NCAA Basketball: Gonzaga, Houston lead in updated way-too-early top 25 ranking
By Joey Loose
19. San Diego State
One of the nation’s best defensive teams got even better in recent weeks. Brian Dutcher’s program has been one of the best mid-majors in the nation the last few seasons, highlighted by their success in 2020, though like Dayton they never got their shot in that NCAA Tournament. Last year’s Aztec team was an 8-seed in the Big Dance, boasting one of the top defenses in the nation.
That defense got a boost with the recent announcement that Nathan Mensah would return for one final season, having played an important role on these last three teams. Former Cal guard Matt Bradley returns for a second year, hoping to build on last year’s 16.9 points per game, by far the leading offensive player on these Aztecs. San Diego State also got a big boost from the transfer portal, with former Seattle point guard Darrion Trammell likely to play a huge role running the offense next season.
With these talented pieces coming back, San Diego State looks in good shape for a third straight NCAA Tournament. Above all of that, that dynamic and stringent defense could be even more lethal this season. With Bradley as scorer and Trammell facilitating, the Aztecs should see a big step forward from an offense that was this team’s weak point at times last season. Don’t be shocked if San Diego State ranks atop the nation in defensive efficiency early and often next year.