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 Leon Rice Boise State Broncos (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images) /

2. team. 502. . 6-1 (2-0 MWC). . Broncos

Without a question, Boise State has the most talented rotation in the Mountain West Conference. Including Mountain West Preseason Player of the Year Derrick Alston, Jr., the Broncos have a core of players that could single-handedly dominate a game on any given night: RayJ Dennis, Abu Kigab (Oregon), Emmanuel Akot (Arizona), and Marcus Shaver, Jr. (Portland) have all demonstrated explosive capabilities in the games they’ve played.

Even head coach Leon Rice‘s son, walk-on sophomore guard Max Rice, has looked solid to date. This team is rolling right now. There’s something scary about that…

The fact is, the Broncos haven’t had even had all of their weapons on the court thus far: Former top-100 recruit and Arizona transfer Devonaire Doutrive should become eligible to join the Broncos’ rotation very soon; In Boise’s lone loss to a ranked Houston squad, Emmanuel Akot did not travel with the team due to Covid-related issues – And recently, Marcus Shaver, Jr. has been battling an injury, missing the first half of the conference series with New Mexico.

When this team has all of its players available, the Broncos are shaping up to be a real threat to the Mountain West title, and it’s not a far reach to say this team could make and do damage in the NCAA Tournament.

That being said, the Broncos’ schedule leaves a bit to be desired. As the competition gets tougher, it will be interesting to see how Boise State performs. A two-game conference showdown with San Diego State in the last week of the regular season already has fans of the league drooling, and if things continue as they are, this series should be for the league regular-season title. Until then, the Broncos must remain focused.