Hopkins, Taylor recognized by MW head coaches

LAS VEGAS --- Two Fresno State newcomers – Jaron Hopkins and Deshon Taylor – earned postseason recognition from the Mountain West's head coaches, the conference office announced Tuesday morning from the 2017 MW Championships in Las Vegas.

Jaron Hopkins, who earned one of six spots on the 2016-17 MW All-Defensive team, is an elite defender and dynamic offensive threat. He currently ranks 17th in the nation in steals (2.1 steals per game with 64 total steals).

During conference play, Hopkins averaged 13.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and a Mountain West-best 1.9 steals per game. He also made a team-best 102 field goals while shooting 48.1 percent (102-for-212) from the field.

Hopkins scored in double figures in 14 of 18 conference games, and also was selected to the MW Media's third-team all-conference earlier in the week.

Deshon Taylor, who was named to the 2016-17 All-MW Third-Team, has established himself as one of the best players in the league since begin inserted into the Bulldogs' starting line-up on Jan. 14.

In starting the final 13 games of the MW play, Taylor averaged 20.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.6 steals, and finished conference play as the team's leading scorer (16.6 points per game), 3-point shooter (35-for-77, 45.5 percent) and free throw shooter (109-for-123, 88.6 percent). He has scored at least 15 points in each of his 13 starts.

Taylor scored a career-high 32 points, including a 17-for-18 clip at the free throw line, in a quadruple overtime game at Wyoming on Feb. 8. His 17 made free throws set a school record for most free throws made in a game. Taylor was selected to the MW Media's second-team all-conference earlier in the week.

Both Jaron Hopkins (Colorado) and Deshon Taylor (UMKC) transferred to Fresno State before the 2015-16 season. They were key contributors in practice for the Bulldogs' 2016 MW Championship and NCAA Tournament team while redshirting last season due to NCAA Division I transfer guidelines.

Fresno State (19-11, 11-7 MW) opens the 2017 MW Championships at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. PT when the Bulldogs face the New Mexico Lobos in the quarterfinals.

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Hopkins, Taylor recognized by MW head coaches

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