Rob Dauster and Jeff Goodman preview Utah State's potential path to make a run in the NCAA Tournament!

Jeff Goodman and Rob Dauster preview the 2026 Mountain West Tournament!

On this episode of Mountain West Insider on The Field of 68, Rob Dauster and Jeff Goodman are joined by New Mexico’s Tomislav Buljan, one of just 10 players in college basketball averaging a double-double this season. The Croatian big man opens up about his journey from Split to Albuquerque, adjusting to American college basketball, and the intensity of playing at The Pit. Buljan discusses the cultural differences between European and American basketball, wild rivalries overseas, New Mexico’s passionate fan base, and what it means to compete for a Mountain West regular season title. He also shares insights on Croatia’s basketball culture, his all-time Croatian starting five, his future eligibility hopes, and why playing college basketball was always part of his dream. With the Lobos controlling their destiny in the Mountain West race, Buljan reflects on sacrifice, development, and what it takes to win in March.

On this episode of Mountain West Insider, Rob Dauster and Jeff Goodman are joined by New Mexico head coach Eric Olen as the Lobos battle for a Mountain West regular season title and an NCAA Tournament at-large bid. Olen reflects on his first season in Albuquerque, navigating a loaded conference race, and leading a complete program reset in year one. The conversation dives into New Mexico’s 22-point comeback win, the evolution of Olen’s defensive philosophy, managing analytics during March, and the challenge of developing freshmen in a veteran league. With Utah State and San Diego State looming, Olen outlines what must happen for the Lobos to secure their postseason future.

On this episode of Mountain West Insider, Rob Dauster and Jeff Goodman are joined by Utah State star Mason Falslev. Falslev discusses Utah State’s recent surge, the importance of defense during their win streak, and why the Aggies embrace being the underdog. He addresses the controversy surrounding late-game scoring margins, explains how analytics and NET rankings impact decision-making, and breaks down Carson Templin’s growth and MJ Collins’ impact. Falslev also reflects on leadership, staying focused in February, and what it will take for Utah State to carry this momentum into March.

Boise State guard Dylan Andrews joins Mountain West Insider after one of the best weeks in college basketball, highlighted by a 25-point overtime win over Nevada and a 33-point performance at New Mexico. The crew breaks down Boise State’s turnaround after a slow conference start, the tightening Mountain West race, and why the Broncos are a dangerous team heading into March. Andrews also reflects on his transition from UCLA to Boise State, the differences between Mick Cronin and Leon Rice, and what it means to be playing his best basketball late in his college career.

Utah State head coach Jerrod Calhoun joins Mountain West Insider after the Aggies’ statement win over San Diego State in Logan. Calhoun breaks down how defense has fueled Utah State’s rise, the development of MJ Collins and the depth that has powered a three-game win streak. The conversation also dives into the Mountain West title race, preparing for hostile road environments, and what it takes to stay present during a potential NCAA tournament push.

San Diego State head coach Brian Dutcher joins The Mountain West Insider to break down the Aztecs’ rise to the top of the conference and what has fueled their recent success. Dutcher discusses the importance of depth, balancing minutes, and winning without a traditional superstar, while also diving into the development of Miles Byrd and the evolution of SDSU’s defense. The conversation expands beyond the court as Dutcher gives an unfiltered look at NIL, the transfer portal, donor fatigue, and the challenges of sustaining college basketball in its current landscape. He also shares how SDSU approaches re-recruiting its own players, the toughest environments in the Mountain West, and what it will take for the Aztecs to finish the season strong and compete for a conference championship.

Grand Canyon guard Jaden Henley joins the Mountain West Insider podcast following the Lopes’ statement win over San Diego State. Henley breaks down the emotions of a late-night thriller, GCU’s resilience down the stretch, and what makes the Lopes’ home-court environment one of the toughest in college basketball. The conversation also dives into Grand Canyon’s unselfish offense, defensive identity, belief within the locker room, and how these back-to-back wins have reshaped their outlook in the Mountain West race. Plus, the hosts discuss the tightening conference standings, at-large bid implications, and why Grand Canyon has emerged as a legitimate contender.

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