Mountain West Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

15. Xavier Thames

It’s been a few years since Thames played college ball, but he developed into an important backcourt role at San Diego State. His collegiate career actually began all the way back in 2009, joining new coach Ken Bone at Washington State for one year before deciding to transfer. After sitting out, he arrived at San Diego State in 2011 and became a critical part of the Aztecs for three seasons, though his best numbers were clearly in his final year.

That last season was brilliant for both Thames and for his Aztecs. He averaged 17.6 points and 3.2 assists per game while making 37% of his 3-pointers on the season. More importantly, he led San Diego State to the regular season title in the MWC and to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament. He actually averaged 26 points during the Aztecs’ three-game run in the Big Dance, including 30 against North Dakota State in the second round.

For that impressive final season, where Thames led the MWC in steals and was one of the top offensive players, he was named both MWC Player of the Year and All-Defense. Thames played a major role in that postseason success and was an important force throughout his time at San Diego State. Drafted late in the 2014 NBA Draft, there’s no telling what could have happened had he stayed with the Cougars or transferred elsewhere, but he certainly shined in southern California.