So how will the WAC men's basketball teams finish in 2008-2009?

But first comes a word of warning: if anyone sidles up to you and says that he or she knows who will win the WAC in men's basketball this coming season and also offers that you can take it to the bank...well, do check for dilated pupils and/or alcohol on the breath, plus probably a hand stealthily reaching for your wallet.

There are so many new faces in the WAC, plus current rosters that may be minus a few names come the beginning of the school year -- any predictions at this point must be fronted with a myriad of ifs, ands and buts.

But it's still fun to try.

So, if we were to list our July 8, 2008 perceptions -- with the proviso that such may change even by tomorrow -- here we go providing the grist for our own pummeling. We'll keep it short but respond to your entreaties with fuller explanations:

Nevada -- It will be a new Nevada team but there's a nice blend of returnees who have or are in the process of stepping up and some marvelous new recruits -- the Pack has to prove it can compete in the paint, especially on defense.

Louisiana Tech -- Only Jamel White was 'doing it' before his move to LA TECH but a number of people have indicated to us that fellow transfers Kenneth Cooper and Magnum Rolle are going to shine from the get-go, along with redshirt Olu Ashaolu and returnee Kyle Gibson and that's your Tech starting five right there.

New Mexico State -- The eligibility of Terence Joyner and even Jahmar Young remain up in the air for NMSU but the odds are likely that both will be on the court come November, alongside Herb Pope, Troy Gillenwater and Jonathan Gibson. The loss of Faisal Aden hurts as his size and skills set placed him into the category of being the best Aggie backcourter down the road.

Utah State -- Gary Wilkinson, Tai Wesley and Tyler Newbold are three very good players and quite the core to build around -- the key for USU is how quickly Morrill's newcomers can adapt to his system and become consistent contributors.

San Jose State -- We're going to label the Spartans a WAC darkhorse as the team may still be a year away from top doggin' it.

Each of the five teams above has a valid chance to win the WAC and it is unduly difficult to differentiate the predicted order of finish. The listings may change as we learn more but the order we have listed is where our thinking is right now. Nobody is going to run away with the league title in 2008-2009 and the determination of the WAC winner could very well go down to the actual last weekend of play.

The teams below just don't appear to have the ready nucleus to compete in 2008-2009 for the top division/spot.

Boise State -- Greg Graham loses so much and it's a near impossibility that a new core of his youngsters and newcomers can step up enough in the coming season.

Hawaii -- Bob Nash need a couple more full recruiting seasons and added experience to the current players on his roster.

Fresno State -- It's unimaginable that Steve Cleveland and his squad could have another season as tumultous as last year but the Bulldogs are still missing too many pieces to stay out of a second division finish.

Idaho -- Coach Verlin needs a couple of full recruiting season at the minimum before he can have his Vandals truly competitive.