Busting Brackets
Fansided

MWC Basketball: Is the Mountain West Conference poised for a comeback?

By Connor Hope

Jan 28, 2017; Laramie, WY, USA; A general view of Mountain West logo in the Uniwyo Sports Complex before game between the Wyoming Cowboys and the Boise State Broncos. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Laramie, WY, USA; A general view of Mountain West logo in the Uniwyo Sports Complex before game between the Wyoming Cowboys and the Boise State Broncos. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

It has been two years since the Mountain West was a multi-bid conference. Is the conference poised for a successful season in 2017-2018 or will it be another down year?

The 2016-2017 season was a disappointing year for the Mountain West Conference. Nevada was the only team in the NCAA Tournament, while Colorado State, Fresno State, and Boise State played in the NIT.

It has been two years since the 2015 NCAA Tournament featured three Mountain West teams, and four years since the 2015 tournament had an astounding five. Despite the recent decline of the conference, this year’s offseason is beginning to look like the beginning of a resurgence.

The success of the Mountain West starts with the Nevada Wolf Pack, last season’s conference champion. Despite losing three of his top four scorers, Eric Musselman has plenty of talent coming next year and should finish near the top. Nevada looks like the most likely team from the Mountain West to compete for a Sweet 16 spot in 2018.

Another school that should continue its success is Colorado State, the runner-up in the Mountain West. The Rams may have lost their two highest scorers; however, they are adding solid talent in JUCO transfer Alonzo Tyson and Oral Roberts’ transfer Kris Martin. While Martin must sit out next season, these additions will help Colorado State find continued success.

One Mountain West team that can improve greatly from last season is the UNLV Rebels. Marvin Menzies is entering his second season as head coach of UNLV. His high-level recruits and history of running a successful program at New Mexico State should give fans hope. UNLV is probably a year out from challenging for an NCAA tournament bid, but next season should find them toward the top of the conference.

Next: Top Mid-Major Breakout Candidates

The Mountain West Conference has been disappointing for the past two seasons, but the teams should begin to improve, propelling more than one team into the NCAA Tournament.