Mountain West players in the NBA

The Mountain West is a basketball league close to a power conference than when looking at football, and that means there are plenty of players on NBA rosters plus others who get close. The start of the NBA season is underway on Tuesday night.

There are 15 players -- technically 17 if we include former No. 1 overall pick Andrew Bogut  and also guard Andre Miller who played at Utah -- with UNLV having the most with five players followed by somewhat shocking Nevada with three.

The Rebels have always had talent but their collegiate success has been lacking as a team, and some point to head coach Dave Rice. San Diego State always seems to have success in the Mountain West but the stars are not quite there with NBA talent, and that may or may not have to do with the defensive mindset of head coach Steve Fisher. However, the Aztecs have upped their recruiting the past few years and could up their list this time in the next three to five years.

UNLV (5)
Lou Amundson, New York Knicks, PF
Joel Anthony, Detroit Pistons, C
Anthony Bennett, Toronto Raptors, PF
Rashad Vaughn, Milwaukee Bucks, SG
Christian Wood, Philadelphia 76ers, PF

Nevada (3)
Luke Babbit, New Orleans Pelicans, SF
JaVale McGee, Dallas Mavericks, C
Ramon Sessions, Washington Wizards, PG

Fresno State (2)
Paul George, Indiana Pacers, SF
Tyler Johnson, Miami Heat, SG

New Mexico (2)
Cameron Bairstow, Chicago Bulls, PF
Tony Snell, Chicago Bulls, SF

Colorado State (1)
Jason Smith, Orlando Magic, PF

San Diego State (1)
Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs, SF

Wyoming (1)
Larry Nance, Jr., Los Angeles Lakers, PF