Over the last decade we’re used to seeing San Diego State among the favorites to win the Mountain West Conference basketball championship. Usually, though, they’re sitting at number one.
The MWC preseason media vote is out and the Aztecs are expected to finish in 2nd place in the 2017-18 season. Defending conference champion Nevada is the preseason #1. The Wolfpack received 19 of 24 first-place votes. SDSU (2), Boise State (2), and UNLV (1) got the others.
San Diego State, a fixture at the top of the Mountain West for years, slipped to 6th place a year ago. In their previous three seasons the Aztecs went 46-8 in conference game, then limped to a 9-9 finish. Shortly after longtime head coach Steve Fisher retired and handed the program to assistant Brian Dutcher, who is now in his first season as a collegiate head coach.
The Aztecs open the season at home against San Diego Christian College on Friday, November 10. The full MWC preseason media poll results look like this:
1. Nevada (19) 257
2. San Diego State (2) 229
3. Boise State (2) 211
4. Fresno State 188
5. Colorado State 154
6. UNLV (1) 138
7. Wyoming 133
8. Utah State 102
9. New Mexico 93
10. San José State 41
11. Air Force 38
