Ballots for the preseason all-MWC honors are due this week, and I just sent mine in last night. The honors will be announced next Tuesday during the MWC basketball media days in Denver. Quite possibly, this is my last MWC ballot, with the Cougars going to the WCC next year, and the Utes going to the Pac-12.

Here's how I voted, with a few comments:Team Order of Finish:1. San Diego State: All five starters are back, and coach Steve Fisher has also added a three-point shooting threat, Santa Clara transfer James Rahon. Looks like a Sweet 16 team to me, maybe better.2. BYU: Cougars still not strong enough inside to handle SDSU, could also get trouble from UNM, UNLV. Fredette has to stay healthy all year, too, which isn't a given.3. New Mexico: Decent returning cast will be bolstered by transfers from UCLA, Tennessee. I like Dairese Gary's game, too.4. UNLV: Troubled guard Tre'Von Willis is back, but Rebels suffered a blow when three-point bomber Kendall Wallace tore his ACL, ruled out for the season.5. Colorado State: Showed it is a program on the rise last year.6. Wyoming: Call me crazy, but I think the Cowboys will improve with Afam Muojeke back from an injury and rising star Desmar Jackson continuing to emerge.7. Utah: With 7-footer David Foster in the middle, Utes have someone to rebuild around8. TCU: Frogs gave BYU trouble in MWC tourney, have Ronnie Moss back, but still trying to get over the hump.9. Air Force: How did Falcons almost beat Lobos at Pit last year?ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM Jimmer Fredette, BYU Tre'Von Willis, UNLV Kawhi Leonard, SDSU Dairese Gary, New Mexico Malcolm Thomas, SDSU

Preseason Player of the Year: Kawhi Leonard, SDSU (Fredette's an All-American, but when push comes to shove I think MWC media voters will pick the best player from the championship team, and I think that team will be San Diego State. Remember, it happened last year when UNM's Darington Hobson got the nod over Fredette). Preseason Newcomer of the Year: Drew Gordon, New Mexico (Transferring from UCLA, will be eligible when conference play begins; as usual, the league has a lot of potential high-impact transfers this year). Preseason Freshman of the Year: Kyle Collinsworth, BYU (Call this a familiarity pick. I'm pretty sure Collinsworth is going to see a lot of playing time, much like Tyler Haws did last year; can't say that about the other candidates: UNM's Alex Kirk, UNLV's Carlos Lopez, SDSU's LaBradford Franklin).