Busting Brackets
Fansided

Mountain West Basketball: 3 Biggest Threats to the Nevada Wolf Pack for the 2018-19 season

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 /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 10: Deshon Taylor #21 of the Fresno State Bulldogs shoots against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the first half of a semifinal game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 10, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nevada won 83-72. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 10: Deshon Taylor #21 of the Fresno State Bulldogs shoots against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the first half of a semifinal game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 10, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nevada won 83-72. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

3. Fresno State Bulldogs

2017-18 season record: 21-11 (11-7)

The Bulldogs were going to lose four of their top six scorers to graduation no matter what. But what was surprising was that the team’s second-leading scorer and top rebounder Bryson Williams decided to transfer. He averaged 13.8 ppg and 6.1 rpg this past year and showed real promise of being a college star.

His absence hurts big-time, but Fresno State does have some legit options to replace him in the frontcourt. Rising junior Nate Grimes will get extended minutes to showcase his skills, while Texas A&M transfer Eric Villa will be eligible to play.

In the backcourt, former Auburn Tiger New Williams will have a fair shot at getting playing time after being buried on the bench. He’ll be joined by Noah Blackwell and Braxton Huggins, who combined for over 20 ppg at their previous stops. They’ll need to replace the lost production from the graduating Bulldog guards.

The key to Fresno State next season will be Deshon Taylor’s decision as to whether or not to go to stay in the NBA Draft. He led the team with 17.8 ppg and could be the preseason favorite for Mountain West Player of the Year in 2019. His return would be a great gift for new head coach Justin Hutson, who comes over from San Diego State.