As the summer recruiting season begins to wind down, we’re now turning our attention firmly towards next year, by rolling out the first of our preseason rankings. Right now, we’re looking at Mountain West big men.
1. James Webb III, Boise State Broncos: Webb III was a First Team all-conference selection a year ago, so it only makes sense that he leads this group. His ability to make plays around the rim, lock up the boards, while also stepping outside to knock down the three-point shot is what separates him from the rest of the group. He’s the best combination of offensive skill and defensive impact available. Sometimes, it does feel like he gets overlooked a bit because of the system that BSU runs and the fact that, last year, it was obviously Derrick Marks running the show. This year will be his chance, as Boise should be among the league’s favorites.
2. A.J. West, Nevada Wolfpack: West certainly has an argument to be made for the top spot, as he’s the only one on this list who has averaged a double-double, and he’s also shown his propensity for rim protection, averaging 2.6 blocks per game last season. While Nevada has struggled in recent years, it definitely should deter us all from remembering the kinds of players that they can, and currently do, bring to the table.
3. Stephen Zimmerman, UNLV Runnin’ Rebels: Ah, yes, the only freshman to make any of our rankings for the Mountain West. He’s the most highly ranked recruit to join the conference, and he’s going to a system that should give him a lot of freedom offensively–although, perhaps too much. Zimmerman can affect the game in so many ways that it seemed ridiculous not to have him among the top five.
4. Skylar Spencer, San Diego State Aztecs: Spencer has never been a featured talent at SDSU, but this past year he made big strides, earning himself Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors, along with former Wyoming Cowboy Larry Nance Jr., who’s off to the NBA. His ability to guard multiple positions on the perimeter and interior, while still being a valuable rim protector, is good enough to make up for his lack of offensive production.
5. Emmanuel Omogbo, Colorado State Rams: Another newcomer to the conference, Omogbo is off to Fort Collins to play for Larry Eustachy. After being named a JUCO All-American, it’s reasonable to think that the most intense, and effective, interior defense and rebounding coach in the country can get him playing at a high level quickly.
