Cowboy Hoops Tabbed Tenth in Mountain West

by staff–12 Oct ’16

The University of Wyoming men’s basketball team has been picked to finish 10th in the Mountain West, as the conference announced its 2016-17 preseason media poll and all-conference team today at the league’s media day in the Renaissance Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev. The Cowboys garnered 73 points from media in the MW.

San Diego State was tabbed the preseason favorite to win the 2016-17 regular-season title by capturing 23 of 27 first-place votes for 293 points. Nevada received 253 points to finish second, followed by New Mexico with 249 points for third place. Fresno State received 200 points to finish fourth, followed by Boise State (164 points) and Utah State (153). Colorado State (146 points) was seventh, UNLV (120 points) rounded out the poll in eighth. Air Force garnered 90 points for ninth followed by the Cowboys and San Jose State.

UNM junior guard Alijah Brown was named the MW Preseason Player of the Year, while San Diego State sophomore Montaque Gill-Caesar is the Preseason Newcomer of the Year. San Diego State forward Jalen McDaniels and Utah State guard Koby McEwen were named Preseason Co-Freshman of the Year.

The preseason All-MW team features Nevada sophomore forward Cameron Oliver, Utah State wing Jalen Moore and San Diego State guard Trey Kell. New Mexico guard and Preseason Player of the Year Elijah Brown and forward Tim Williams also earned spots on the Preseason All-MW team.

The Cowboys faceoff against Chadron State on Thursday, Nov. 3 in Torrington for an exhibition game, before tipping off the regular season against Western State on Friday, Nov. 11 in Laramie. Fans can purchase season tickets by calling the Wyoming Athletics Ticket Office at (307) 766-7220 or going online at GoWyo.com.

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Predicted Order of Finish

  1. San Diego State (23 first-place votes) – 293
  2. Nevada – 253
  3. New Mexico (3 first-place votes) – 249
  4. Fresno State (1 first-place vote) – 200
  5. Boise State – 164
  6. Utah State – 153
  7. Colorado State – 146
  8. UNLV – 120
  9. Air Force – 90
  10. Wyoming – 73
  11. San José State – 41

All-MW Team

Cameron Oliver, So., F, Nevada

Elijah Brown, Jr., G, New Mexico

Jalen Moore, Sr., W, Utah State

Tim Williams, Jr., F, New Mexico

Trey Kell, Jr., G, San Diego State

Player of the Year: Elijah Brown, Jr., G, New Mexico

Co-Freshmen of the Year: Jalen McDaniels, F, San Diego State and Koby McEwen, G, Utah State

Newcomer of the Year: Montaque Gill-Caesar, So., G, San Diego State