The University of Wyoming men's basketball team has been picked to finish seventh in the Mountain West, as the conference announced its 2017-18 preseason media poll and all-conference team today at the league's media summit in the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev. The Cowboys garnered 133 points from media in the MW. Junior guard Justin James was named to the Preseason All-MW team.
 
Nevada was tabbed the preseason favorite to win the 2017-18 regular-season title by capturing 19 of 24 first-place votes for 257 points. San Diego State received 229 points to finish second with two first-place votes, followed by Boise State with 211 points for third place with two first-place votes. Fresno State received 188 points to finish fourth, followed by Colorado State (154 points) and UNLV (138), as the Runnin' Rebels also earned a first-place vote. The Pokes garnered 133 points for seventh, Utah State collected 102 points for eighth. New Mexico (93), San Jose State (41) and Air Force (38) rounded out the poll.
 
Boise State senior guard Chandler Hutchison was named the MW Preseason Player of the Year, while Nevada junior Caleb Martin is the Preseason Newcomer of the Year. UNLV freshman Brandon McCoy was named Preseason Freshman of the Year.
 
The Preseason All-MW team features James, as he was named the MW Sixth Man of the Year last season and earned Third Team All-MW honors. He averaged 16.0 points per game a year ago and was named the College Basketball Invitational Most Valuable Player. He scored in double-figures in 30 games and scored 20 or more points in 12 contests.
 
Others on the Preseason All-MW team include Hutchison of Boise State, and junior guard/forward Jordan Caroline of defending MW champions Nevada. San Diego State senior guard Trey Kell and Utah State guard Kobe McEwen also were named to the team.
 
The Cowboys faceoff against Regis on Friday, Nov. 3 in an exhibition game in the Arena-Auditorium, before tipping off the regular season against Chattanooga on Friday, Nov. 10 in Laramie. Fans can purchase season tickets by calling the Wyoming Athletics Ticket Office at (307) 766-7220 or going online at GoWyo.com.

2017-18 PRESEASON ALL-MW TEAM
Pos.       Player                                 Yr.          Team
G            Chandler Hutchison              Sr.          Boise State
G/F         Jordan Caroline                    Jr.           Nevada
G            Trey Kell                             Sr.          San Diego State
G            Koby McEwen                     So.         Utah State
G            Justin James                       Jr.           Wyoming
 
Preseason Player of the Year
Chandler Hutchison, Sr., Boise State
 
Preseason Freshman of the Year
Brandon McCoy, F, UNLV
 
Preseason Newcomer of the Year
Caleb Martin, Jr., F, Nevada
 
Predicted Order of Finish
Rk.         Team (First-Place Votes)              Pts.
  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