Mountain West Basketball: 2020-21 breakout candidates from each team

G Devin Gage, Fresno State

Devin Gage plateaued at DePaul. He seemingly took some strides as a redshirt sophomore, averaging 9.1 points, 3.9 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. In 2019-20, however, Gage’s numbers sank once again, sporting an average of just 4.5 points per game.

This spring, Gage chose to transfer from the Blue Demons to the Bulldogs, where he will be immediately eligible as a graduate transfer. This will be the guard’s final chance to live up to collegiate expectations and prove he can make the strides he failed to make as a redshirt junior.

Injuries unquestionably play a role in Gage’s stunted development. His true sophomore season was interrupted by a ruptured Achilles that ended his season after eight games. Last year, a hand injury ended his season in January.

Gage’s value to the Bulldogs will come beyond the court as well, though. While he’ll likely find his way to the starting lineup, he’ll also find himself placed in a sudden leadership role. Gage is projected to be one of just two seniors on the young team, with forward Christian Gray being the other.

There was no future for Gage at DePaul. At Fresno State, there’s a chance to start anew and try to lead the young Bulldogs to respectability in 2020-21.