There are a few theories on why these two conferences don't have the types of breakthrough freshmen found elsewhere. One is that the leagues still aren't attracting the best talent, so players coming in need more time to develop. Another is that there are very few early-entry candidates out of the WAC and MWC, meaning there are fewer unplanned roster spots opening up at the last minute.

Not that this is a bad thing. We kind of like the idea of players developing over time, giving teams the chance to come together over the span of several seasons. Just ask Tulsa -- the Golden Hurricane's top six scorers are three seniors, two juniors and a sophomore. Yet Tulsa also is getting a nice contribution from freshmen Dante Swanson and Charlie Davis.

That's not to say there aren't any hot young players in these leagues. UNLV's Dalron Johnson is in the WAC top 10 in three categories. Marlon Parmer's future as New Mexico's point guard looked so good that last year's starter, John Robinson II, transferred to Nebraska. And SMU added another perimeter weapon in Quinton Ross to go with Jeryl Sasser, Willie Davis, Stephen Woods and Damon Hancock.

So while the immediate future isn't as dazzling as in other conferences, the foundation is being laid across both leagues. Learn the names now, because in a year or two, they'll be the stars.

Statistics through Wednesday, Jan. 27.

Player	School	Comment
Andy Birley	Colorado State	Third in MWC at 51.9% 3s
Jay Christian	Rice	6.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg
Brandon Evans	Rice	Banger who brings in 6.4 rpg
R.T. Guinn	New Mexico	3.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2 starts
Dalron Johnson	UNLV	9.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 54.3% FG, 15 starts
Bingo Merriex	TCU	6.0 ppg, 27 3-pointers
Marlon Parmer	New Mexico	3.7 apg (fifth in MWC)
Quinton Ross	SMU	8.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg
Roy Smallwood	UTEP	12.4 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.5 bpg
Dante Swanson	Tulsa	4.3 ppg, 90.0% FT