In a season filled with turmoil and adversity, the UNM men's basketball team continues its journey in search of steady improvement.
But trouble looms for the young Lobos, as they jump head first into a conference loaded with depth, size and talent. For the Lobos, the only direction they can go is up, but the forecast of this year's league says the Lobos will be in for the fight of their life.
Here is a look at the 2002-2003 Mountain West Conference.
University of Utah
Head Coach: Rick Majerus
Overall Record: (13-4, 1-1)
Super Stud: Sr/Forward Britton Johnson
Players to Watch: Jr/Guard, Nick Jacobson (12.8 PPG), Sr/Guard, Trace Caton
Quick Fact: Utes have won 8 of 9 games
University of Nevada Las Vegas
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Head Coach: Charlie Spoonhour
Overall Record: (11-4, 0-2)
Super Stud: Sr/F Dalron Johnson (16.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG)
Players to Watch: Sr/G Marcus Banks (18.8 PPG)
Quick Fact: Off to best start since the 96-97 campaign. Hit a three pointer in 521 straight games (NCAA record)
Brigham Young University
Head Coach: Steve Cleveland
Overall Record: (13-4, 2-0)
Super Stud: Sr/F Travis Hansen (15.6 PPG)
Players to Watch: Jr/G Mark Bigelow (12.7 PPG), Jr/Center Rafael Araujo (12.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG)
Quick Fact: Longest home winning streak in nation (44 games)
University of Wyoming
Head Coach: Steve McClain
Overall Record: (14-3, 2-0)
Super Stud: Sr/F Marcus Bailey (out for year)
Players to Watch: Sr/C Uche Nsonwu-Amadi (11.0 RPG), Sr/G Donta Richardson (17.3 PPG)
Quick Fact: Have won 9 of 10 games, streak of 9 straight broken at Kansas. Currently sit atop the MWC
Colorado State Univeristy
Head Coach: Dale Layer
Overall Record: (13-4, 2-0)
Super Stud: Sr/F Brian Greene (7.0 RPG)
Players to Watch: Sr/G Andy Birley, So/C Matt Nelson (14.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG)
Quick Fact: Have won 14 in a row at home and have shot over 50 percent in 11 of 17 games this year
University of New Mexico
Head Coach: Ritchie McKay
Overall Record: (5-9, 0-2)
Super Stud: Sr/G Ruben Douglas (25.7 PPG, 5th in nation)
Players to Watch: So/F Jamaal Williams (13.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG), Fr/G Mark Walters (9.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG)
Quick Fact: Used different starting lineup in 13 of 14 games this year and lost 12 straight road games
San Diego State University
Head Coach: Steve Fisher
Overall Record: (11-5, 2-1)
Super Stud: Sr/G Tony Bland
Players to Watch: Sr/C Mike Mackell
Quick Fact: Off to their best start since 96-97 season
Air Force Academy
Head Coach: Joe Scott
Overall Record: (9-7, 0-3)
Super Stud: Sr/F Tom Bellairs ()
Players to Watch: Jr/G Joel Gerlach (12.5 PPG), So/G Tim Keller (14.8 PPG)
Quick Fact: 6-0 when scoring over 60 points, 3-6 when scoring below 60 points
