Mountain West Connection - Counting down the top 25 Mountain West basketball playersAll you need to know about the Mountain West, and then somehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50409/mwc-fav.png2016-11-10T10:00:02-08:00http://www.mwcconnection.com/rss/stream/131342612016-11-10T10:00:02-08:002016-11-10T10:00:02-08:00Mountain West Basketball Countdown: #1 - Elijah Brown
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: New Mexico at Purdue" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/osWRJty4AwUxLjlXZ_5ZZ4PDgu8=/0x0:2598x1732/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51770745/usa_today_8975691.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Elijah Brown is the first overall player in the 2016 MW countdown.</p> <p id="UtHeCH">New Mexico guard Elijah Brown is ranked #1 overall in the 2016 MWC Connection Basketball Countdown.</p>
<p id="UYd753">Brown, who spent the 2013-14 season with the Butler Bulldogs, is the main reason why New Mexico will contend for a MWC title this season. Brown scored 21.7 points, grabbed 5.5 rebounds, dished out 3.2 assists and also recorded 1.1 steals per game last year. Other notable metrics include 83.7% minute percentage, 29.9% shot rate percentage, and 7.2 fouls drawn per 40 minutes, possibly his most intriguing statistic. Brown’s knack to draw fouls has helped him earn countless trips to the line, where he converts more than 85% of his attempts.</p>
<p id="Hkw5OT">Brown will be without backcourt teammate Cullen Neal this season after he opted to transfer to Ole Miss in the spring. What New Mexico does return, however, is efficient forward Tim Williams (3rd overall player in the MW Countdown), rim protector Obij Aget and quality wings Sam Logwood and Xavier Adams.</p>
<p id="mnwe76">This is a make-or-break season for the Lobos. Head coach Craig Neal’s seat is warming after two sub-par seasons following a 27-win, nationally ranked team in 2013-14. There isn’t a player in the Mountain West this season that has as much pressure on his shoulders than Brown, who is capable of single-handedly willing the Lobos to victory down the stretch. </p>
<p id="eySBI7">If the preseason player of the year can produce as analysts project, New Mexico will at least be in the NCAA Tournament conversation come March. </p>
<p id="EXF7BV">Running Order:</p>
<ul>
<li id="CZvtkQ">1: Elijah Brown, New Mexico</li>
<li id="GrMdtr">2: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/9/13575044/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-2---cameron-oliver">Cameron Oliver, Nevada</a>
</li>
<li id="9EXD4O">3: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/8/13560330/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-3---tim-williams/in/13134261"><strong>Tim Williams, New Mexico</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="iiPHCG">4: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/7/13548214/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-4---gian-clavell"><strong>Gian Clavell, Colorado State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="fysEPZ">5: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/6/13539498/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-5---trey-kell"><strong>Trey Kell, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="czUTtW">6: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/5/13533088/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-6---jalen-moore"><strong>Jalen Moore, Utah State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="0Muh23">7: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/4/13518074/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-8-emmanuel-omogbo/in/13134261"><strong>Emmanuel Omogbo, Colorado State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="WDzg1w">8: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/3/13506920/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-8---marcus-marshall/in/13134261"><strong>Marcus Marshall, Nevada</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="T2NCjC">9: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/2/13495538/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-9---jeremy-hemsley/in/13134261"><strong>Jeremy Hemsley, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="arkRdp">10: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/1/13485016/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-10---nick-duncan"><strong>Nick Duncan, Boise State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="9xzJux">11: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/31/13475564/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-11---jason-mcmanamen"><strong>Jason McManamen, Wyoming</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="njbyH3">12: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/30/13469526/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-12---hayden-graham/in/13134261"><strong>Hayden Graham, Air Force</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="3sFhB4">13: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/29/13464526/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-13---malik-pope/in/13134261"><strong>Malik Pope, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="ZNKj0N">14: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/28/13450896/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-14---d-j-fenner/in/13134261"><strong>D.J. Fenner, Nevada</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="qeQmFk">15: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/27/13433208/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-15---brandon-clarke/in/13134261"><strong>Brandon Clarke, San Jose State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="LJbQIV">16: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/26/13414964/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-16---karachi-edo/in/13134261"><strong>Karachi Edo, Fresno State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="9o36cH">17: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/25/13401186/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-17---lindsey-drew/in/13134261"><strong>Lindsey Drew, Nevada</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="hoBb3l">18: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/24/13378662/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-18---cullen-russo/in/13134261"><strong>Cullen Russo, Fresno State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="3Iqyq8">19: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/23/13370846/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-19---zylan-cheatham/in/13134261"><strong>Zylan Cheatham, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="squSNp">20: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/22/13363722/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-20---trevor-lyons/in/13134261"><strong>Trevor Lyons, Air Force</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="GWl9pD">21: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/21/13355254/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-21---chandler-hutchison"><strong>Chandler Hutchison, Boise State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="Pc6iXi">22: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/20/13343260/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-22---alan-herndon"><strong>Alan Herndon, Wyoming</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="rMevfS">23: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/19/13324920/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-23---paris-austin"><strong>Paris Austin, Boise State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="epdIcu">24: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/18/13310732/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-24---shane-rector"><strong>Shane Rector, Utah State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="Bzkj7F">25: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/17/13295494/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-25---koby-mcewen"><strong>Koby McEwen, Utah State</strong></a>
</li>
</ul>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/10/13580584/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-1---elijah-brownEli Boettger2016-11-09T10:00:03-08:002016-11-09T10:00:03-08:00Mountain West Basketball Countdown: #2 - Cameron Oliver
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Nevada at Wyoming" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6V23GZh8lmBgk-cDfpLB2q9h_II=/0x0:2316x1544/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51754079/usa_today_9069662.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Wolf Pack forward is listed as #2 in the MW countdown.</p> <p id="kMYRfF">Nevada Wolf Pack forward Cameron Oliver is our second overall player in this year’s Mountain West Connection Countdown.</p>
<p id="r9Pm9X">Oliver, a sophomore by the way of Sacramento, California, returned to school after testing the NBA Draft waters without hiring an agent in April. He was the centerpiece in Nevada’s run to a CBI title, recording 13.4 points, 9.1 rebounds (team high) and 2.6 blocks (team high) per game. Oliver is also an exceptional defender that ranked 44th nationally in block percentage and 98th in defensive rebounding percentage.</p>
<p id="8NfOCy">With Oliver’s return and the addition of incoming transfers Jordan Caroline and Marcus Marshall, many project Nevada to contend with San Diego State for an MWC title and, ultimately, its first NCAA Tournament bid since 2007. Most NBA Draft analysts expect Oliver to stay in the NBA Draft pool at the conclusion of this season, so it is important that the Wolf Pack maximize its potential with a talent like Oliver still on the roster.</p>
<p id="BuGKWi">Oliver was named to the Mountain West first team last month and will play a substantial role in Nevada’s potential return to the Big Dance. </p>
<p id="EXF7BV">Running Order:</p>
<ul>
<li id="CZvtkQ">2: Cameron Oliver, Nevada</li>
<li id="9EXD4O">3: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/8/13560330/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-3---tim-williams/in/13134261">Tim Williams, New Mexico</a>
</li>
<li id="iiPHCG">4: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/7/13548214/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-4---gian-clavell"><strong>Gian Clavell, Colorado State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="fysEPZ">5: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/6/13539498/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-5---trey-kell"><strong>Trey Kell, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="czUTtW">6: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/5/13533088/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-6---jalen-moore"><strong>Jalen Moore, Utah State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="0Muh23">7: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/4/13518074/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-8-emmanuel-omogbo/in/13134261"><strong>Emmanuel Omogbo, Colorado State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="WDzg1w">8: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/3/13506920/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-8---marcus-marshall/in/13134261"><strong>Marcus Marshall, Nevada</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="T2NCjC">9: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/2/13495538/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-9---jeremy-hemsley/in/13134261"><strong>Jeremy Hemsley, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="arkRdp">10: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/1/13485016/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-10---nick-duncan"><strong>Nick Duncan, Boise State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="9xzJux">11: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/31/13475564/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-11---jason-mcmanamen"><strong>Jason McManamen, Wyoming</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="njbyH3">12: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/30/13469526/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-12---hayden-graham/in/13134261"><strong>Hayden Graham, Air Force</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="3sFhB4">13: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/29/13464526/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-13---malik-pope/in/13134261"><strong>Malik Pope, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="ZNKj0N">14: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/28/13450896/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-14---d-j-fenner/in/13134261"><strong>D.J. Fenner, Nevada</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="qeQmFk">15: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/27/13433208/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-15---brandon-clarke/in/13134261"><strong>Brandon Clarke, San Jose State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="LJbQIV">16: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/26/13414964/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-16---karachi-edo/in/13134261"><strong>Karachi Edo, Fresno State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="9o36cH">17: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/25/13401186/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-17---lindsey-drew/in/13134261"><strong>Lindsey Drew, Nevada</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="hoBb3l">18: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/24/13378662/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-18---cullen-russo/in/13134261"><strong>Cullen Russo, Fresno State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="3Iqyq8">19: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/23/13370846/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-19---zylan-cheatham/in/13134261"><strong>Zylan Cheatham, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="squSNp">20: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/22/13363722/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-20---trevor-lyons/in/13134261"><strong>Trevor Lyons, Air Force</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="GWl9pD">21: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/21/13355254/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-21---chandler-hutchison"><strong>Chandler Hutchison, Boise State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="Pc6iXi">22: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/20/13343260/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-22---alan-herndon"><strong>Alan Herndon, Wyoming</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="rMevfS">23: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/19/13324920/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-23---paris-austin"><strong>Paris Austin, Boise State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="epdIcu">24: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/18/13310732/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-24---shane-rector"><strong>Shane Rector, Utah State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="lhjL8D">25: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/17/13295494/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-25---koby-mcewen"><strong>Koby McEwen, Utah State</strong></a>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="a8ev2h"></p>
<p id="OwtA23"></p>
<p id="R8l6VU"></p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/9/13575044/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-2---cameron-oliverEli Boettger2016-11-08T09:00:11-08:002016-11-08T09:00:11-08:00Mountain West Basketball Countdown: #3 - Tim Williams
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: New Mexico at Southern California" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/B9spQg6gFdnE57_UMOGBPMPx59w=/0x0:2008x1339/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51735041/usa_today_8943368.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The New Mexico forward is third in the MW countdown. </p> <p id="KWmvKV">Tim Williams is the third overall player in the MW countdown for the 2016-17 season.</p>
<p id="wLne7o">Williams, a senior forward who spent two seasons at Samford, has dominated since reaching the college level. The lightly recruited Chicago native also received offers from Northern Illinois and Northwestern.</p>
<p id="G0RM9a">Williams’ leap from the Southern Conference to the Mountain West Conference has been effortless. In arguably his best season yet, Williams scored 16.8 points per game to go along with 7.4 rebounds. He has averaged over 60% on field goal shooting the past two seasons, and also finished in the national rankings for minute percentage, effective field goal percentage, block percentage and free throw rate, among others last season. </p>
<p id="i9TK81">There are very few players in the country that have been as consistent as Tim Williams in three seasons, so we should expect another 17/7 season out of the big man. Luckily for Williams, New Mexico has a formidable backcourt in Elijah Brown and Jordan Hunter, alleviating the pressure off Williams on the offensive end.</p>
<p id="uwbpd5">Williams is a legitimate MW POY candidate and was placed on this year’s preseason MW first team. Expect a highly impactful season from the senior forward.</p>
<p id="d5xVhp">Running Order:</p>
<ul>
<li id="CZvtkQ">3: TIm Williams, New Mexico</li>
<li id="iiPHCG">4: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/7/13548214/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-4---gian-clavell">Gian Clavell, Colorado State</a>
</li>
<li id="fysEPZ">5: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/6/13539498/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-5---trey-kell"><strong>Trey Kell, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="czUTtW">6: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/5/13533088/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-6---jalen-moore"><strong>Jalen Moore, Utah State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="0Muh23">7: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/4/13518074/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-8-emmanuel-omogbo/in/13134261"><strong>Emmanuel Omogbo, Colorado State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="WDzg1w">8: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/3/13506920/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-8---marcus-marshall/in/13134261"><strong>Marcus Marshall, Nevada</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="T2NCjC">9: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/2/13495538/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-9---jeremy-hemsley/in/13134261"><strong>Jeremy Hemsley, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="arkRdp">10: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/1/13485016/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-10---nick-duncan"><strong>Nick Duncan, Boise State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="9xzJux">11: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/31/13475564/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-11---jason-mcmanamen"><strong>Jason McManamen, Wyoming</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="njbyH3">12: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/30/13469526/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-12---hayden-graham/in/13134261"><strong>Hayden Graham, Air Force</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="3sFhB4">13: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/29/13464526/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-13---malik-pope/in/13134261"><strong>Malik Pope, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="ZNKj0N">14: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/28/13450896/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-14---d-j-fenner/in/13134261"><strong>D.J. Fenner, Nevada</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="qeQmFk">15: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/27/13433208/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-15---brandon-clarke/in/13134261"><strong>Brandon Clarke, San Jose State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="LJbQIV">16: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/26/13414964/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-16---karachi-edo/in/13134261"><strong>Karachi Edo, Fresno State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="9o36cH">17: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/25/13401186/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-17---lindsey-drew/in/13134261"><strong>Lindsey Drew, Nevada</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="hoBb3l">18: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/24/13378662/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-18---cullen-russo/in/13134261"><strong>Cullen Russo, Fresno State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="3Iqyq8">19: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/23/13370846/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-19---zylan-cheatham/in/13134261"><strong>Zylan Cheatham, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="squSNp">20: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/22/13363722/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-20---trevor-lyons/in/13134261"><strong>Trevor Lyons, Air Force</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="GWl9pD">21: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/21/13355254/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-21---chandler-hutchison"><strong>Chandler Hutchison, Boise State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="Pc6iXi">22: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/20/13343260/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-22---alan-herndon"><strong>Alan Herndon, Wyoming</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="rMevfS">23: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/19/13324920/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-23---paris-austin"><strong>Paris Austin, Boise State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="epdIcu">24: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/18/13310732/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-24---shane-rector"><strong>Shane Rector, Utah State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="lhjL8D">25: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/17/13295494/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-25---koby-mcewen"><strong>Koby McEwen, Utah State</strong></a>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="z869dQ"></p>
<p id="y3quzm"></p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/8/13560330/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-3---tim-williamsEli Boettger2016-11-07T09:25:47-08:002016-11-07T09:25:47-08:00Mountain West Basketball Countdown: #4 - Gian Clavell
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Nevada at Colorado State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-_lXJT_CK8MSxnpEbI4T7yZU9xU=/2x0:4922x3280/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51718553/usa_today_8330378.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Colorado State guard is fourth on our list. </p> <p id="nQ9H5T">Colorado State’s Gian Clavell is listed #4 in our 2016 MW countdown.</p>
<p id="HJJLy0">Clavell, who is coming off season-ending hand and shoulder injuries, was granted an additional year of eligibility and is primed for a huge season. </p>
<p id="OSSDtm">In 10 games last year, Clavell averaged 20.8, 6.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. He also recorded an astounding 36.9 minutes a night. Clavell is a fantastic scorer, knocking down 42.2% of his three-point attempts last year.</p>
<p id="88tE9W">Although a small sample size from last season, many pundits know what Clavell is capable of accomplishing. When healthy, he is a dynamic scorer and floor leader, who will play a big part in whether or not CSU can make a push for a tournament run with Emmanuel Omogbo entering his senior season.</p>
<p id="w1oMz1">Clavell has been named the “heartbeat” of the Rams, and he brings not only scoring and stat-measured results, but also vocal leadership. He used his time last season on the sidelines to understand the game to a greater degree, while motivating his teammates. </p>
<p id="zEQSkM">Clavell is likely the most important player to his respective team in the Mountain West this season.</p>
<p id="JtjFWd">Running Order:</p>
<ul>
<li id="CZvtkQ">4: Gian Clavell, Colorado State</li>
<li id="fysEPZ">5: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/6/13539498/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-5---trey-kell">Trey Kell, San Diego State</a>
</li>
<li id="czUTtW">6: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/5/13533088/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-6---jalen-moore"><strong>Jalen Moore, Utah State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="0Muh23">7: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/4/13518074/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-8-emmanuel-omogbo/in/13134261"><strong>Emmanuel Omogbo, Colorado State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="WDzg1w">8: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/3/13506920/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-8---marcus-marshall/in/13134261"><strong>Marcus Marshall, Nevada</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="T2NCjC">9: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/2/13495538/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-9---jeremy-hemsley/in/13134261"><strong>Jeremy Hemsley, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="arkRdp">10: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/1/13485016/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-10---nick-duncan"><strong>Nick Duncan, Boise State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="9xzJux">11: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/31/13475564/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-11---jason-mcmanamen"><strong>Jason McManamen, Wyoming</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="njbyH3">12: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/30/13469526/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-12---hayden-graham/in/13134261"><strong>Hayden Graham, Air Force</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="3sFhB4">13: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/29/13464526/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-13---malik-pope/in/13134261"><strong>Malik Pope, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="ZNKj0N">14: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/28/13450896/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-14---d-j-fenner/in/13134261"><strong>D.J. Fenner, Nevada</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="qeQmFk">15: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/27/13433208/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-15---brandon-clarke/in/13134261"><strong>Brandon Clarke, San Jose State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="LJbQIV">16: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/26/13414964/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-16---karachi-edo/in/13134261"><strong>Karachi Edo, Fresno State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="9o36cH">17: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/25/13401186/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-17---lindsey-drew/in/13134261"><strong>Lindsey Drew, Nevada</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="hoBb3l">18: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/24/13378662/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-18---cullen-russo/in/13134261"><strong>Cullen Russo, Fresno State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="3Iqyq8">19: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/23/13370846/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-19---zylan-cheatham/in/13134261"><strong>Zylan Cheatham, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="squSNp">20: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/22/13363722/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-20---trevor-lyons/in/13134261"><strong>Trevor Lyons, Air Force</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="GWl9pD">21: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/21/13355254/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-21---chandler-hutchison"><strong>Chandler Hutchison, Boise State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="Pc6iXi">22: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/20/13343260/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-22---alan-herndon"><strong>Alan Herndon, Wyoming</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="rMevfS">23: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/19/13324920/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-23---paris-austin"><strong>Paris Austin, Boise State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="epdIcu">24: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/18/13310732/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-24---shane-rector"><strong>Shane Rector, Utah State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="lhjL8D">25: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/17/13295494/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-25---koby-mcewen"><strong>Koby McEwen, Utah State</strong></a>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="fMyLfG"></p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/7/13548214/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-4---gian-clavellEli Boettger2016-11-06T10:02:31-08:002016-11-06T10:02:31-08:00Mountain West Basketball Countdown: #5 - Trey Kell
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Fresno State at San Diego State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kcs5CEHRZd2wWNBDhUJkA4KiCVg=/0x0:3916x2611/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51703181/usa_today_9067484.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Trey Kell is fifth in the MW countdown.</p> <p id="P1HdeA">Leading off the top 5 in the MW Countdown is San Diego State’s Trey Kell.</p>
<p id="DcjPqU">Kell, a junior guard from San Diego, was a key cog in the Aztec offense last season, leading SDSU in points per game and three-point shooting. Alongside Jeremy Hemsley (9th in the MW Countdown) and incoming Missouri transfer Montaque Gill-Caesar (named preseason newcomer of the year), the San Diego State backcourt will be a force to be reckoned with.</p>
<p id="ZbT7kk">Look for Kell to rise up and guide the Aztecs this season on the offensive side. Despite the fourth-best defensive efficiency ranking in the country, SDSU narrowly missed the NCAA Tournament, mostly due to offensive hiccups from the first two months of the season that resulted in a lackluster 7-6 non-conference record. The Aztecs had 13 games in which it failed to record a team shooting percentage better than 40%.</p>
<p id="8t668i">Kell, who was named to the MWC preseason first team, is a primetime talent who can singlehandedly will the Aztecs to the NCAA Tournament. When making more than half of his three-point attempts last season, San Diego State was 10-0. SDSU was also 19-1 when Kell converted 40% or more of his field goal attempts. When he’s shooting the ball well, the Aztecs are impossible to beat. </p>
<p id="6uXNtp">Running Order:</p>
<ul>
<li id="CZvtkQ">5: Trey Kell, San Diego State</li>
<li id="czUTtW">6: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/5/13533088/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-6---jalen-moore">Jalen Moore, Utah State</a>
</li>
<li id="0Muh23">7: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/4/13518074/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-8-emmanuel-omogbo/in/13134261"><strong>Emmanuel Omogbo, Colorado State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="WDzg1w">8: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/3/13506920/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-8---marcus-marshall/in/13134261"><strong>Marcus Marshall, Nevada</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="T2NCjC">9: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/2/13495538/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-9---jeremy-hemsley/in/13134261"><strong>Jeremy Hemsley, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="arkRdp">10: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/1/13485016/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-10---nick-duncan"><strong>Nick Duncan, Boise State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="9xzJux">11: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/31/13475564/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-11---jason-mcmanamen"><strong>Jason McManamen, Wyoming</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="njbyH3">12: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/30/13469526/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-12---hayden-graham/in/13134261"><strong>Hayden Graham, Air Force</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="3sFhB4">13: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/29/13464526/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-13---malik-pope/in/13134261"><strong>Malik Pope, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="ZNKj0N">14: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/28/13450896/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-14---d-j-fenner/in/13134261"><strong>D.J. Fenner, Nevada</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="qeQmFk">15: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/27/13433208/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-15---brandon-clarke/in/13134261"><strong>Brandon Clarke, San Jose State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="LJbQIV">16: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/26/13414964/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-16---karachi-edo/in/13134261"><strong>Karachi Edo, Fresno State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="9o36cH">17: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/25/13401186/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-17---lindsey-drew/in/13134261"><strong>Lindsey Drew, Nevada</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="hoBb3l">18: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/24/13378662/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-18---cullen-russo/in/13134261"><strong>Cullen Russo, Fresno State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="3Iqyq8">19: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/23/13370846/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-19---zylan-cheatham/in/13134261"><strong>Zylan Cheatham, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="squSNp">20: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/22/13363722/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-20---trevor-lyons/in/13134261"><strong>Trevor Lyons, Air Force</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="GWl9pD">21: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/21/13355254/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-21---chandler-hutchison"><strong>Chandler Hutchison, Boise State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="Pc6iXi">22: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/20/13343260/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-22---alan-herndon"><strong>Alan Herndon, Wyoming</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="rMevfS">23: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/19/13324920/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-23---paris-austin"><strong>Paris Austin, Boise State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="epdIcu">24: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/18/13310732/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-24---shane-rector"><strong>Shane Rector, Utah State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="lhjL8D">25: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/17/13295494/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-25---koby-mcewen"><strong>Koby McEwen, Utah State</strong></a>
</li>
</ul>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/6/13539498/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-5---trey-kellEli Boettger2016-11-05T10:30:50-07:002016-11-05T10:30:50-07:00Mountain West Basketball Countdown: #6 - Jalen Moore
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Utah State at San Diego State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/196r_ANY_N0v-cGGyFzmCGBPyJQ=/0x0:2238x1492/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51693589/usa_today_8357999.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Coming in at #6 is Utah State forward Jalen Moore.</p> <p id="eiO0eZ">The sixth overall player in the 2016 MW countdown is Utah State forward Jalen Moore. </p>
<p id="dXWc2R">Moore, a senior from North Logan, Utah, has been one of the better players in the conference the past two seasons, and expects to fight for MW POY this year.</p>
<p id="O3SzKA">Moore averaged 15.2 points a night in consecutive seasons, and also recorded over six rebounds per game in both his sophomore and junior seasons. He was named to the preseason All-Mountain West first team in October. </p>
<p id="QqpAol">The 6-8, 215-pounder is exceptional on offense but not so much on the defensive end. His strongest defensive season by box plus/minus measures was +0.7 in his sophomore season. If he can play a larger part in improving an Aggie defense that ranked 233rd in the country last season in efficiency, you’re looking at a potential MW player of the year. </p>
<p id="yi0B7R">With a formidable backcourt that includes Shane Rector, Julion Pearre and talented freshman Koby McEwen, there’s no reason to believe why Moore and Utah State can’t compete for a top 3 finish in the conference.</p>
<p id="6uXNtp">Running Order:</p>
<ul>
<li id="CZvtkQ">6: Jalen Moore, Utah State</li>
<li id="0Muh23">7: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/4/13518074/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-8-emmanuel-omogbo/in/13134261">Emmanuel Omogbo, Colorado State</a>
</li>
<li id="WDzg1w">8: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/3/13506920/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-8---marcus-marshall/in/13134261"><strong>Marcus Marshall, Nevada</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="T2NCjC">9: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/2/13495538/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-9---jeremy-hemsley/in/13134261"><strong>Jeremy Hemsley, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="arkRdp">10: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/1/13485016/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-10---nick-duncan"><strong>Nick Duncan, Boise State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="9xzJux">11: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/31/13475564/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-11---jason-mcmanamen"><strong>Jason McManamen, Wyoming</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="njbyH3">12: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/30/13469526/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-12---hayden-graham/in/13134261"><strong>Hayden Graham, Air Force</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="3sFhB4">13: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/29/13464526/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-13---malik-pope/in/13134261"><strong>Malik Pope, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="ZNKj0N">14: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/28/13450896/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-14---d-j-fenner/in/13134261"><strong>D.J. Fenner, Nevada</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="qeQmFk">15: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/27/13433208/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-15---brandon-clarke/in/13134261"><strong>Brandon Clarke, San Jose State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="LJbQIV">16: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/26/13414964/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-16---karachi-edo/in/13134261"><strong>Karachi Edo, Fresno State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="9o36cH">17: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/25/13401186/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-17---lindsey-drew/in/13134261"><strong>Lindsey Drew, Nevada</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="hoBb3l">18: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/24/13378662/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-18---cullen-russo/in/13134261"><strong>Cullen Russo, Fresno State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="3Iqyq8">19: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/23/13370846/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-19---zylan-cheatham/in/13134261"><strong>Zylan Cheatham, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="squSNp">20: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/22/13363722/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-20---trevor-lyons/in/13134261"><strong>Trevor Lyons, Air Force</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="GWl9pD">21: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/21/13355254/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-21---chandler-hutchison"><strong>Chandler Hutchison, Boise State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="Pc6iXi">22: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/20/13343260/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-22---alan-herndon"><strong>Alan Herndon, Wyoming</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="rMevfS">23: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/19/13324920/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-23---paris-austin"><strong>Paris Austin, Boise State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="epdIcu">24: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/18/13310732/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-24---shane-rector"><strong>Shane Rector, Utah State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="EZUjJK">25: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/17/13295494/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-25---koby-mcewen"><strong>Koby McEwen, Utah State</strong></a>
</li>
</ul>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/5/13533088/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-6---jalen-mooreEli Boettger2016-11-04T02:08:58-07:002016-11-04T02:08:58-07:00Mountain West Basketball Countdown: #7 - Emmanuel Omogbo
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fMJ86g9VT8dPQZ9kV8iNz-AaG_c=/0x0:3460x2307/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51671719/usa-today-9153805.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>CSU's Omogbo is #7 in the MW countdown. </p> <div>The seventh overall player in the MW countdown is Colorado State's <span>Emmanuel Omogbo</span>.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Omogbo, the lone fourth-year senior on this season's CSU squad, is hoping that he can guide the Rams to their first tournament bid since 2013. He and <span>Clavell</span> form a dynamic duo that should help Colorado State be more competitive this season in the Mountain West.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Omogbo, a native Nigerian, is the heart and soul of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/colorado-st-rams">Colorado State Rams</a> and has endured struggles of his own to get to this point. In February, Omogbo received the news that both of his parents had passed away in a house fire in his hometown in Maryland. Colorado State started a GoFundMe crowd fund soon after and within 24 hours it had recorded over $75,000 in donations. He received support from a number of opposing coaches and players, including basketball legend Kobe Bryant. Omogbo didn't miss a beat after the tragedy, grabbing 19 rebounds in his first full game back.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Omogbo now prepares for his final season on the Colorado State campus. He had a strong year in 2015-16, averaging 10.9 points and 8.0 rebounds in 24.9 minutes per game. He is notably one of the top rebounders in the MWC, especially on the defensive end, where he averaged a 23.0% defensive rebounding percentage last season. The return of <span>Gian Clavell</span> should help keep the defensive attention off of Omogbo, opening the floor up for the Ram offense.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Omogbo figures to be a double-double machine his senior season, further showing why he is one of the top talents in the Mountain West.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.2rem; padding: 0px; color: #3b3b3b; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" id="6uXNtp">Running Order:</p>
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.2rem 0.6rem; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.2rem; color: #3b3b3b; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6rem; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px;" id="CZvtkQ">7: Emmanuel Omogbo, Colorado State</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6rem; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px;" id="CZvtkQ">8: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/3/13506920/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-8---marcus-marshall/in/13134261" target="_blank">Marcus Marshall, Nevada</a>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6rem; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px;" id="T2NCjC">9: <a style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #7f8482; -webkit-transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: transparent; font-weight: 700;" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/2/13495538/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-9---jeremy-hemsley/in/13134261">Jeremy Hemsley, San Diego State</a>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6rem; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px;" id="arkRdp">10: <a style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #7f8482; -webkit-transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: transparent; font-weight: 700;" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/1/13485016/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-10---nick-duncan"><span>Nick Duncan, Boise State</span></a>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6rem; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px;" id="9xzJux">11: <a style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #7f8482; -webkit-transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: transparent; font-weight: 700;" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/31/13475564/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-11---jason-mcmanamen"><span>Jason McManamen, Wyoming</span></a>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6rem; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px;" id="njbyH3">12: <a style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #7f8482; -webkit-transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: transparent; font-weight: 700;" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/30/13469526/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-12---hayden-graham/in/13134261"><span>Hayden Graham, Air Force</span></a>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6rem; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px;" id="3sFhB4">13: <a style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #7f8482; -webkit-transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: transparent; font-weight: 700;" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/29/13464526/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-13---malik-pope/in/13134261"><span>Malik Pope, San Diego State</span></a>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6rem; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px;" id="ZNKj0N">14: <a style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #7f8482; -webkit-transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: transparent; font-weight: 700;" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/28/13450896/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-14---d-j-fenner/in/13134261"><span>D.J. Fenner, Nevada</span></a>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6rem; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px;" id="qeQmFk">15: <a style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #7f8482; -webkit-transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: transparent; font-weight: 700;" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/27/13433208/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-15---brandon-clarke/in/13134261"><span>Brandon Clarke, San Jose State</span></a>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6rem; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px;" id="LJbQIV">16: <a style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #7f8482; -webkit-transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: transparent; font-weight: 700;" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/26/13414964/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-16---karachi-edo/in/13134261"><span>Karachi Edo, Fresno State</span></a>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6rem; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px;" id="9o36cH">17: <a style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #7f8482; -webkit-transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: transparent; font-weight: 700;" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/25/13401186/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-17---lindsey-drew/in/13134261"><span>Lindsey Drew, Nevada</span></a>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6rem; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px;" id="hoBb3l">18: <a style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #7f8482; -webkit-transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: transparent; font-weight: 700;" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/24/13378662/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-18---cullen-russo/in/13134261"><span>Cullen Russo, Fresno State</span></a>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6rem; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px;" id="3Iqyq8">19: <a style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #7f8482; -webkit-transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: transparent; font-weight: 700;" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/23/13370846/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-19---zylan-cheatham/in/13134261"><span>Zylan Cheatham, San Diego State</span></a>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6rem; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px;" id="squSNp">20: <a style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #7f8482; -webkit-transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: transparent; font-weight: 700;" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/22/13363722/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-20---trevor-lyons/in/13134261"><span>Trevor Lyons, Air Force</span></a>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6rem; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px;" id="GWl9pD">21: <a style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #7f8482; -webkit-transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: transparent; font-weight: 700;" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/21/13355254/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-21---chandler-hutchison"><span>Chandler Hutchison, Boise State</span></a>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6rem; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px;" id="Pc6iXi">22: <a style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #7f8482; -webkit-transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: transparent; font-weight: 700;" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/20/13343260/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-22---alan-herndon"><span>Alan Herndon, Wyoming</span></a>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6rem; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px;" id="rMevfS">23: <a style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #7f8482; -webkit-transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: transparent; font-weight: 700;" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/19/13324920/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-23---paris-austin"><span>Paris Austin, Boise State</span></a>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6rem; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px;" id="epdIcu">24: <a style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #7f8482; -webkit-transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: transparent; font-weight: 700;" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/18/13310732/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-24---shane-rector"><span>Shane Rector, Utah State</span></a>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.6rem; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px;" id="xhbj0V">25: <a style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #7f8482; -webkit-transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: transparent; font-weight: 700;" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/17/13295494/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-25---koby-mcewen"><span>Koby McEwen, Utah State</span></a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/4/13518074/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-8-emmanuel-omogboEli Boettger2016-11-03T06:00:11-07:002016-11-03T06:00:11-07:00Mountain West Basketball Countdown: #8 - Marcus Marshall
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Missouri State at Texas Tech" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/v_-NDr6UaoRMewCO70SBaPApX6I=/0x119:3868x2698/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51655223/usa-today-8222567.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Nevada’s Marcus Marshall is eighth in the MW countdown.</p> <p id="EiAV4I">Former Missouri State transfer Marcus Marshall is ranked #8 in the Mountain West Basketball Top 25 Countdown.</p>
<p id="4IFJ0l">Marshall, who spent his first three seasons at Missouri State, transferred to Nevada and sat out the 2015-16 season due to NCAA eligibility rules. Now with the Wolf Pack, head coach Eric Musselman will hope the talented guard can help guide Nevada into the NCAA Tournament conversation.</p>
<p id="NUtvWm">What Marshall brings to Nevada is elite perimeter scoring, a facet of the Wolf Pack’s game that was appalling last season - 342nd in three-point shooting percentage (29.1%) and 341st in total point distribution off of three-pointers (20.4%). Marshall scorched the nets as a Bear, converting 45.6% off his triples in 2014-15. He also averaged 19.5 points per game in his junior season.</p>
<p id="lD7fm0">The biggest question mark this season for Marshall is whether or not he will be able to stay on the court. Marshall played in 32 of 33 games as a freshman at Missouri State, but a torn meniscus as a sophomore and a season-ending suspension as a junior prompted Marshall to miss 38 games in his last two years at Missouri State. The suspension was officially reported as “conduct detrimental to the team,” which most believe was an argument with head coach Paul Lusk. As a result of these two season-enders and last year’s transfer, Marshall hasn’t played a game later than January 11 since 2013.</p>
<p id="gWC5Id">This is a boom-or-bust season for Marshall the Wolf Pack. Nevada has the potential to compete for a Mountain West title if Marshall can produce on the perimeter, but an ineffective or distracting season from Marshall would be costly to UNR. On pure talent alone, Marshall is a top 10 player in the conference.</p>
<p id="6uXNtp">Running Order:</p>
<ul>
<li id="CZvtkQ">8: Marcus Marshall, Nevada</li>
<li id="T2NCjC">9: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/2/13495538/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-9---jeremy-hemsley/in/13134261">Jeremy Hemsley, San Diego State</a>
</li>
<li id="arkRdp">10: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/1/13485016/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-10---nick-duncan"><strong>Nick Duncan, Boise State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="9xzJux">11: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/31/13475564/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-11---jason-mcmanamen"><strong>Jason McManamen, Wyoming</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="njbyH3">12: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/30/13469526/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-12---hayden-graham/in/13134261"><strong>Hayden Graham, Air Force</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="3sFhB4">13: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/29/13464526/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-13---malik-pope/in/13134261"><strong>Malik Pope, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="ZNKj0N">14: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/28/13450896/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-14---d-j-fenner/in/13134261"><strong>D.J. Fenner, Nevada</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="qeQmFk">15: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/27/13433208/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-15---brandon-clarke/in/13134261"><strong>Brandon Clarke, San Jose State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="LJbQIV">16: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/26/13414964/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-16---karachi-edo/in/13134261"><strong>Karachi Edo, Fresno State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="9o36cH">17: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/25/13401186/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-17---lindsey-drew/in/13134261"><strong>Lindsey Drew, Nevada</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="hoBb3l">18: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/24/13378662/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-18---cullen-russo/in/13134261"><strong>Cullen Russo, Fresno State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="3Iqyq8">19: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/23/13370846/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-19---zylan-cheatham/in/13134261"><strong>Zylan Cheatham, San Diego State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="squSNp">20: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/22/13363722/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-20---trevor-lyons/in/13134261"><strong>Trevor Lyons, Air Force</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="GWl9pD">21: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/21/13355254/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-21---chandler-hutchison"><strong>Chandler Hutchison, Boise State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="Pc6iXi">22: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/20/13343260/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-22---alan-herndon"><strong>Alan Herndon, Wyoming</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="rMevfS">23: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/19/13324920/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-23---paris-austin"><strong>Paris Austin, Boise State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="epdIcu">24: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/18/13310732/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-24---shane-rector"><strong>Shane Rector, Utah State</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="xhbj0V">25: <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/10/17/13295494/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-25---koby-mcewen"><strong>Koby McEwen, Utah State</strong></a>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="oReHo1"></p>
<p id="UqNsUX"></p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/11/3/13506920/mountain-west-basketball-countdown-8---marcus-marshallEli Boettger