Mountain West Basketball: Preseason rankings for 2019-20 season

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 16: Justin Bean #12 of the Utah State Aggies defends Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs during 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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COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – MARCH 05: Sid Tomes #3 of the Air Force Falcons looks for an open teammate during the second half against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Clune Arena on March 5, 2019 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Photo by Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

Air Force certainly raised some eyebrows around the league last season, playing competitive ball throughout, and finishing a surprising sixth in the league’s final standings. Don’t expect much of a drop-off as the Falcons return nearly everyone for the 2020 season, with preseason All-Mountain West pick Lavelle Scottie leading the assault. Scottie didn’t necessarily come out of nowhere, as he’s had a consistent career at Air Force, but his ability to take over games put the conference on notice, while earning him several eyes and awards.

It is difficult to recruit to a basketball program at a military school where football is often the focus. Yet Dave Pilipovich is entering his eighth season as the head coach at Air Force, and this roster is undoubtedly one of the deepest the league-veteran has seen in that time span. Ryan Swan-Ford is back at center and is sure to give opponents a hard time in the paint while complimenting the play of Lavelle Scottie.

The team returns seven of its top scorers, and chemistry doesn’t seem to be an issue here. So how does this team react with the spotlight shining on it for once? That remains to be seen.