Mountain West Basketball: 2020-21 power rankings heading into new year

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 11: Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs reacts after drawing a foul during the first half of a game against the New Mexico Lobos at Viejas Arena on February 11, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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Mountain West Basketball Orlando Robinson Fresno State Bulldogs (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

Bulldogs . 8. team. 504. . 2-2 (0-2 MWC).

Fresno is a challenging team to evaluate thus far. The Bulldogs have played less than a handful of games, as the team endured a two-week pause due to positive Covid tests within the program.

Two wins over William Jessup and Fresno Pacific don’t offer much insight into how the Bulldogs might perform over the length of the season, but Fresno does have a talented, young group of players. Sophomores Orlando Robinson and Isaiah Hill lead this bunch, but junior guard Junior Ballard has also looked impressive in the games he has been available.

Similar to the situation facing conference mate New Mexico, Fresno State desperately needs actual game experience under their belt – More on the Lobos’ situation in a bit. The Bulldogs didn’t fare well against Colorado State to open league play, but it is going to take time to get this team caught up and moving again.

507. . 3-2 (0-2 MWC). . Lobos . 7. team

The pandemic has affected each program across the nation in some way, and made for a very odd off-season. New Mexico state restrictions have made the Lobos’ off-season an especially challenging one. Paul Weir‘s new squad is already full of new faces – Nine, to be exact – Add the roster overhaul to the fact that this team has been completely relocated for weeks now, and has only had a limited time of actual practice together; Let’s just say the Lobos are in catch-up mode right now.

Some may be quick to overreact to their two-game absolute dismantling by the hands of Boise State, and New Mexico certainly has a lot to figure out, but the Broncos are in a different tier within the conference, while the Lobos are laboring from getting the train on the tracks so late.

Makuach Maluach, the Lobos’ only returning starter from last season, needs consistent help on the offensive side of the ball. It seems Paul Weir is struggling with the identity of this offense. The Lobos have played quick, but extremely sloppy ball in each of their early contests. I’d expect the Lobos to bounce back later on in the season, but right now, they are in danger of falling behind early in league-play. An upcoming date with the talented Nevada Wolf Pack doesn’t exactly help.