Oct. 13, 2005
SALT LAKE CITY - The San Diego State men's basketball team has been selected by members of the Mountain West Conference media to win the MWC crown for the upcoming 2005-06 men's basketball season the conference released on Thursday morning. This marks the first time in school history that the Aztecs have been picked to win the title.
SDSU received 10 out of a possible 22 first place votes and a total of 173 points to earn the top spot in the annual poll. Defending regular season champion Utah was tabbed second with 159 points (six first place votes), while UNLV, last year's preseason pick, finished third with 137 points (three first place votes). Rounding out the poll are Air Force (123 points; two first place votes), New Mexico (120 points), TCU (89 points), Wyoming (74 points; one first place vote), Colorado State (65 points) and Brigham Young (50 points).
In addition to being picked to win the league, San Diego State took home a trio of individual honors at the annual preseason gathering. Junior forward Marcus Slaughter (17.8 ppg, 9.0 rpg in 04-05) was voted as the conference's top returning player, junior center Mohamed Abukar was selected as the conference's top newcomer while junior guard Brandon Heath (18.3 ppg, 3.7 apg) earned a spot on the preseason all-MWC team.
Individual game and tickets to the second annual San Diego SLAM go on sale Monday, Oct. 17, at Qualcomm Stadium, the Cox Arena box office, the Aztec Center box office or through Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com or 619.220.8497). Season tickets are currently on sale.
Preseason MWC Media Poll
School (First Place Votes) Points
1. San Diego State (10) 173
2. Utah (6) 159
3. UNLV (3) 137
4. Air Force (2) 123
5. New Mexico 120
6. TCU 89
7. Wyoming (1) 74
8. Colorado State 65
9. BYU 50
Preseason All-MWC
Marcus Slaughter, Jr., F, San Diego State
Brandon Heath, Jr., G, San Diego State
Jason Smith, So., C, Colorado State
Nick Welch, Sr., C, Air Force
Bryant Markson, Sr., F, Utah
Top Returning Player
Marcus Slaughter, Jr., F, San Diego State
Top Newcomer
Mohamed Abukar, Jr., C, San Diego State