Mountain West Regular Season Champion: Boise State Broncos
The Boise State Broncos look poised to make a run to the top of the Mountain West, led by their new “Big 3” in San Jose State transfer Alvaro Cardenas, Tyson Degenhart, and O’Mar Stanley. The frontcourt combo of Degenhart and Stanley is easily the best frontcourt in the league and they will be difficult to stop in the paint/mid range area, but the addition of Cardenas is the biggest reason to be optimistic about the Broncos. This team lacked a true point guard presence last year, but most of their issues should be solved with the former Spartan point guard, who is severely underrated. There are also some high upside shooting options that coach Leon Rice can use in Chris Lockett, Andrew Meadow, and NAIA transfer Javan Buchanan, along with Arizona transfer Dylan Anderson, who can be an elite paint protector in this league. There are some issues with the depth for the Broncos, and 1 or 2 injuries could derail their season, but this team looks to have a very high ceiling/floor combination and is our pick to win the Mountain West this coming season.
Mountain West Coach of the Year: Leon Rice, Boise State
The Broncos head coach has always created a high floor for his teams by being rock solid in the areas his players can control. Rice led Boise State teams have always taken care of the ball at an elite level, along with preventing opponents transition opportunities and controlling the defensive glass. Add in the upside for this team, and it becomes clear why the Broncos could run away with the conference with Rice winning coach of the year. Rice has won this award twice (2015, 2022), and we expect him to win a third this upcoming season.
Mountain West Player of the Year: Donovan Dent, New Mexico
The New Mexico guard was playing in the shadow of Jaelen House and Jamal Mashburn for his first year and a half, but Donovan Dent looks primed for a true breakout after showing flashes of how good he can be last season. Dent is the most talented guard in the conference by a decent margin and will have the ball in his hands a ton this upcoming season, but it’s the improved jump shot that gives him a real chance to win this award. Dent averaged 14.1 ppg and 5.4 apg despite sharing point guard duties with House, and these numbers should skyrocket when getting more opportunities on the ball, where he shines brightest. Guys like Tyson Degenhart and Dedan Thomas Jr. are also in consideration for this award, but the added usage Dent is about to receive may be too much for the others to catch up with.
MWC 1st Team
Donovan Dent, New Mexico
Dedan Thomas Jr., UNLV
Nique Clifford, Colorado State
Tyson Degenhart, Boise State
O’Mar Stanley, Boise State