So it was with surprise to see they were picked to finish in only fourth place in the Mountain West Conference preseason poll.
It is not simply that the Broncos return 12 players from last season's team (a major plus). No, it is who is coming back, and the years they have played together as teammates. That number is three, a boon for any college program.
Players who should have a chip on their shoulders entering the season, head coach Gordy Presnell's 20th with the Broncos. And it should be a fun one where Boise State aims to build off a solid '23-24.
Boise State in 2023-24 season
Last season, the Broncos had a team that was in the mix for a regular season title. Seeding among the top teams was not decided until the final week. Though Boise State lost three straight to close the regular season, the Broncos managed to reach the Mountain West tournament semifinals, where they lost to San Diego State, 72-69.
Boise State (21-14) ultimately did get to play one more game, losing to Montana in the first round of the WNIT.
Defense was the bread and butter for the Broncos, holding opponents to 58.9 points per game. Teams shot 36.9 percent from the field against Boise State, including a chilly 29.4 percent on three-point attempts. The Broncos also held a plus five advantage on the boards.
On offense, Boise State had its ups-and-downs in averaging 64 points per game, shooting 39.9 percent from the field. Three-point attempts were decent at 34.4 percent. Turnovers, however, did in the Broncos, averaging 15.1 per game.
With roster depth to spare, there is a chance to improve those numbers in '24-25.
Roster strength for Broncos
Twelve players return, including the top seven scorers (and nine of the top 10), meaning the Boise State Broncos have a large list of players ready to contribute.
It also means a welcome return to a trio of players entering their fifth season with Boise State.
Abby Muse, Mary Kay Naro, and Elodie Lalotte have had an impact since first setting foot on the court for the Broncos. All have made major contributions on the court and find themselves climbing (or already on top of) the record books.
Muse set the school record for blocked shots in her junior season and keeps adding to that total, which currently stands at 262. Muse, the conference Defensive Player of the Year in '22-23, is also second in career rebounds with 923, behind only Karla Meier's 1025.
Lalotte is also on the career rebounds list, currently in ninth with 654.
Naro has directed Boise State's offense with aplomb and, after 142 assists last season, sits second all-time with 473. Naro would need a season similar '23-24 to catch leader Yaiza Rodriguez (616).
Muse, Naro, and Lalotte have played a combined 354 games for the Broncos.
It was two now-juniors who led Boise State in scoring last season. Natalie Pasco was a first-team all-conference selection, leading the Broncos with 13.2 points per game. Pasco knocked down 84 three-pointers and was named to the preseason all-conference team.
Mya Hansen had a fine season, averaging 10.2 points per game. Hansen knocked down 42.1 percent from deep and was second on the team with 103 assists.
Tatum Thompson, Dani Bayes, and Alyssa Christensen are among the others returning, along with Linsey Lovrovich and Jayda Clark.
Roster turnover was limited, with three players hitting the transfer portal. Kaitlin Burgess transferred to Weber State. Sydney McQuietor and Trista Hull also hit the transfer portal. McQuietor transferred to McNeese State and Hull went to play for the Portland Pilots.
Boise State welcomed two transfers to the program, Josee Steadman and Madeline Cooke, plus three freshmen. Steadman arrives from Colorado Mesa. Cooke arrives from The Masters. The Defensive Player of the Year for the Golden State Athletic Conference, Cooke averaged over 10 rebounds and 3 blocked shots per game and should provide valuable minutes backing up Muse at center.
Non-conference schedule
The Broncos start the season with an exhibition game against Bushnell in Boise on November 2. Then it is the first of four straight home games with a matchup against Eastern Oregon on 11/4.
A home game against the Colorado Buffaloes will be a good early-season measure stick, as will a road game against San Francisco on 11/21.
In the mix there is also a tournament over Thanksgiving weekend. The Broncos play in the Gulf Coast Showcase, opening with Illinois State on 11/29. Their second game will be against either High Point or West Virginia on 11/30, finishing up with one of four teams (Butler, Santa Clara, Texas, New Mexico State) on December 1.
Conference play for the Broncos begins on 12/29 in San Diego against the Aztecs.
Boise State, with this roster, has a chance to deliver a special season. Depth is a plus and will carry this team early. The true test will be finding out how the newcomers fit in and contribute. The team was so close to winning the Mountain West last season and with this breadth of experience this season, gunning for the title again is a realistic goal to achieve.
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