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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NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 18: A detail of the March Madness basketball logo as seen during the first half between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Nevada Wolf Pack in the second round of the 2018 Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 18, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

It has become increasingly clear over the last few years that San Jose State’s athletics are better suited for a smaller conference, such as the Big West. For now, however, the Spartans will continue to flounder at the bottom of an improving Mountain West.

While Jean Prioleau will be entering his second year as the Spartans’ head coach, the roster will be missing the top three scorers from last year’s 1-17 squad. Without any proven leaders, and a heavy reliance on new talent, it is tough to imagine any significant improvement this season.

One player to watch this season is senior center Oumar Barry, who is the team’s top returning scorer and could be an effective force in the paint. Noah Baumann is also poised for a breakout campaign as a sophomore, providing San Jose State with a true three-point threat.

Beyond these two players, the Spartans will need some of their former bench players and newcomers to step up if they want to climb in the standings. However, with so many question marks, it is hard to expect anything positive to come from this season.