Mountain West Conference Notebook
by Brad Best
No matter whom you asked – coaches, players, the media – everyone was saying that the Mountain West Conference would be tougher this season, both in and out of conference. So far, that prediction is proving true, at least in non-conference play. Collectively, the conference’s teams are off to a 35-10 start, even though they have had more former NCAA Tournament teams on their schedule.
With early wins against Texas Tech, California, UAB, Stanford and Colorado, Mountain West teams are building a résumé for postseason play and preparing to do battle with one another come January. Last season, the NCAA made Air Force a controversial selection because the Falcons didn’t have any marquee wins. The conference is hoping to improve its chances this year and possibly even get three teams into the big dance.
San Diego State Aztecs (7-0, 0-0)
The Aztecs are showing signs of being a good team. They are finding ways to win when they don’t bring their A game, and they are beating the teams they are supposed to beat. Last week, the Aztecs knocked off a Pac-10 team for the first time since 2000 and are off to their best start in 22 years. JuCo transfer Jerome Habel has filled much of the scoring and rebounding void left by Marcus Slaughter, and Louisville transfer Lorenzo Wade is proving to be a valuable addition on offense and defense. Senior Brandon Heath was named the most valuable player of the Shamrock Invitational, which the Aztecs won, and he was also the Mountain West Conference Player of the Week.
New Mexico Lobos (4-0, 0-0)
Coach Ritchie McKay is easing his team into the season with favorable match ups, and they haven’t left the friendly confines of the Pit. This combination has translated into four predictable victories for the Lobos, each by at least 24 points. Although their résumé includes wins against two Big 12 teams – Colorado and Kansas State – the Lobos have not faced any noteworthy challengers. New Mexico State and Texas Tech should prove to be tougher tests in the upcoming weeks. Kansas transfer J.R. Giddens is averaging 20 points per game and will be a difference-maker among the many new faces in the Lobos’ lineup.
Air Force Falcons (6-1)
With four returning starters in addition to a healthy Nick Welch – an All-MWC performer during the two years before leg and foot injuries forced him to sit out last season – the Falcons are an experienced team and have had an excellent start. Their lone loss was against Duke. Air Force faces Wake Forest this week at home. This season is coach Jeff Bzdelik’s second, and he should have a better grasp of the Princeton-style offense. All five starters have double-digit scoring averages, even for the low-scoring style of play that Air Force uses. Three players have 15 or more three pointers.
TCU Horned Frogs (4-1)
The Horned Frogs had a disappointing first season in the Mountain West and will struggle again this year. They will need to rack up some wins early to still look respectable by the end of the year. They have not beaten any teams of consequence, but at least the Horned Frogs are winning. Upcoming games against Texas Tech and Oklahoma will give us a better indication of TCU’s competitiveness this season. Transfers Ryan Wall from New Mexico and Kevin Langford from California are the team’s two leading scorers.
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (4-1)
The Runnin’ Rebels lost at home to Santa Barbara, which is not a good sign. Wins against Washburn and Eastern Washington are not likely to mean much to anyone. Their most challenging non-conference games are still to come. UNLV travels to Arizona this week and then to Nevada. Beating either the Wildcats or Wolf Pack would make a much stronger statement and boost the team’s confidence. Sophomore Jo’Van “Wink” Adams continues to impress. Kevin Kruger has played in only two games because of a sprained ankle.
BYU Cougars (3-1)
With a loss at UCLA as the only blemish on their record, the Cougars are continuing where they left off at the end of last season. Seniors Keena Young and Jimmy Balderson lead the team in scoring. Sophomore sensation Trent Plaisted is starting to hit his stride, putting up 19 points and 12 rebounds in the win against Southern Utah. BYU hits the road Dec. 9 to face Michigan State. In the meantime, the Cougars will face Boise State and Weber State.
Wyoming Cowboys (3-1)
In early action, the Cowboys have split two games against UAB, with each team winning at home. Wyoming also roughed up Boise State and Montana at home. Looking forward, Wichita State presents a tough test Dec. 9. In terms of scoring, it’s been all about the backcourt. Sophomore Brandon Ewing and Junior Brad Jones are averaging more than 20 points per game and are carrying the team’s scoring load. The Cowboys will miss Justin Williams up front and will need to find a way to replace his dominant defense and scoring ability.
Colorado State Rams (3-2)
Jason Smith averages a double-double, but he’ll need more help from his teammates if the Rams want to improve this season. Smith is a junior 7-foot NBA prospect. Only one other player, Tyler Smith, has a scoring average in double figures. The Rams started 11-2 last season before crumbling during conference play. With an average, at best, start to this season, they don’t appear ready to challenge the top teams in the conference.
Utah Utes (1-3)
What has happened to Utah? The Utes used to be a perennial contender for the conference crown but haven’t shown many signs of life this season. They recorded their first win against Rice Saturday. Before that, they had been beaten down by Southern Utah, Santa Clara and Colorado. Sophomore center Luke Nevill leads the team in scoring and rebounding. Johnnie Bryant tied his career high of 28 points against Rice, so that’s at least a little encouragement. Upcoming games against Weber State and Washington State will show us what the Utes are made of.
