Mountain West Basketball: Preseason rankings for 2018-19

By Connor Hope | Aug 14, 2018

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: Mountain West Conference seat covers are seen before the championship game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament between the New Mexico Lobos and the San Diego State Aztecs at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 09: Jalen McDaniels /

The San Diego State Aztecs are hot off a Mountain West Tournament Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance and have the talent to rise in the rankings. Brian Dutcher is entering his second season at the helm and expectations are extremely high.

Related Story. Analyzing San Diego State's rotation for 2018-19. light

The Aztecs return four of their top six scorers and add one of the stronger freshman classes in the Mountain West. Jalen McDaniels, of course, will be put under a microscope due to his NBA potential and will have the opportunity to become the go-to man on offense.

Joining McDaniels are Devin Watson, Matt Mitchell, and Jeremy Hemsley, who will look to spread the floor for the young forward. Hemsley, in particular, will need to return to his freshman and sophomore year production in order to help the Aztecs reach their potential.

Last season was certainly successful for the Aztecs, who won nine straight games on their way to an NCAA Tournament bid. However, with Nevada looking stronger than ever, the Aztecs will need to ensure a stronger start to their conference schedule if they aim to put themselves in an at-large position.