Aztecs look like class of Mountain West Conference

In retrospect, maybe there should have been a one-hour special on a small cable sports network two years ago when Kawhi Leonard announced his decision to take his talents to San Diego State.

Aztecs coach Steve Fisher has pieced together a basketball team that is turning into the Miami Heat of the Mountain West Conference.

Leonard, a 6-foot-7-inch sophomore forward, is the leader of the Big Three, flanked by senior forwards Malcolm Thomas and Billy White. Add a speedy little point guard, senior D.J. Gay, and it appears Fisher has the perfect pieces in place.

The Aztecs, 15-0 and ranked No. 6 in the nation, could be set for a historic run as conference play begins today and Wednesday.

"I don't know if it's a surprise, but for San Diego State to still be undefeated, it speaks volumes to how good they are," New Mexico coach Steve Alford said.

The Lobos and Aztecs were two of four MWC teams to reach the NCAA Tournament last year. Brigham Young and UNLV also made the field. Those four are keeping the same fast pace, compiling a combined 52-6 record in nonconference games.

Rebels coach Lon Kruger, citing the "tremendous job" done by Mountain West teams in November and December, said, "I think the league is improved across the board."

One way to measure the strength of a conference is by its number of high-ranking NBA prospects. Leonard, who averages 15.7 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, and BYU senior guard Jimmer Fredette, a first-team All-American, are likely first-round picks.

Leonard, a physical force inside, is surrounded by muscle and size in the 6-9 Thomas and 6-8 White, a former Green Valley High School star.

"I've said all along, I think San Diego State is a top-10 team," Utah coach Jim Boylen said. "Rebounding is the key. If you give them multiple opportunities at the rim, you're going to lose."

In the past, the Aztecs were known to stumble on the MWC road and drop games -- at Wyoming last year, for example -- they had no business losing. If their focus matches their impressive athletic talent, those missteps should not happen this time around.

"You have to get a bit lucky to win 15 straight, no matter who you play. We went on the road to some tough places to play and found ways to win," Fisher said. "I don't know if anyone is going to go undefeated in the league, and probably no one will."

San Diego State has never won an NCAA Tournament game. That should change in March. Fisher has the best collection of talent in the conference.

A look at the rest of the Mountain West by predicted order of finish:

2. BYU -- Fredette means everything to the Cougars, 14-1 and ranked 15th. He's a marked man but will continue to be a high-volume scorer. He poured in a season-high 34 points at Buffalo on Thursday and is averaging 24.1 per game.

"The last 15 teams we've played knew he's the guy to defend," BYU coach Dave Rose said. "League play is a little different because there is so much familiarity. I do believe it will be more difficult for Jimmer."

Fredette gets all the attention, but he gets support from senior guard Jackson Emery, 6-6 freshman guard Kyle Collinsworth, 6-9 Brandon Davies, 6-8 Noah Hartsock and a deep bench.

The Cougars have some quality wins but have not played a ranked team. BYU's biggest test comes Wednesday against No. 25 UNLV at the Thomas & Mack Center.

"When you play one of the league's top teams on the road early in the season, it's a good measuring stick," Rose said.

3. UNLV -- Kruger has the Rebels (12-2) playing typically tough defense, limiting opponents to 60.1 points per game and 38 percent shooting.

But several players, including leading scorer Chace Stanback, have been in shooting slumps. UNLV's free-throw and perimeter shooting can be expected to improve, but it must rebound better to beat the tougher interior teams such as San Diego State.

4. New Mexico -- The Lobos (11-3) are strong in the backcourt and strong inside, so don't count out the defending MWC regular-season champions.

"I think every team in the league is better this year. I'm not sure we're at that point," Alford said.

Senior point guard Dairese Gary is the team's rock. The backcourt also features double-digit scorers in junior Phillip McDonald and freshman Kendall Williams. A.J. Hardeman, 6-11 freshman Alex Kirk and UCLA transfer Drew Gordon can score and rebound in the paint.

5. Colorado State -- After winning a tournament in Cancun, Mexico, the Rams were rolling. But they finished nonconference play 10-4 after a Saturday loss to Hampton on a last-second 3-pointer.

Led by senior forwards Andy Ogide and Travis Franklin, Colorado State could be ready for a breakthrough.

"You caught me on a bad day. We got our (butt) kicked by Hampton out of Virginia, so there's no bold predictions here," coach Tim Miles said. "We have to beat those top four teams. We have not punched through that barrier. UNLV is the only team we've beaten, and we only beat them once."

6. Utah -- The Utes have lost four straight to fall to 7-7, but Boylen is encouraged. He has a star player in 6-7 junior Will Clyburn, who averages 19.1 points and 8.6 rebounds.

"When your best player is your hardest worker, you've got a good situation," Boylen said. "I like where we're going. I like how hard we're playing. We'll do good things."

7. Texas Christian -- A backcourt of Ronnie Moss and point guard Hank Thorns (Valley High) gives the Horned Frogs (9-6) potential to move up in the standings. But Moss is recovering from a concussion and is questionable to play Wednesday when San Diego State visits.

"He wants to play. It's up to the doctors at this point," TCU coach Jim Christian said. "The concussion issue is a very hot button."

Christian, promoting the strength of the MWC, said, "There are no nights off in our league."

There should be a few easy nights for the top four teams, as Air Force and Wyoming will fight it out for eighth.

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.