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Conference Tip-Off Primer: WAC

A couple of games have already kicked off conference play in the WAC but most of the conference will start up this weekend. Who are the players and teams to keep an eye on heading into conference play and can anyone stop New Mexico State?

Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Conference Standings:

Rank

School Record
1 New Mexico State Aggies 11-5
2 Seattle Redhawks 8-5
3 Cal St. Bakersfield Roadrunners 7-7
4 Utah Valley Wolverines 6-7
5 Grand Canyon Antelopes 6-8, 1-0
6 Idaho Vandals 6-9, 0-1
7 Chicago State Cougars 5-8
8 UMKC Kangaroos 4-9, 1-0
9 Texas-Pan American Broncs 4-11,0-1

*Based on win percentage since all teams have not played a conference game.

Leading Scorers:

Rank Player PPG
1 Isiah Umipig (Seattle) 19.9
2 Stephen Madison (Idaho) 17.6
3 Javorn Farrell (Texas-Pan Am) 17.1
4 Demetrius Walker (Grand Canyon) 16.9
5 Daniel Mullings (NM State) 16.7

Top Rebounders:

Rank Player RPG
1 Killian Larson (Grand Canyon) 11.7
2 Stephen Madison (Idaho) 7.7
3 Trinity Hall (UMKC)
Sim Bhullar (NM State)
7.4
5 Tshilidzi Nephawe 6.9

Assists Leaders:

Rank Player APG
1 Holton Hunsaker (Utah Valley) 4.5
2 Isiah Umipig (Seattle) 4.2
3 K.C. Ross-Miller (NM State) 3.9
4 Issiah Grayson (Cal St Bakersfield) 3.8
5 Daniel Mullings (NM State) 3.5

Biggest Surprise:

The biggest surprise has to be that so many teams are hovering around .500 in this hodge podge of a conference. New Mexico State is supposed to run away with the WAC title, and very well might still do so, but Seattle, Utah Valley, and others may lay down a tougher path for the Aggies than expected. Remember that one bad game in March in Las Vegas could change everything in the conference.

Player of the Year:

I think the best player in the conference is Daniel Mullings from New Mexico State who is averaging 16.7 points and 3.5 assists per game. I also think he may be the most well respected player by his peers and coaches in the WAC and for that will win the player of the year. Idaho's Stephen Madison and Cal State Fullerton transfer Isiah Umipig at Seattle are not going to make it easy for Mullings though.

Biggest Storyline:

Literally it's the frontcourt of New Mexico State lead by 7'5 Sim Bhullar. Will the Aggies have a cakewalk to the title and the conference's auto bid or can they run into some trouble along the way? Right now it looks like no one can compete with the size and talent that the Aggies bring to the table.