Air Force Men’s Basketball Faces Mountain West Season Aiming to Exceed Expectations

Colorado Springs Pueblo, CO, October 7, 2026 — The Air Force men’s basketball team is set to begin its new-look Mountain West conference season with a determination to defy preseason predictions. The Falcons were voted last in the conference’s preseason poll, but head coach Joe Crispin is cultivating a culture focused on belief and process as the team prepares to compete.

Despite the low ranking, the Falcons return a core group of players, indicating significant continuity from previous seasons. This established chemistry is expected to be a key factor as the team navigates a conference that also includes new members. The coaching staff is emphasizing a systematic approach, focusing on the day-to-day development and execution required for success rather than solely on external expectations.

Coach Crispin is reportedly working to instill a strong belief in the team’s ability to win. This internal conviction is seen as crucial for overcoming the challenge of being underestimated by pollsters. The focus on process suggests a commitment to incremental improvements and strategic preparation, aiming to build momentum throughout the conference schedule.

The Mountain West conference’s landscape has shifted with new additions, presenting both new challenges and opportunities for all teams, including Air Force. The team’s ability to leverage its continuity and internal focus will be tested against a potentially altered competitive environment. Further details regarding specific player personnel, schedule highlights, or the impact of new conference members were not provided in the summary.

Story summarized from the original created by Marissa Kraus on gazette.com, see more information here.

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