmese running the offense for the Cougs, Erikstrup will have plenty of opportunities to spot up, as well as score at the basket, where he takes about 50% of his overall shots.

He's also an underrated passer – per his sophomore season, he finished with a 16.1% assist rate, good for fifth on the Eastern Washington Eagles last season. With this in mind, it's clear that Dane Erikstrup could be a real offensive cog for a team that will look to score a lot of points this year.