Mountaintop View 1-18-23. Rankings, Rebel spacing, Aztec coaches, Super Seniors, POTW.

It’s hump day, and the coverage is still going strong. Conference basketball games are up and running, and we have you covered. Take a look at today’s links, plus the content coming your way on our site.

Murray’s MBB Rankings.

In Chris Murray’s weekly rankings (which do not include Tuesday night’s games), he has San Diego State staying on top, with New Mexico and Nevada right behind them. He drops Boise State a spot to 4th but calls them the best team in the conference (he explains his rankings are based on resumes). USU, SJSU round out the top half, with Fresno State and Wyoming rounding out the bottom. Take a look at the full rankings and explanations in the link.

Rebels looking to get back to the basics.

UNLV is doing some reflection in an attempt to find out where they have been lacking during their recent rough stretch. One theme has been a lack of offensive spacing and forcing up bad shots at the shot clock winds down. Due to this, coach Kevin Kruger has spent practices going over spacing and how to force the defense to make difficult decisions. Time will tell if it can translate to games.

Aztecs’ WR coach Cooper dismissed by Hoke.

San Diego State wide receivers coach Hunkie Cooper had just completed his eighth season with the team. He will not be back for a ninth, according to the report made by beat writer Kirk Kenney Monday evening. According to Cooper, he was told the team is going in a different direction. This frees up an offensive spot on the staff (now there are two with Jeff Horton retiring).

2023 Super Seniors.

T&F Athletes of the week.

On the horizon:

• Later today: Peak Perspective: Was 2022 a successful season for the Mountain West?
• Later today: Reacts Survey: Chances of top teams making the NCAA Tourney
• Coming Thursday: Mountain West in the NBA: Midseason Update
• Coming Thursday: Tropical Bowl Preview
• Coming Friday: Bracketology
• Coming Friday: Reacts Results