San Diego State Basketball: 2019-20 season review of the Aztecs

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO - JANUARY 29: KJ Feagin #10 of the San Diego State Aztecs shoots against the New Mexico Lobos during their game at Dreamstyle Arena - The Pit on January 29, 2020 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Aztecs defeated the Lobos 85-57. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 26: Malachi Flynn #22 of the San Diego State Aztecs (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Key players from the season

Malachi Flynn, G, Jr.

Malachi Flynn’s season was absolutely flawless and he was rewarded for it when award season rolled around. He was named the Mountain West’s Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year and he was also a 2nd team All-American. He led his conference in both assists and steals per game and finished 3rd in scoring. Flynn was the leader of one of the country’s best teams and even put himself comfortably on many draft boards. Now San Diego State just needs to hope that the promise of being a 2nd round pick in the NBA draft isn’t enough to lure him away from his senior season.

KJ Feagin, G, Sr.

KJ Feagin’s award season wasn’t exactly the rousing success that Malachi Flynn’s was. He wasn’t given the Defensive Player of the Year award that many (including Flynn) felt he deserves. He was also only named an honorable mention for the all-conference team. Still, there is no denying what he contributed to this Aztec squad. He combined with Flynn to form arguably the country’s most formidable defensive backcourt. He also gave them another shooter they could rely on to knock down the three consistently. Feagin was a major part of this squad that really didn’t get the attention he deserved, but more people will realize how important he was when SDSU needs to find success without him next year.

Matt Mitchell, F, Jr.

Only one of them got the national spotlight, but San Diego State had two players on this season’s all-conference team. Matt Mitchell was a perfect complement to Malachi Flynn. He provided a strong mid-range game, some bulk inside, and a deadly shooting touch. On the rare occasions where Flynn went cold, Mitchell was more than ready to pick up the slack. Mitchell was very impressive this year and I wouldn’t be surprised if his scoring ability put him in the conversation for Conference Player of the Year next season.

Yanni Wetzel, F, Sr.

The player who was the biggest surprise for the Aztecs this season was, without a doubt, Yanni Wetzel. He went from averaging about 18.5 minutes, 5.9 points, and 3.8 rebounds as a bench player for a miserable Vanderbilt team to nearly 28 minutes, 11.5 points, and 6.5 rebounds for one of the best teams in the country. When Nathan Mensah was injured he became an indispensable part of this Aztec lineup. This certainly wasn’t the season anybody expected from Wetzel, but the all-conference 2nd teamer put in consistently strong performances in his senior season.