The Colorado State Rams men’s basketball program battled through a difficult season in 2015-16 with the loss of senior Gian Clavell to injury early in the year and helping Emmanuel Omogbo deal with the loss of much of his family, including his parents, in a house fire.

The Rams return in 2016-17 a rejuvenated program and head coach Larry Eustachy is ready to again compete for a Mountain West title, despite lowered expectations (the Rams were picked to finish seventh in the conference). Eustachy spoke with Campus Insiders to offer a brief scouting report on the upcoming season.

Eustachy says the team needs to improve defensively, but it has the benefit of returning Clavell, whom Eustachy calls the best player in the league. And what he says will be surprising about the Rams will definitely be a surprise to supporters of the green and gold.