Independent Basketball Journalism
Basketball. No Politics. We Represent Ballplayers.
Hawai‘i enters the Mountain West after a 24-win NCAA Tournament season with a reconstructed roster led by Marcus Adams Jr., Lueth Awan and returning guard Tanner Cuff. Unit 1 Hoop Source examines the pieces, questions and potential behind the Rainbow Warriors’ 2026–27 recalibration.
Mike Mora arrives at Wyoming after averaging 17.2 points at Division II Cal State Monterey Bay. The 6-foot-6 forward brings deep shooting range, size and basketball IQ, but his move to the Mountain West creates an important evaluation question: how will his production translate against bigger, quicker and more physical competition?
Nevada adds an experienced floor general in Styles Phipps, a productive two-way guard who averaged 13.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals at Pepperdine. Unit 1 Hoop Source examines his court vision, dribble penetration, pull-up game and potential impact in the new-look Mountain West.
Grand Canyon enters its second Mountain West season with a reconstructed roster, proven returners and several transfers capable of making an immediate impact. The talent is there, but how quickly Bryce Drew can establish roles, chemistry and continuity will determine how far the Lopes can go in 2026–27.
Jake Hall and Uriah Tenette return after combining for 27.0 points per game as freshmen, giving New Mexico a productive backcourt foundation and a legitimate opportunity to compete for the 2026–27 Mountain West championship.
UNLV added one of the Mountain West’s most intriguing transfers in Sebastian Mack. Unit 1 Hoop Source breaks down his UCLA film, defensive impact, downhill scoring ability, and why he could become one of the conference’s top two-way guards.
At Mountain West Media Day 2025, coaches across the league — from Boise State and UNLV to Colorado State, San Diego State, and Grand Canyon — emphasized defense, culture, and continuity. Unit 1 Hoop Source was on the ground in Las Vegas with exclusive access and firsthand takeaways from one of college basketball’s most competitive conferences