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 Utah State Aggies Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

5-3 (2-0 MWC). . Aggies . 4. team. 547.

If Nevada started off the new season blazing hot, Utah State started it off freezing cold: The Aggies had a horrible showing in the Crossover Classic, going 1-2 with losses to VCU and South Dakota State. It seemed as if the roof was collapsing early, as the depth of the Aggies post-Sam Merrill looked quite concerning. Since then, however, the Aggies have put together a decent five-game winning streak, including a total domination of San José State to open Mountain West play.

Though depth is still a concern here, the starting rotation for the Aggies will prove to be quite troublesome. Star players Neemias Queta and Justin Bean are always a threat, but newly-eligible Virginia transfer Marco Anthony has been the team’s leading scorer, averaging around 13 points a game. Freshman guard Rollie Worster has been equally impressive, capitalizing on his surprising starting opportunities.

Streaky as the Aggies may be at the moment, a tilt with Air Force awaits. If the Falcons’ key players get going, it will be interesting how the Aggies respond.

team. 510. . 6-1. . Cowboys . 3

Wyoming has quietly put together a solid 6-1 opening to their 2021 season. These six wins include a win over an Oregon State team that, at the time, was perhaps more impressive than it may turn out to actually be. But for a Cowboys squad that most had pegged finishing in the bottom three of the conference, some eyebrows have definitely been raised.

A big reason for the Cowboys’ early success is the return of star player Hunter Maldonado. Soon after the hiring of new head coach Jeff Linder, Maldonado announced he would be returning to Wyoming for his junior season. He is averaging 15 points a game, and has been complimented early on by the play of freshman guard Marcus Williams (17 points a game).

Wyoming opens conference-play soon, having drawn a road-series with the Fresno State Bulldogs. After Fresno, a match-up with Boise State will be much more telling about the potential of this Cowboys squad in league play.