Oct. 9, 2001

DENVER, Colo. - The UNLV men's basketball team is predicted to finish fifth in the Mountain West Conference this season according to the preseason media poll, which was released by the conference at its annual basketball media day Tuesday at the Marriott City Center.

The league media selected Wyoming to win the MWC title as the Cowboys claimed 25 of a possible 29 first place votes. Utah was picked second, garnering four first-place votes, followed by New Mexico, San Diego State, UNLV, BYU, Colorado State and Air Force.

The Preseason All-MWC team was also announced at media day. Wyoming's Marcus Bailey and Josh Davis, New Mexico's Ruben Douglas, San Diego State's Randy Holcomb and Utah's Britton Johnsen were all selected. Davis was named the top returning player and San Diego State's Tony Bland was named the top newcomer.

2001-02 MWC Preseason Media PollSchool (First Place Votes)  Points1. Wyoming (25)         2282. Utah (4)         1993. New Mexico           1764. San Diego State      1305. UNLV             1176. BYU              1027. Colorado State       548. Air Force            38

2001-02 Preseason All-MWC TeamMarcus Bailey, Jr., G, WyomingJosh Davis, Sr., F, WyomingRuben Douglas, Jr., G, New MexicoRandy Holcomb, Sr., F, San Diego StateBritton Johnsen, Jr., F, Utah

2001-02 Preseason MWC Top Returning PlayerJosh Davis, Sr., F, Wyoming

2001-02 Preseason MWC Top NewcomerTony Bland, Jr., G, San Diego State