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

BOISE, ID - JANUARY 18: Guard Brock Miller #22 of the Utah State Aggies is pressured towards the baseline by guard RayJ Dennis #10 of the Boise State Broncos during second half action at ExtraMile Arena on January 18, 2020 in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won the game in overtime 88-83. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images /

G Marvin Coleman, UNLV

UNLV lost a lot from its 2019-20 team, particularly in the transfer portal, led by the departure of Jonah Antonio. There are plenty of external candidates who will contribute next season, but the biggest breakout candidate may be internal option Marvin Coleman.

As a sophomore, the Las Vegas native averaged 6.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. He also slid into a starting point guard role for much of the season, showing himself to be one of the team’s best players from time to time.

With all of the departures on UNLV’s roster from a season ago, Coleman will officially be a full-time starter during the 2020-21 season, likely playing alongside returning star Bryce Hamilton to form one of the most formidable guard duos in the conference. Their stability will be a driving force for any success UNLV has next season.

Coleman was not a star prospect out of high school. He wasn’t a top 75 point guard in the country and his most significant offers were from Fresno State and UNLV. He chose to walk on at his hometown school and make the best of it. That decision could pay massive mutual dividends for both the program and the player in 2020-21.