Mountain West Basketball: 2018 Conference Tournament Preview
By Connor Hope
Key Players in the Mountain West Tournament
Caleb and Cody Martin – Nevada
Caleb and Cody Martin are probably the best sibling duo in the country, helping Nevada secure its second straight regular season title. The Martin twins have combine to record 34.3 points, 12 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 3 steals and 1.7 blocks per game. Their play has worked will in conjunction with 2017 Mountain West Tournament MVP Jordan Caroline, who has put up incredible numbers himself.
Chandler Hutchison – Boise State
The 2018 Mountain West Player of the Year, Chandler Hutchison is the single biggest threat to Nevada’s Mountain West Tournament Championship repeat. His contributions on both ends of the floor have helped lead Boise State to a 23-7 record, which leaves them right on the bubble for now. Boise State is in need of some solid wins, so make sure you can catch a game or two.
Deshon Taylor – Fresno State
Deshon Taylor does not get enough credit for his contributions to this Fresno State team. Named to the All-Mountain West Second Team, there is a strong argument that Taylor should have been on the First Team. With the Bulldogs in need of an at-large in order to make the NCAA Tournament, look for Taylor to step his game up even more over the next few days.
Brandon McCoy – UNLV
UNLV may not have quite lived up to expectations, but Brandon McCoy has done enough to be named the 2018 Mountain West Player of the Year. If UNLV has any chance at making a run this week, it starts with their star freshman. McCoy may not have the experience of the other top players in the conference, but his raw talent goes unrivaled.
Justin James and Hayden Dalton – Wyoming
Joining Caleb Martin, Jordan Caroline and Chandler Hutchison on the All-Mountain West First Team is the star duo at Wyoming that is responsible for overtime upsets of both Boise State and Nevada. While James is listed as a guard, his 6’7” height puts him one inch shorter than Dalton. Both players scorer, rebound and distribute the ball well, and will spell trouble for any opponent.