The big names in the Big Sky will rule another season on top of the conference. Montana and Eastern Washington will get all of the talk from the media this season but watch out for Southern Utah when the conference tournament starts.
- Montana (16 Seed)
- Eastern Washington
- Southern Utah
- Montana State
- Weber State
- Northern Arizona
- Northern Colorado
- Sacramento State
- Portland State
- Idaho State
- Idaho
- Montana- The Grizzles lost their top 3 scorers from last season, but they replace them with 3 transfers who should come in and be major production for this team. Montana has won the last 2 conference tourneys that were played. They will have a target on their back all season again but I will give them the edge over the rest of the top of the Big Sky.
- Eastern Washington- The 2019-20 Regular Season Big Sky champions bring back the whole roster but do not add anything to enhance their team. They did win the regular season title but got swept by Montana in their 2 matchups. I think they are neck and neck with Montana, but the main question is, Can the Hawks beat the Grizzles?
- Southern Utah- If the Thunderbirds can find some offense then I think SUU can challenge the top two teams in the Big Sky. They don’t have any superstars on their team, but they have 6 players who I consider very solid Big Sky players. Watch out for the Thunderbirds when it comes to March and conference tourney play.
- Montana State- The Bobcats took a step in the right direction towards the mountain that is the Big Sky conference. Ending up with a .500 record in conference is a good start for that climb. They bring back the same roster talent, so I except them to take a step in the right direction and Montana State as my Dark Horse for this conference.
- Weber State- Weber State is the biggest unknown for the Big Sky. The Wildcats had an 8-12 conference record and lose their top 2 scorers BUT they bring in 6 transfers! This program is usually in the top half of the Big Sky so I will top them right in the middle because if the transfers can play well together except them to fight for the leagues auto bid. They could also not mesh well and be back to where they were last season.
- Northern Arizona- The Lumberjacks ended up .500 in Big Sky play and lose 3 of their starters but UNLV transfer Jay Green will fill up a lot of that missed production. This roster’s talent looks a lot like the same from a season ago so I except NAU to be around .500 again.
- Northern Colorado- The Bears who are usually towards the bottom of the Big Sky had a historic season last season with the 2nd place regular season finish. They didn’t get the chance to make March Madness and lost out their chance as they lose 4 starters and don’t replace them with anything. The Bears will fall the most from last season in the Big Sky.
- Sacramento State- The Hornets were one of the slowest teams in 2019-20 allowing under 60 points per game last season. The issue was that they couldn’t score at all. They do not bring in an offensive firepower so I don’t except them to improve much from being a subpar Big Sky team this season.
- Portland State- The Vikings had a very successful season last year with a 12-8 conference record. They lose their whole rotation as they lose their top 7 scorers. They do bring in 2 transfers from power 6 programs, but the depth is gone. The Vikings might surprise some teams, but I don’t see much success.
- Idaho State- The two teams from the State of Idaho were in the basement of the Big Sky together with only 4 conference wins each (next team had 8). Unlike their in state rival, the Bengals looked like they could play with anyone in the conference at times last season. They need to be able to sweep Idaho though which they didn’t last season (1-1). I think the Bengals can take a step in the right direction, but they aren’t jumping any teams in 2020-21
- Idaho- The Vandals just looked like they were in the wrong league most of the season last year. With no transfer help coming right away I don’t see how this program climbs out of the basement of the Big Sky.
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