Busting Brackets
Fansided

Mountain West Basketball: Final Team Grades and Rankings for 2017-18

By Tristan Freeman

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: Head coach Brian Dutcher of the San Diego State Aztecs celebrates after cutting down the net the team victory over the New Mexico Lobos after the championship game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament at the Thomas
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: Head coach Brian Dutcher of the San Diego State Aztecs celebrates after cutting down the net the team victory over the New Mexico Lobos after the championship game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament at the Thomas /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
LAS VEGAS, NV – FEBRUARY 28: Shakur Juiston
LAS VEGAS, NV – FEBRUARY 28: Shakur Juiston /

8. Utah State Aggies 17-17 (8-10)

2017-18 postseason result: None

Season Grade: C

The ultimate Jekyll and Hyde team, the Aggies were capable of beating Boise State twice, while losing San Jose State and Colorado State. That led to the demise of head coach Tim Duryea, who finishes his three-year stint with Utah State with a total record of 48-49.

7. Fresno State Bulldogs 21-11 (11-7)

2017-18 postseason result: None

Season Grade: C-

When it comes to the Bulldogs experience and overall talent, they should have been able to compete with the Nevadas and Boise States of the world. However, the 2-3 start in Mountain West play put them way behind the eight ball, and more losses put them out of reach midway through.

Although Deshon Taylor had an outstanding season, senior leader Jaron Hopkins could never get it going this past year, having to deal with multiple injuries. If he was the engine that got Fresno State going, that would explain why they underachieved.

6. UNLV Rebels 20-13 (8-10)

2017-18 postseason result: None

Season Grade: C+

It’s hard to grade this UNLV team. Because compared to last season, the Rebels were much more competitive overall and had nine more wins. Problem was that they were so good in the non-conference, the expectations were drastically raised.

This team was in the middle-tier all throughout the Mountain West season, with the defense at times not being good enough to win games. The Rebels were entertaining though, having two players who averaged a double-double. Progress was made for Marvin Menzies program, and thanks always a positive.