Rebels tabbed 2nd in MWC; 3 players recognized by league media

By Taylor Bern

Monday, Oct. 22, 2012 | 2 p.m.

UNLV was chosen to finish second in the Mountain West Conference, and three Rebels received preseason recognition by the Mountain West media, it was announced Monday.

Junior Mike Moser is on the preseason all-conference team, sophomore Bryce Dejean-Jones is the co-newcomer of the year and Anthony Bennett is the league’s preseason freshman of the year.

Dejean-Jones shares his honor with San Diego State’s Dwayne Pollee, while Aztec teammate Jamaal Franklin was named the preseason player of the year. Moser and Franklin are joined on the all-conference team by Chase Tapley (San Diego State), Kendall Williams (New Mexico) and Deante Burton (UNR).

The Rebels, who finished third last season, received eight of 18 first-place votes and finished second behind San Diego State, which received the other 10 votes. The co-regular season champions last year, the Aztecs (153 points) just barely edged out the Rebels (151). In the first USA Today/Coaches poll, the roles are reversed with No. 19 UNLV sliding in ahead of No. 20 San Diego State.

In third place is New Mexico, which last year shared the league title with San Diego State and won the conference tournament. Colorado State is fourth, followed by UNR, Wyoming, Fresno State, Boise State and Air Force.

Moser won the newcomer of the year award last year. He enters this season on several national lists as one of the best players in the country. Dejean-Jones is rehabbing from two broken bones in his left, non-shooting hand, but he may still be ready for the opening game on Monday, Nov. 12, against Northern Arizona. Bennett is one of the most highly regarded recruits in Rebels history, and last Thursday he won the team's dunk contest.

Taylor Bern can be reached at 948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Taylor on Twitter at twitter.com/taylorbern.