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 11: J.D. Paige #22 of the Colorado State Rams looks to pass against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half of the championship game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 11, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nevada won 79-71. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

Colorado State may be the toughest team to pinpoint in the Mountain West heading into the 2017-18 season. While the Rams should be optimistic about their talent and new head coach, their 10^th place finish last season calls into question how fast they will turn it around.

Prentiss Nixon may be gone, but there a plenty of players that could step up in his place. Deion James and Nico Carvacho have the ability to be stars in the league, and JD Paige could be a key piece if he can complete the season.

Kris Martin, who sat out last season after transferring from Oral Roberts, could be the biggest addition to the Rams. However, it is the addition of head coach Niko Medved, who had successful stints at Furman and Drake, who could provide the team with a much-needed boost.

While the Colorado State Rams fall at sixth on this list, their ceiling is much higher. Despite this, it is easy to see the Rams competing well within the middle of the conference even if Medved does not reach his potential in year one.