Washington State's DeAngelo Casto suspended for NIT quarterfinal game

PULLMAN — Washington State starting power forward DeAngelo Casto will not play in Wednesday night's National Invitation Tournament quarterfinal game vs. Northwestern.

WSU coach Ken Bone announced Tuesday afternoon Casto had been suspended for a violation of team rules, though that violation was not specified.

A source with knowledge of the situation said Casto's off-campus apartment was searched by police at about 1:20 Tuesday morning and a small amount of marijuana was allegedly found.

The Cougars had defeated Oklahoma State, 74-64, a few hours earlier to move into the NIT's third round.

A Pullman spokesman, Commander Chris Tennant, said Tuesday he could not speak to an ongoing police investigation and would also not say whether Casto was the subject of an investigation.

Another source not authorized to speak publicly said a citation could be issued as early as Wednesday morning.

"I am disappointed in DeAngelo as he let himself and his teammates down," Bone said in a statement released by the school.

Neither Bone nor Casto were available for comment Tuesday afternoon.

Earlier this season, sophomore point guard Reggie Moore was cited for two misdemeanor charges, possession of marijuana, less than 40 grams, and possession of drug paraphernalia, after a search of his dorm room.

Just two weeks ago, scoring leader Klay Thompson was pulled over while driving home and cited for possession of marijuana, less than 40 grams, following a win over USC. Both players were suspended for a game.

"It is important that our student-athletes realize that they are held to a high standard and that lack of good judgment can be costly," athletic director Bill Moos was quoted as saying in the same news release, "especially in the postseason when so much is at stake."

Casto leads the Cougars (21-12) in rebounding at 6.8 a game and is third in scoring, averaging 12.1 points. At 6-feet-8 and 255 pounds, the junior is WSU's main force around the basket.

Casto may have played his last home game. Bone said on a radio show recently that Casto may seek to play professionally in Europe next season because he has a child to support.

Game outlook

The Cougars have played well in the NIT, beating Long Beach State and Oklahoma State. Northwestern (20-13) upset top-seeded Boston College last weekend.

"I think we are playing our best basketball at the end of the year," Bone said. "That is what every team wants to achieve."

Thompson, the leading scorer in the Pac-10, scored 25 against Long Beach and 21 against Oklahoma.

"We try to make the most of the last home games we have here this season," Thompson said.

Thompson is considering whether to skip his senior season and apply for the NBA draft. He is averaging 22 points per game, and his 710 points this season are the most by a Pac-10 player since Ike Diogu scored 724 points in 2004-05.

Oklahoma State coach Travis Ford is a fan.

"He has seen every defense imaginable, I'm sure, and he plays unselfish," Ford said of Thompson. "We think he is the best we have played against thus far."

Tuesday's NIT game

Colorado 81, Kent State 74

Alec Burks had 25 points and 10 rebounds, helping Colorado advance to the NIT semifinals. The Buffaloes (24-13) will play the winner of Alabama and Miami.

The Associated Press contributed to this report