Nevada Wolf Pack Men's Basketball: Complete Season Preview and Team Analysis

As I sit down to analyze this year’s Nevada Wolf Pack men’s basketball roster, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. Having followed this program for the better part of a decade, I’ve seen the highs and lows—the thrilling NCAA tournament runs and the rebuilding years that tested our patience. This season, though, something feels different. Maybe it’s the blend of returning veterans and promising newcomers, or maybe it’s the buzz around head coach Steve Alford’s system finally hitting its stride. Whatever it is, I’m convinced this team has the pieces to make some real noise in the Mountain West.

Let’s rewind a bit. Last season, the Wolf Pack finished with a respectable 19–12 record, but they fell just short of the NCAA tournament, settling for an NIT bid that left fans like me wanting more. We watched them battle through injuries and inconsistent shooting, yet there were flashes of brilliance—like that overtime win against San Diego State where Jarod Lucas dropped 28 points. Lucas, by the way, is back for his senior year, and if you ask me, he’s the heart and soul of this squad. The guy’s a walking bucket, and his leadership could be the X-factor in tight games.

Now, looking ahead, the schedule sets up nicely for a strong start. Non-conference matchups against teams like BYU and TCU will be early tests, but I’m particularly intrigued by how the team gels during the Diamond Head Classic in December. That’s where we’ll see if the new backcourt additions—freshman Tyler Rolison and transfer Darrion Williams—can handle the pressure. Rolison, a four-star recruit, has already turned heads in practice with his court vision, and I’ve heard whispers he could be the steal of the recruiting class. Still, it’s one thing to shine in drills and another to perform under the bright lights.

When it comes to the Mountain West race, I’ll be honest: I see Nevada as a dark horse for the top three. The conference is stacked, with San Diego State and Boise State looking like favorites, but the Wolf Pack’s depth gives them a fighting chance. Think about it—they return over 70% of their scoring from last season, and with big man Will Baker improving his post moves, the interior defense should be sturdier. Baker averaged 12.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, and if he can bump those numbers up, watch out.

But here’s where things get really interesting. I recently came across a note in our team research archives that stuck with me: "The battle for third place and the championship game are set on August 24." At first, I thought it was a typo—August is football season, after all. But then it hit me: this could refer to the early strategic planning sessions the coaching staff held back in the summer. It tells me they’ve been eyeing that third spot from day one, treating it as a stepping stone to the title game. It’s a bold mindset, and I love it. In my experience, teams that set specific, ambitious goals early tend to overachieve.

Off the court, the community’s energy is palpable. I’ve chatted with fans at local spots like Sierra Gold, and everyone’s buzzing about the potential of this group. Sure, there are skeptics who point to last year’s defensive lapses—they allowed 72.1 points per game, which ranked mid-pack in the MW—but I’m betting on improvement. Assistant coach Kory Barnett has been drilling the guys on switching schemes, and from what I’ve seen in scrimmages, the communication is sharper.

As for my take, I’ll go out on a limb and predict a 22–9 regular season, with Nevada snagging that coveted third place in the conference. They’ve got the talent, the coaching, and the hunger. Mark your calendars for March; this could be the year they break through. In the end, the Nevada Wolf Pack men’s basketball complete season preview and team analysis isn’t just about X’s and O’s—it’s about a program poised to capture our hearts again. Let’s pack the Lawlor and make some noise.