🎙️ A League in Transition — and on the Rise
The Mountain West Conference is entering a season unlike any other.
On Thursday, October 23, all twelve programs will converge at Resorts World Las Vegas for the Old Trapper Basketball Media Day, bringing together head coaches, top players, and conference leadership for a day that defines tone, direction, and purpose across West Coast college basketball.
This year’s storyline begins with a sense of renewal and evolution.
The league that sent multiple teams to the 2025 NCAA Tournament is adding new layers of competition and personality — most notably with Grand Canyon University officially joining the Mountain West. That move introduces a new recruiting footprint, a passionate fan base, and a physical, defensive style that will test the conference from Day One.
🏔️ Storylines to Watch
- The Grand Entrance of Grand Canyon University
The Lopes have become one of the West’s most consistent mid-major programs, and their entry brings fresh rivalries, particularly with Colorado State, Boise State, and San Diego State. Expect their toughness and tempo to force every program to adjust. - New Coaches, New Voices
Several programs enter this season under new leadership. Media Day will offer the first look at how those coaches plan to reshape their teams and reignite their cultures. - The Transfer Era and Team Identity
With the portal continuing to change rosters overnight, the spotlight is on chemistry. Which programs have blended talent and leadership most effectively? Which veterans return ready to anchor new-look teams? - Proving Grounds and National Respect
After a season that saw four teams reach the Big Dance, the Mountain West enters 2025–26 with momentum and expectation. This Media Day will offer clues about who can maintain that standard and who is ready to surprise.
🧠 The Pulse of West Coast Basketball
Beyond numbers and projections, this gathering is about identity — what Mountain West basketball stands for in 2025. Hard-nosed defense, player development, and rising national respect have become its calling cards. Now, with a mix of established programs and new blood, the conference is positioned to define its place in the modern college landscape.
Expect discussions around philosophy, culture, and leadership as coaches like Josh Pastner (UNLV), Brian Dutcher (San Diego State), and Leon Rice (Boise State) outline their visions for sustained success — while emerging programs look to challenge the status quo.
📹 Unit 1 Hoop Source On the Ground
Unit 1 Hoop Source will be on site at Resorts World Las Vegas, bringing viewers authentic coverage from start to finish — coach soundbites, player perspectives, and behind-the-scenes moments that capture the real pulse of the Mountain West.
Follow @unit1hoopsource across all platforms for real-time updates, and subscribe at www.u1hoops.com for full recaps, interviews, and scouting insight throughout the week.
🏁 Final Take
This year’s Old Trapper Mountain West Media Day is more than a preview — it’s a snapshot of where West Coast college basketball is headed.
New faces and fresh philosophies will shape a conference built on competition and character. Unit 1 Hoop Source will be there to capture the shift — from the sidelines to the stories that matter.
© 2025 Kim Muhammad | Unit 1 Hoop Source. All Rights Reserved.
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