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 10: Head coach Paul Weir of the New Mexico Lobos looks on during the championship game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament against the San Diego State Aztecs at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. San Diego State won 82-75. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the 2017-18 Mountain West season, the New Mexico Lobos were ranked 9^th in the preseason poll before coming within a few shots of the Conference Tournament Championship. First-year head coach Paul Weir managed to get more out of his talent than anyone expected, and he now has the tools to do even more.

While Chris McNeal and Troy Simmons have both left, along with three key seniors, leading scorer Anthony Mathis will be joined by three very talented transfers who should provide a much-needed boost.

UConn transfer Vance Jackson and Ohio State transfer JaQuan Lyle could be two of the best players in the conference. Carlton Bragg could be the X-factor when he becomes eligible. The big man has been unable to see much court time, but Weir’s discipline could help Bragg find success on his third opportunity.

While San Diego State may have a higher floor, it is the Lobos who have the highest ceiling. If Weir’s track record is anything to go off, this could be a very special year for New Mexico.