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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BOISE, ID – NOVEMBER 30: Boise State Broncos fans cheer during first half action between the SMU Mustangs and the Boise State Broncos on November 30, 2016 at Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID – NOVEMBER 30: Boise State Broncos fans cheer during first half action between the SMU Mustangs and the Boise State Broncos on November 30, 2016 at Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images) /

Boise State Broncos – Chandler Hutchison

The Broncos had a good season last year, finishing in third. Chandler Hutchison became the breakout star of the conference last year, taking his average from 6.8 to 17.4 points, leading the team.

The All-Mountain West First Team player not only could score, but rebound as well with nearly eight a night. While outgoing senior and fan favorite Aussie Nick Duncan may have been the emotional leader, Hutchison became the physical lead man. In one of his final few games of the season, Hutchison had a career-high 39 at Utah in the NIT and 31 at New Mexico.

However, it seems that Hutchison will have to carry even more of the scoring load after the recent departures this offseason. Besides Duncan, the other double-digit scorers left with James Reid and Paris Austin.

Reid was a senior but Austin decided to transfer after his sophomore season. The loss of Austin was not only a surprise but a disappointment, considering that he along with Hutchison would’ve been one of the better combos in the conference.

With the expectations of several teams having bounce-back years, the Broncos could slide down the standings this upcoming year. Hutchinson made a big jump from his sophomore to junior year and will have to make a similar one to keep the Broncos in contention.