One of the more competitive conferences in all of college basketball, Mountain West basketball has plenty of t..."/> One of the more competitive conferences in all of college basketball, Mountain West basketball has plenty of t..."/>
Busting Brackets
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Mountain West Basketball: 2017-18 stars on each team in the conference

By Tristan Freeman

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 11: A general view of the seats with Mountain West Conference seat covers are seen before the championship game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament between the Nevada Wolf Pack and the Colorado State Rams at the Thomas
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 11: A general view of the seats with Mountain West Conference seat covers are seen before the championship game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament between the Nevada Wolf Pack and the Colorado State Rams at the Thomas /
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SEATTLE, WA – MARCH 20: Derek Cooke Jr.
SEATTLE, WA – MARCH 20: Derek Cooke Jr. /

Wyoming Cowboys – Josh James

The school with one of the highest elevations of the country has seen its basketball program rise up several attitudes as of late. Since the days of current Laker and former Cowboy Larry Nance Jr., the Cowboys have been a factor in the conference. They’ve managed to have at least one talented scorer each season and this upcoming one will be no different.

Senior Justin James averaged 16 points and five rebounds per game last season and has grown into a valuable asset for the Cowboys.

He had a career-high 28 at the University of California and posted a 22 and 10 double-double against New Mexico. His scoring potential makes him an All-Conference candidate if the team plays well overall.

James will have help in another senior, Hayden Dalton, who could be one of the better post players in the conference. His averages of 12.2 points and 8.3 rebounds from last year leaves hope that Wyoming could have an inside-out game that could surprise some folks in the standings.

Ultimately, the successes or failures of this team will come down to James. If the Third Team All-Conference player can get to 20 a game, a top-four finish is not out of the realm of possibility.

The Mountain West is looking for a comeback year. The hope is that few teams can go into the nonconference and pull off some big wins early. In order to do that, the guys on this list will have to make their statements early.