San Diego State Basketball: Elijah Saunders is strong start to 2022 recruiting class

San Diego State Basketball gets off to a good start in its 2022 recruiting class, landing talented three-star forward prospect Elijah Saunders.

Around a month ago, top-150 NCAA Basketball prospect Elijah Saunders came out with a final five list. The teams involved included power conference programs, Miami, Notre Dame, South Carolina, and Virginia Tech, along with San Diego State of the Mountain West.

But while the Aztecs are the mid-major team of the group, they’re also the lone western-based option for the Phoenix, Arizona native. And that may have played a part in the recruiting sweepstakes for Saunders, as he has made his decision to the benefit of San Diego State.

https://twitter.com/elijahsaunders_/status/1441545627834322945

Saunders is a consensus three-star prospect (247sportsComposite has his as a four-star), listed at 6’8 and around 220 pounds. He’s a versatile stretch forward that can spread the floor and is a good offensive weapon to have for the Aztecs.

This is the kind of prospect San Diego State needs to get to remain at the top of the Mountain West, as teams such as Nevada and UNLV have been landing top-100 and key transfers as of late. The high-profile reputation for this program will serve them well for prospects that Pac-12 programs aren’t after but still has power conference potential.

And Saunders could very well see some early playing time for the Aztecs when he arrives on campus as well. San Diego State has eight seniors on its roster, with at least four definitely gone after this upcoming season. That includes four on the frontcourt, with Joshua Tomaić, Nathan Mensah, Jaedon LeDee, and Tahirou Diabate all entering their senior campaigns. And none of them are capable of spreading the floor like Saunders can, which will have the offense look very different a year from now.

The hope is that Saunders ends up like a mix of former Aztecs, Matt Mitchell, and Jaden McDaniels, at the power forward spot. His offensive versatility will be important for the Aztecs in their new-look frontcourt and starts off an important 2022 class. If Cal transfer Matt Bradley is only around for one season, this team will need all the imported firepower they can get in the upcoming recruiting class.

Elijah Saunders has power conference potential so for San Diego State Basketball to land his commitment is huge. If they can get a couple more talented recruits, their 2022 class will be set to have an impact immediately and in the future overall. Another win off the court for head coach Brian Dutcher.