Mountain West Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2020-21

Mountain West Basketball: Way-too-early 2020-21 power rankings

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 11: Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs cuts a piece of the net after defeating New Mexico Lobos 82-59 in a game at Viejas Arena on February 11, 2020 in San Diego, California. San Diego State Aztecs moves to 25-0 for the season and clinched a share of the Mouintain West Championship. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 22: Big Blue, mascot for the Utah State Aggies, (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

3. Utah State

As we get to the top of the conference, one of the most important things a team can have is a star player. In my opinion, Utah State actually has the strongest returning star. Neemias Queta is developing as a scorer and is a strong rebounder, but most importantly, he is the best defender in the conference with SDSU’s guards gone. He is a big enough impact maker to overcome next season’s absences.

He also won’t have to do it alone. Justin Bean stepped up in a huge way for the Aggies last year and should just keep getting better. They’ll also be getting Brock Miller and Alphonso Anderson back who should remain dependable contributors. Sean Bairstow’s brother got better each year when he was at UNM and if Sean can do the same then this remains a formidable squad.

Yes, losing Abel Porter, Diogo Brito, and Sam Merrill is going to hurt this team. However, I think that the players who remain will be able to pick up the slack to keep the team from dropping too far. They are certainly helped by the fact that just about every team in this conference has some kind of problem right now. However, it’s their post play that is going to prove to actually be a difference-maker.

The Aggies will need some of their role players to really step up this year to have a chance at a 3rd consecutive trip to the NCAA tournament (their bid was automatic so it should still count). How many players actually step up is going to determine whether they have a chance to move up this list.