According to the media of the Mountain West Conference, neither BYU nor Utah will win the men's basketball title in their final seasons in the conference.
For a change, BYU isn't picked to win the MWC after winning four straight league titles and being picked to win two of the previous three years. The Cougars, coming off a 30-6 season that saw them win their first NCAA game in 16 years, are picked for second place in the poll released by the MWC on Tuesday behind San Diego State, which won the MWC tournament and returns all five starters among nine letter-winners.
Also for the first time in the 12-year history of the MWC, Utah was not picked to finish in the top half of the league. The Utes, who have won or shared five MWC basketball titles and never been picked lower than fourth place, are picked to finish sixth this year. Even Colorado State is picked a spot ahead of the Utes, who have nine new players this year.
It was no surprise that BYU guard Jimmer Fredette was picked as preseason player of the year after winning the player of the year award last year. He's joined on the preseason all-MWC team by New Mexico's Dairese Gary, UNLV's Tre'Von Willis and San Diego State's Kawhi Leonard and Malcolm Thomas.
BYU freshman guard Kyle Collinsworth was named as the preseason freshman of the year after averaging 23.7 points, 10 rebounds and 7.8 assists for Provo High School last year. New Mexico's Drew Gordon, a 6-foot-9 forward who transferred from UCLA, was selected as the preseason newcomer of the year.
Besides Fredette and Collinsworth, BYU returns starter Jackson Emery and experienced players such as Charles Abouo, Brandon Davies and Noah Hartsock. Chris Collinsworth, Kyle's older brother, has returned from a mission, and the Cougars' newcomers include sophomore forward Stephen Rogers and freshman Anson Winder.
The Cougar tipoff will be Oct. 27, and BYU plays two exhibition games before starting the regular season Nov. 12 against Fresno State. The Cougars officially open practice Friday.
Utah, which is coming off a disappointing 14-17 season, returns center David Foster, forwards Jay Watkins, Jason Washburn and Shawn Glover, and guards Jace Tavita and Chris Hines. Among the top newcomers are JC transfers Will Clyburn and Josh Watkins and freshmen J.J. O'Brien and Dominique Lee.
The Utes officially begin practice Friday evening and open the season Nov. 12 against Grand Canyon after an exhibition game against Adams State on Nov. 5.
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