CBB Review hands out awards for each conference tournament. Up next: The Big Sky Tournament.
This year in the Big Sky we were treated to an incredible regular season to go along with a conference tournament that’s had upsets, happiness, and heartbreak. The Montana State Bobcats led by coach Danny Sprinkle won not just the regular-season title but also the conference tournament title.
CBB Review All-Big Sky Tournament First Team
- Steele Venters, Eastern Washington – 20.5 PPG, 3 APG, 4.5 RPG (2 games)
- Khalid Thomas, Portland State – 16.6 PPG, 1 APG, 6 RPG (3 games)
- Daylen Kountz, Northern Colorado – 24.3 PPG, 1.3 APG, 5 RPG (3 games)
- Xavier Bishop, Montana State – 15.6 PPG, 4.3 APG, 4 RPG (3 games)
- Jubrile Belo, Montana State – 8.3 PPG, .3 APG, 5.3 RPG (3 games)
CBB Review Big Sky Tournament Most Outstanding Player
Xavier Bishop, Montana State
This was a hard one to choose because the best stat performances came from Kountz. However, throughout the tournament Bishop showed his leadership. Whether it be his playmaking with eight assists in the championship or his ability to knock down the three-ball where he made at least two in each tournament game, Bishop was dialed in. At 5-8, he’s undersized but he makes it work very well with a quick shooting stroke. Bishop could be a solid pro somewhere after his incredible college career.
Montana State’s NCAA Prediction
Round of 64
Could the Bobcats pull off an upset? 100%! However, they would need to play a two or three seed that would underestimate the skill shown by this Montanna State team. Montana State is very skilled but would ultimately struggle against height and strength. The Bobcats will have to live and die by the three and for a team that shoots 36.4% from deep.