Now that we’ve had our fun discussing some of the top players in the Mountain West Conference, it’s time to take a look at our top five head coaches in the league. Led by a group of conference stalwarts, there shouldn’t be too much of a surprise to see who comes in at the top of the list.
1. Steve Fisher, San Diego State Aztecs: Okay, if this surprises you, then you haven’t paid any attention to SDSU or the Mountain West. Having made six straight NCAA Tournaments, and finished atop the MWC standings five times, Fisher has a resume that goes uncontested among his peers. The Aztecs again look like the conference favorite, as Fisher continues his expert team building.
2. Leon Rice, Boise State Broncos: After finishing atop the conference with San Diego State last season, Rice finally started to get his due for what he’s been doing for seasons on end. The Broncos have established a real program up there, and Rice continues to find pieces for his staff and roster that fit it perfectly.
3. Larry Shyatt, Wyoming Cowboys: Shaytt doesn’t have the same brand power to work with as some of the other head coaches in the league, and yet he developed a first-round draft pick in Larry Nance Jr., and helped the Cowboys win the MWC Tournament title. Shyatt has found a way to blend athleticism, skill, and discipline to create a program that is finally on its way back.
4. Larry Eustachy, Colorado State Rams: Eustachy has kept up the momentum that Tim Miles established in Fort Collins, and it’s been on the back of transfers and JUCO prospects for the most part. Some might think that the Rams are destined for a step back at some point, but Eustachy has the Rams moving along swimmingly, and has helped established one of the best home court advantages in the conference.
5. Craig Neal, New Mexico Lobos: Things haven’t gone completely smooth since the departure of Steve Alford, to be sure. However, Neal was a big part of UNM’s success when Alford was around, and it’s hard to believe that he won’t get things righted again in Alburquerque.
