With the Boise State men’s basketball season right around the corner, it is only right to showcase what could possibly be one of the best teams and potentially one of the best seasons this program has ever seen.
There is no denying that the Broncos have seen quite tremendous growth the last two seasons. Though the Broncos have been crowned Mountain West Champions in 2022 and gone to the NCAA Tournament the last two seasons, there is still much to prove and this season seems to be aligning to do just that.
The team returns three of its five starters from last year and adds a plethora of talent to make the team considerably more deep than it was last year.
RANKING
Boise State was ranked second in the Mountain West in the pre-season poll just behind San Diego State University, understandably so.
After the unfathomable success in the Mountain West Tournament and NCAA Tournament last year, the Aztecs are the most favored team to come out of the Mountain West.
University of New Mexico (3) and University of Nevada (4), fall just behind the Broncos and Aztecs in the preseason ranking.
Last year, one of the toughest opponents for the Broncos was New Mexico. After last season’s back and forth battle and chipper competition, this duo could very well be the newest basketball rivalry.
MUST SEE GAME
There is no doubt that the matchup against San Diego State on Jan. 20, 2024 in Extra Mile Arena will be electric.
After taking down the No. 18 ranked Aztecs at home and storming the court, there is no doubt that it was one of the best sports moments in Boise.
The turnout and expectation for this game is undeniable, fans, no matter where the teams stand at the time of the game, will love to see this matchup take place at “The X”.
This will be one of the best games the Broncos will host and all of Bronco Nation will be there to support their beloved Blue and Orange.
DARK HORSE
After former point guard Marcus Shaver Jr. was faced with nagging injuries last season, the Broncos looked to Jace Whiting to fill the role.
Whiting, the sophomore guard, received ample playing time last season despite his freshman year standing.
Whiting had a few struggles in the season regarding back court violations and turnovers, however, he will be much more suited for the upcoming season.
The Idaho native, has potential to compete for a consecutive starting spot and has experience unlike some other rising players on the squad.
HIT-OR-MISS
The former Texas Tech player, Chibuzo Agbo, is returning to Boise State for his second year on the team.
Last season, the senior guard started in all but one game and averaged 11.5 points a game and 4.8 rebounds per game.
Though Agbo averaged the fourth highest scoring average, he lacked to show up in big moments.
In both the Mountain West tournament and NCAA Tournament, Agbo lacked all star power and didn’t quite show up for the Broncos when they needed him most. Agbo, though a complete athlete, has proven it is hard to rely on him in the toughest of moments.
KEY PLAYER
The key player for the 2023-24 season is none other than Tyson Degenhart.
Entering his junior year, Degenhart has been one of the most reliable and consistent players throughout his career.
After being crowned Mountain West Freshman of the Year in 2022 and All-Mountain West First Team in 2023, the star forward is gradually ascending into both a powerful and dynamic player.
Degenhart averaged 9.9 points his freshman year and 14.1 points per game his sophomore year. He not only elevated his scoring game, but has spread the ball around much more effectively.
In the 2021-22 season, Degenhart notched 30 assists and doubled his assists during the 2022-23 season.
Not only is he a force to be reckoned with on the court, but he has quickly become a fan favorite amongst Bronco Nation.
Last season, Bronco Nation witnessed Degenhart coming into his own, with much more confidence and even more show stopping plays.
All eyes will be on Degenhart as he enters his third year as a Bronco, this could be a true breakthrough season.
BEST NEWCOMERS
Boise State had an incredibly busy off-season with the additions of six new players, though they have yet to take the court, there seems to be hope for this next wave of Broncos.
O’Mar Stanley and Andrew Meadow are two newcomers who could legitimately play a role in the lineup early on in the season.
Stanley is one of three transfers that the Broncos added and will potentially step in as “Naje Smith like role” of last season — a seasoned veteran with ample experience, good energy and the ability to make plays on both the offensive and defensive end.
Stanley is entering his Junior year at Boise State after starting his first two seasons with St. John’s University.
In his time at St. Johns, Stanley averaged 2.6 points per game, which is seemingly underwhelming, but played a huge role on defense, which is just what Boise State will need this upcoming season
Don’t let the glasses deceive you, Meadow is a force to be reckoned with. The true freshman was one of the most highly sought after recruits in California and has already established himself as a scorer after his performance at the 2023 Canada Foreign Tour this last summer for the Broncos.
Though Emmanuel Ugbo, an incoming freshman from the Netherlands, committed to Boise State late last December, there is no longer a sign of him on the roster, at practices nor pre-season tournaments.
One of the best prospects Boise State has seen has been radio silent, with no updates on his end.
Ugbo was originally listed on the Broncos website under number ten, now, the roster doesn’t include him. Though there is possibility of a redshirt season or academic ineligibility, there is no doubt that this rising star could be very missed throughout the season.
The Broncos will tip-off their season with a non-conference home opener against Vanguard at 7 p.m. on Nov. 7 in Extra Mile Arena.
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What is the current status of this guy?
“New recruit Emmanuel Ugbo, a 6-foot-8 power forward from Ludwigsburg, Germany, is one of the tallest recruits for Boise State this year and adds a unique combination of size and deep shooting to the Bronco roster.
Ugbo, boasts a 7-foot-2 wingspan and can shoot out to the 3-point line. Despite only playing having played basketball since he was 14, the new Bronco seems to be a great replacement for some of those who are leaving Boise State.”