Oct. 11, 2016
RENO, Nev. - In Yahoo Sports' breakdown of the Mountain West, the widespread online blog named sophomore Cameron Oliver the conference's preseason Player of the Year.
Oliver broke onto the scene in a big way his first season at Nevada, being named to the 2016 All-Mountain West Tournament team, the coaches All-MW Defensive team and receiving the title of Freshman of the Year from the conference media. The Sacramento, Calif. native's 99 blocks set a new single season record at Nevada and were the most out of any freshman to ever play in the Mountain West. He led the team and the conference in double-doubles with 12. Oliver also ranked 13th in the nation in blocks per game with 2.61 and third in total blocks with 99. The rebound game was also a highlight for Oliver, ranked 17th in the nation with 345 last season.
"Oliver blossomed into a 20-point, 10-rebound threat late last season and could be the Mountain West's top big man this year," wrote Jeff Eisenberg in the piece.
The Pack was also recognized as having the best frontcourt with Oliver heading up the group. Juniors Elijah Foster, a returner, and junior Leland King along with fellow transfer sophomore Jordan Caroline were also highlighted to make an impact.
Head coach Eric Musselman was slotted as the conference's coach on the rise after leading the team to 24 wins in his first season.
"Nevada could be poised to make another big leap this year," noted Eisenberg.
The Pack will take the court to debut in the 2016-17 season when it faces San Francisco State on Nov. 4 in a home exhibition game.
