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: Sam Merrill #3 of the Utah State Aggies brings the ball up court against the New Mexico Lobos during a semifinal game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 9, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

The Utah State Aggies should be significantly better than the Spartans and Falcons, but how good they will be is tough to determine. While Utah State keeps its top scorer in Sam Merrill, the loss of Kobe McEwen could be devastating for the Aggies.

McEwen was the team’s leader in rebounds and assists, and he ranked second in scoring. Merrill, however, was a more efficient scorer and should become the team’s top shot taker with McEwen gone.

There is potential in the Aggies roster, and first-year head coach Craig Smith has a chance to surprise people early. Smith spent four years as the head coach for South Dakota, and his success in the Summit League over that last two years earned him a job at a bigger school.

With Merrill leading the team, Utah State should avoid the bottom of the standings. However, several players will need to step up and show improvement if they wish to rise into the middle of the conference.