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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LAS VEGAS, NV – FEBRUARY 01: (L-R) Head coach Craig Neal of the New Mexico Lobos talks with his players Sam Logwood
LAS VEGAS, NV – FEBRUARY 01: (L-R) Head coach Craig Neal of the New Mexico Lobos talks with his players Sam Logwood /

New Mexico Lobos – Antino Jackson

Similar to Colorado State, the Lobos lose their two best players. The difference between the teams, however, is that while the Rams might have someone to take over, this team might not.

New Mexico’s two great guards averaged over 36 points per game last season and it is going to be a problem to reproduce. While Tim Williams graduated, Elijah Brown decided to transfer to the Oregon Ducks, leaving a huge hole for the Lobos. No one who is returning from last season’s roster averaged more than seven points per game.

The good news for fans of the program is that while this season could be tough, the future is bright. New Mexico has two talented players sitting out this season in JaQuan Lyle and Vance Jackson.

Both are athletic and have shown flashes of productivity. Injuries in Jackson’s case and disciplinary issues for Lyle had them quickly fall out of favor with their former teams.

The Lobos do have one transfer eligible for this season in Akron’s Antino Jackson. A role player for the Zips last season, he put up almost 12 points per game while rebounding and passing well. He gets to come onto a New Mexico team and in his one season, see how well he can score as one of the leading players.

New Mexico has had a few down seasons as of late and another is expected. But when the Lobos are good, the Mountain West tends to be good, so for the conference’s sake hopefully this team will come back to prominence.