San Diego State Basketball: Analyzing the Aztecs' 2018-19 rotation

San Diego State Basketball: Analyzing the Aztecs’ 2018-19 rotation

WICHITA, KS - MARCH 15: Head coach Brian Dutcher of the San Diego State Aztecs looks on against the Houston Cougars during the second half of the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at INTRUST Arena on March 15, 2018 in Wichita, Kansas. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 10: Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs brings the ball up court against the New Mexico Lobos during the championship game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

Small Forward

Minutes Allocated (40 total): Matt Mitchell (27), Aguek Arop (8) and Jordan Schakel (5)

The Aztecs have a good history of freshman players playing above expectations in their first year with the program. Mitchell, a former three-star recruit was one of them. In nearly 27 minutes a game, the 6’6 forward scored in double figures including a season-high 31 points against Eastern Illinois.

His overall size may make him appear to be more suited as a power forward but he is very comfortable on the perimeter and was a solid long-distance shooter (36%). It’s also important to note that he averaged just six rebounds per 40 minutes, so having him inside will hurt the team on the boards. And if San Diego State wants to have a really big lineup to counter the Wolf Pack, they can have Mitchell play at the two-spot.

The newest member of the Aztecs is Arop, a 6’6 wing who has a 7’1 wingspan. He originally committed to Nebraska before deciding to do a post-grad year instead. It’s not expected that he’ll contribute much offensively in year one but he fits the mold of an Aztec defender that former head coach Steve Fisher loved to use. Being a former assistant under him, it’s not surprising that Brian Dutcher has similar thoughts. And if more shooting is needed, look for Schakel to get a few minutes on the wings as well.