NCAA Basketball: Way-too-early mid-major top-25 for 2019-20 season

NCAA Basketball: Way-too-early preseason mid-major top-25 for 2019-20 season

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 16: The Utah State Aggies celebrate their victory over the San Diego State Aztecs in the championship game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 16, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Utah State won 64-57. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

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RENO, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 02: Zach Haney #11 of the Boise State Broncos gets the ball to teammate Alex Hobbs #34 of the Boise State Broncos at Lawlor Events Center on February 02, 2019 in Reno, Nevada. (Photo by Jonathan Devich/Getty Images) /

22. Boise State Broncos

2018-19 season record: 13-20 (7-11 in Mountain West)

For all intents and purposes, Boise State was in “rebuilding mode” this past season, having only nine scholarship players available throughout. But head coach Leon Rice was busy using the free roster spots to grab outcasts from the Pac-12.

First was Abu Kigab, a former four-star recruit from Oregon who played in 10 games this season before leaving, averaging 2.6 ppg in 15 mpg and a few starts. The other came later from Arizona in Emmanuel Akot, who started 11 games this season and produced 3.8 ppg and 2.8 rpg in 19 mpg. Both guys are 6’7 undersized power forwards who would stand to do better from playing in the Mountain West rather than the Pac-12. However, neither are good long distance shooters and their overall offense is suspect.

The Pac-12 transfers join the Bronco’s three returning scorers, including rising seniors Justinian Jessup and Alex Hobbs. It’s clear that Boise State’s strategy will be to have better athletes because there will be very little size on the roster. That hurt them last year, ranking in the 300s overall in rebounding and blocks. Look out for a couple of redshirt freshmen in Mikey Frazier and Riley Abercrombie.

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