NCAA Basketball: Baylor rises, Kentucky falls in latest 2023-24 WTE power rankings

19. San Diego State

There’s no denying that this past season is one that will never be forgotten at San Diego State. An elite defensive program, the Aztecs have been plagued by inconsistency or poor performances recently in the Big Dance but broke through in a major way. The Aztecs marched all the way to the national championship game, getting there on that heroic buzzer-beater by Lamont Butler. San Diego State’s success came from a myriad of players in their deep rotation, but how will they fare this season?

Matt Bradley was their best offensive threat; replacing him will be no easy task. The Aztecs also lose Keshad Johnson, Nathan Mensah, and a few others, but got a major transfer boost when they landed former USC guard Reese Dixon-Waters. Pieces like Micah Parrish and Jadon LeDee played important roles on last year’s Final Four run and will be even more important for Brian Dutcher’s program this season.

San Diego State was a deep and balanced team last season and could be that way again this year. More than half of last season’s rotation returns; they’ll just need to figure out who becomes the offensive playmaker. Bradley was the only player to average double figures last season. Defense has always keyed the Aztecs and you better believe that Dutcher will get the best out of the players remaining and will threaten to win another MWC title.