Hey there basketball fans! Can you believe we’re just a week away from the start of the 2022-23 Mountain West men’s basketball season? We’ve got some exciting news for you today – the MWCConnection Preseason Awards! Let’s dive in and see who our voters picked as the best of the best.
First up, we have the Player of the Year award. And the winner is… Isaiah Stevens from Colorado State! This guy is a force to be reckoned with. Despite missing some games due to injury, he still managed to put up impressive numbers, averaging 17.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. Talk about talent!
Next, we have a tie for the Defensive Player of the Year award. Nelly Junior Joseph from New Mexico and Lamont Butler from San Diego State both took home the title. Joseph is a beast on the court, leading the MAAC in defensive win shares last year. Butler, on the other hand, is a defensive powerhouse who can guard multiple positions. These guys are a nightmare for opposing teams!
Moving on to the Freshman of the Year award, the winner is Dedan Thomas Jr. from UNLV. This young gun impressed our panelists with his skills on the court. But let’s not forget about Tru Washington and Jadyn Toppin, who were also strong contenders for this award.
In the Newcomer of the Year category, Nelly Junior Joseph takes home another win. This guy transferred from Iona to New Mexico and has already made a name for himself. With impressive stats from last season, he’s sure to make a big impact on Pitino’s team.
Now, let’s talk about the 6th Man of the Year. The award goes to O’Mar Stanley from Boise State. This guy is a workhorse, giving it his all on the court. With his skills and determination, he’s a valuable asset to the team.
And last but not least, we have the Coach of the Year award. Richard Pitino from New Mexico takes home the title. After a successful season last year, Pitino is ready to lead his team to even greater heights. Keep an eye on the Lobos, they’re a darkhorse for the MW Title!
Now, let’s talk about the best offense in the conference. New Mexico takes the crown in this category. With their impressive performance last season, they’re not showing any signs of slowing down. They’re definitely a team to watch out for!
And when it comes to defense, San Diego State is the clear winner. Their defensive skills are unmatched, and they’re a force to be reckoned with on the court.
Last but not least, let’s talk about the best bench. Boise State takes home this award. With a deep frontcourt and the addition of O’Mar Stanley, they’re a team that’s going to keep you on the edge of your seat.
So there you have it, folks! The MWCConnection Preseason Awards recap. Get ready for an exciting season of Mountain West basketball!