NCAA Tournament 2023: One X-factor to watch from each Final Four team

San Diego State: F Jaedon LeDee

Here’s a fun fact about Jaedon LeDee: when he scores, the San Diego State Aztecs win. Look through this season’s game log and find a game SDSU lost when LeDee scored at least nine points. You won’t find one.

LeDee’s game is dependent on patrolling in the inside. He’s not a three-point shooter, attempting only nine this season and failing to make a single one. He shoots just under 50 percent from the field.

Ironically, the Aztecs’ most dominant win of the NCAA Tournament came when LeDee had his worst game. In the 23-point thrashing of Furman, the wing only scored two points. But that’s the exception, not the rule.

The best game of his tournament run came against the No. 1 overall seed Alabama Crimson Tide. LeDee showed why he’s this team’s X-factor in that game, scoring 12 points and grabbing six rebounds in the monumental upset of Nate Oats’ team.

LeDee is not a starter, nor does he need to be. His presence off the bench helps spark the San Diego State offense and the second unit into a dangerous offensive outlet that can sneak up on opponents and go on runs. He typically plays around 20 minutes a game.

The senior should have a good contingent cheering for him in the stands. It’s sure to be a special evening for the Houston native.

He’s well-traveled, starting his career in Ohio State before moving on to TCU and finally, San Diego State. All of that led him to the Aztecs and Houston, where he’s poised to play a pivotal role in the conclusion of a historic season.