Busting Brackets
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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) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – FEBRUARY 28: Shakur Juiston
LAS VEGAS, NV – FEBRUARY 28: Shakur Juiston /

The 2017-18 season will be seen as a disappointment by most UNLV fans, even though the team doubled its win total from the previous season. Despite the disappointing finish, and the loss of three of the Rebels’ top four scorers, UNLV is set up to improve moving forward.

Marvin Menzies is entering his third season as head coach and will look to continue his steady improvement this season. Menzies was highly successful at New Mexico State, but his reputation will make UNLV fans impatient when it comes to a return to the top of the conference.

A big part of UNLV’s offensive firepower will come from the frontcourt again this season, with Shakur Juiston and Tervell Beck returning as the top two scorers. While Juiston and Beck will be efficient in the frontcourt, Akron transfer Noah Robotham will provide a much-needed deep ball threat, and could be the difference between a bottom and top half finish.

Placing the Rebels at five requires a lot of faith in Marvin Menzies to put together a full season. If his team can provide a consistent effort, they will be a tough team to beat in the Mountain West.