Busting Brackets
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Boise State basketball: The Broncos are a MWC contender

By Doug Winkey

BOISE, ID - NOVEMBER 30: Guard Chandler Hutchison
BOISE, ID - NOVEMBER 30: Guard Chandler Hutchison /
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Boise State basketball enters the 2017-2018 season needing to replace several of its top scorers. The Broncos should be a Mountain West contender despite some significant turnover.

Last season was solid for Boise State basketball. The Broncos overcame the departure of four starters to go 12-6 in the Mountain West, 20-12 overall, and reach the NIT. The 2017-2018 season will be another test for Head Coach Leon Rice. He needs to replace three of his top five scorers, including the starting point guard. However, there are a few options to make the Broncos a true MWC contender this season.

Senior Chandler Hutchison should contend for conference POY this season. He averaged 17.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists last year. His 6’7″ frame as a shooting guard gives him a tremendous advantage on both offense and defense. He has the potential to carry BSU a long way and will have several solid supporting options.

One particularly exciting addition is Fordham graduate transfer Christian Sengfelder. The 6’7″, 238-pound forward from Germany should be a starting option at the power forward. The former Ram averaged 12.1 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 33% from deep for Fordham. Sengfelder will be a major contributor this year in Boise.

The second player to highlight is graduate transfer Lexus Williams. Williams last played for Valparaiso, where he averaged 5.2 points, 2.2 boards, and 2.0 assists for the Crusaders. The Broncos need to replace Paris Austin’s 12.3 points and 2.8 assists after he transferred to Cal. Sophomore Marcus Dickinson has a year with the program, but Williams has more experience and a higher ceiling to produce.

Next: Where should Mitchell Robinson transfer

The Broncos will have to overcome strong programs in Nevada and UNLV, but they have several strong players to make another run at the MWC title. Coach Rice has done a masterful job winning 20 games or more for five straight seasons. Another such season could be in store for Boise State basketball.