Brockeith Pane for WAC MVP?

So will Utah State senior backcourter Brockeith Pane compete with New Mexico State's Wendell McKines for the conference most valuable player crown?

Pane was a First Team All-WAC selection last season, his first in Logan after  transferring from Midland College. He averaged 12.5 points per game (15th in the WAC) while shooting 50% from the floor. He tied La'Shard Anderson for third in assists at 4.4 a contest, versus 2.9 turnovers and,  surprisingly, he nabbed but 14 steals in 16 games. Shocking was his three point field goal percentage, a measly 13% on 38 attempts but Pane shot 76% from the foul line which indicates the proficiency to do better from a few feet further out.

To garner the top player award, Pane will need more points, obviously better outside shooting plus less TOs per contest. With his hands, he should also be coming up with a couple of steals each time out. What all these numbers mean is simple: having a greater overall effect on the outcomes of games.

Pane is the 2011 Aggie team leader what with Tai Wesley, Nate Bendall, Tyler Newbold, Pooh Williams and Brian Green being but fond memories. There are quite a number ifs and ands associated with Stew Morrill's current roster, something not often connected with Utah State basketball for a long time.

So Pane ultimately will need to make his teammates more effective than their talents might usually allow at this point in their college careers but it will also be incumbent upon the other four players on the floor at the time to rise to the occasion.

Pane's game is dribble-drive penetration, at least that was what was demonstrated last season. He's not necessarily the quickest but his strength -- he weighs 195 -- is utilized as his best physical asset.

It's impossible to think of Utah State as anything but an annual conference contender, if not the outright favorite. Something's not right in the universe if conventional wisdom says otherwise. 

However, New Mexico State will be tough, as will Nevada and don't count out Idaho if Kyle Barone can take a big step forward.

But USU must be beaten before any handing off of the crown takes place.

Losing some games will take place on the road -- to a degree -- this coming season but the $64,000,000 question is if Aggies can be taken down in The Spectrum? That's the key if any team wishes to end up higher in the WAC standings.

So will Pane rise to the challenge?

Check his outside-shooting numbers after a few games. He's going to receive greater defensive focus this season and it will be necessary for him to make adjustments as opponents dictates.

He has the capability but will he carry the team? That's why the games are played.