First Team:
Malachi Flynn, SDSU: 32 games, 17.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.1 blocks, 44/37/86, 7.4 Win Shares –
Malachi Flynn makes the list because despite only playing in the Mountain West for one season, it was a heck of a season. He was named a consensus 2nd team All American. Only three other Mountain West players in the history of the conference have been named consensus 1st or 2nd team All Americans. Flynn also won Conference Player of the Year, and Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Flynn’s ability to run the offense and take what the defense gave him was elite. Flynn is arguably the best point guard the conference has had this decade, which is saying something considering the talent the conference has seen.
Isaiah Stevens, Colorado State: 153 games, 15.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1 steal, 0.1 blocks, 47/40/85, 21.6 Win Shares –
Isaiah Stevens had a claim to the title of best point guard in the conference for most of his career. He made an all conference team in four of his five seasons playing in Colorado Springs. Stevens finished his career as the all time leader in assists for the conference, and second in points. For the entirety of his career, he was an offense unto himself. He was a hyper efficient scorer who excelled at passing teammates open when the defense keyed in on him. He was the leader on the first Rams team to win a game in the NCAA tournament since 2013.
David Roddy, Colorado State: 91 games, 15.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists. 0.9 steals, 0.9 blocks, 52/32/74, 13.8 Win Shares –
Roddy is a two time first team all conference player who also won the conference player of the year award his final season before turning pro. Despite standing only 6’5, he was one of the best rebounders in the conference during his time. His physical style of play made him nearly unstoppable down low, and as his career went on he extended his range beyond the three point line. He led the conference in effective field goal percentage and box plus-minus in 2022, showcasing efficient scoring and two-way impact in addition to being an elite rebounder. It was largely thanks to Roddy’s dominance that the Rams got their best tournament seed (6) this millennium.
Justin Bean, Utah State: 51 games, 13.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.5 blocks, 53/38/81, 17.3 Win Shares –
Justin Bean is one of the best feel good stories through the decade so far. He went to Utah State as a walk on and by his last year was one of the best players in the conference. He transformed from a low usage energy guy to the number one option on offense while also defending opponents best players. He was named to an all conference team three times, in addition to being an all defensive team member twice. He is also ranked second in conference history in career rebounds. He was arguably the best defender on a 2020 team that featured Sam Merrill and Neemias Queta.
Jaedon LeDee, SDSU: 75 games, 14.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.4 blocks, 54/37/73, 10.9 Win Shares –
LeDee is the fifth Mountain West player to make a consensus All American team, albeit third team. He was also a first team all conference player, and won the Karl Malone award for best power forward in the country, despite playing center all season. His physicality helped him score enough points to finish third all time in single season points scored for the conference. His career Box Plus-Minus is also first in the history of the conference, highlighting his overall impact on both ends of the floor. His dominance scoring the ball at the rim, and from mid range, made him unstoppable. He also hit enough shots from deep to keep defenses honest, and even when he missed he was usually drawing a foul and hitting free throws. LeDee played a key role in getting the Aztecs to the national championship game, and was the star player in getting the Aztecs to their second sweet 16 in a row.
Now for the fun part. Who got snubbed? And who would you take out to make room for that player?
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1374]