UNLV has work to do if it’s going to contend for the Mountain West men’s basketball title this season, according to the preseason poll released Thursday at media day at Resorts World.

The Rebels were picked fifth in the 11-team league.

Boise State was predicted to win the conference with 19 of 26 first-place votes and 276 points.

UNLV received two first-place votes in the poll and 178 points.

“In this conference, I think being in the conversation in the top half of the league shows we’re definitely getting respect,” UNLV coach Kevin Kruger said. “In terms of growth, fifth, fourth, third, what’s the difference? It does make me feel good in a sense we’re now talked about in the same group as teams that have continuously made the NCAA Tournament.

“Obviously we’d love to be picked first, where it’s a no-brainer and people don’t need to think about it. But at same time, this conference has been incredibly challenging for everyone.”

Boise State was followed by New Mexico, UNR and San Diego State.

In preseason individual awards, Boise State center Tyson Degenhart was named player of the year.

UNLV sophomore guard Dedan Thomas Jr. made the 10-team preseason all-conference team.

San Diego State’s Pharaoh Compton, a former Arbor View High standout, is predicted to be the league’s freshman of the year.

“I wouldn’t say (being picked fifth) motivates us, but at the same time it does,” Thomas said. “We’re just going to go out there and play our game and win as many games as we can. But, yeah, we don’t really pay much attention to that kind of stuff.”

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