Busting Brackets
Fansided

Mountain West Basketball: Preseason rankings for 2018-19

By Connor Hope

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)
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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 12
Next
SEATTLE, WA – MARCH 20: The mascot of the Wyoming Cowboys gestures to the crowd against the UNI Panthers during the second round of the 2015 Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament at Key Arena on March 20, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – MARCH 20: The mascot of the Wyoming Cowboys gestures to the crowd against the UNI Panthers during the second round of the 2015 Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament at Key Arena on March 20, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

While the Cowboys lose a lot this season, the return of Justin James leaves some hope that this season will be more than a rebuilding year. Third-year head coach Allen Edwards will need to pull a rabbit out of his hat, however, for the Cowboys to finish in the top half.

While Justin James is more than capable of being a top option, there are no clear second options heading into the season. Redshirt freshman Hunter Thompson could be the man for the job, assuming he has fully recovered from his injury.

One thing working in Wyoming’s favor, as is the case most years, is their home court advantage. Regardless of their overall season success, Wyoming’s home record is usually above average.  If they can maintain this success and win a few games on the road, the Cowboys should avoid falling too far in the standings.