Busting Brackets
Fansided

Mountain West Basketball: 2019-20 power rankings heading into conference play

By Connor Hope

RENO, NEVADA - MARCH 09: Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs drives to the basket during the game against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Lawlor Events Center on March 09, 2019 in Reno, Nevada. (Photo by Jonathan Devich/Getty Images)
RENO, NEVADA - MARCH 09: Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs drives to the basket during the game against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Lawlor Events Center on March 09, 2019 in Reno, Nevada. (Photo by Jonathan Devich/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 11: Lindsey Drew #14 of the Nevada Wolf Pack (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 11: Lindsey Drew #14 of the Nevada Wolf Pack (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

There isn’t anything particularly special about Nevada this season, after the departure of Jordan Caroline, Cody Martin, Caleb Martin and Head Coach Eric Musselman; however, their lack of any particularly bad losses has earned them a high spot in these rankings.

The Wolf Pack is one of the three remaining undefeated teams in Mountain West play, and it all starts with their incredible backcourt. Jazz Johnson, Lindsey Drew, Nisre Zouzoua and Jalen Harris, are all willing passers, solid scoring options and get their fair share of steals. The talent in the backcourt may not be at the same level as a Malachi Flynn or Sam Merrill, but the depth makes it incredibly tough to deal with.

On the other hand, the team’s frontcourt still leaves a lot to be desired. Freshman forwards Zane Meeks and KJ Hymes have shown glimpses of their talent, but neither has been able to really break through. Robby Robinson and Johncarlos Reyes have also been solid, but pale in comparison to the guard play.

If the Wolf Pack aim to compete with the Utah State and San Diego State their frontcourt will need to step up in a big way. Both the Aggies and the Aztecs feature the best backcourts in the conference, and Nevada’s best shot at winning is probably by forcing the game to be won in the paint. Shy of a breakout game by Meeks, Nevada’s ceiling may be third place in the conference, with a couple wins separating them and the second-place team.