San Diego State Basketball: Top 5 non-con opponents for 2023-24 season

Following the recent release of their non-conference schedule, we take a closer look ahead at San Diego State Basketball’s most exciting games.

Last season was really special in San Diego, as the Aztecs made program history by advancing to the national championship game. This was the first time that San Diego State Basketball had advanced even to the Elite Eight, going a few steps further from that and becoming a major story in the college basketball world.

Though a number of the faces from last year’s squad have moved on, the Aztecs return a ton of talent this season, including Micah Parrish, Darrion Trammell, and Lamont Butler, who hit the buzzer beater in the Final Four over Florida Atlantic. There’s no question that last year’s squad will be remembered for generations for what they’ve done, but there’s also excitement for the future.

San Diego State very recently announced their full non-conference schedule for the 2023-24 season, which includes an impressive slate of games. We already know that the Aztecs will have a target on their backs from their Mountain West opponents, but some of these contests before conference play will be harder than anything they see in the MWC.

Today we’re just going to take a brief look at that recently announced schedule and point out the five best games on the schedule. You can tell that the Aztecs are really challenging themselves because none of their three potential games against Pac-12 opposition appear on this list, though a neutral-site game against Cal would certainly be 6th if we wanted to include it.

5. Grand Canyon

Considered one of the most intense and raucous atmospheres in the nation, San Diego State will head to Grand Canyon on December 5th and enter one of the most hostile road environments they’ll see all season long. The Antelopes are coming off their second WAC title in three seasons and coach Bryce Drew has this program in its best ever shape, with studs like Jovan Blacksher and Rayshon Harrison back for more this year.

4. BYU

For the sixth year in a row, San Diego State will face off against BYU, with this year’s matchup taking place in Provo on November 10th, each team’s second game of the season. These early season matchups have been a regular occurrence for these former conference rivals and the home team has won the last two games, with the Aztecs victorious in San Diego last year. There’s a ton of talent on this Cougars squad, beginning their first season in the Big 12 with heightened expectations.

3. Xavier

It’s very possible this matchup doesn’t come to pass, but we really hope it does. A potential showdown with Xavier in the second game of the Continental Tires Main Event would take place on November 19th in Las Vegas. The Musketeers are coming off a stellar season last year, though recently lost both Zach Freemantle and Jerome Hunter for the season. Xavier wouldn’t necessarily be the Aztecs’ toughest matchup, but another win over a Big East school would feel extra sweet in San Diego.

2. Saint Mary’s

This marks a fourth straight year where San Diego State will meet Saint Mary’s in a neutral-court contest and it’s a great matchup for the sport. They’ll meet in the first matchup of the Continental Tires Main Event on November 17th in Las Vegas and it’ll be a highly anticipated contest. Even though Alex Ducas, Aidan Mahaney, and Mitchell Saxen all return for the Gaels, the Aztecs will look to avenge a 68-61 loss from this past season.

1. Gonzaga

For just the fourth time ever, San Diego State will match up with Gonzaga, heading to Spokane on December 29th for their final non-conference game of the regular season. The Aztecs actually hold a 2-1 advantage in this young series, though the last matchup was six years ago.

A very talented Bulldogs team includes transfers Ryan Nembhard and Graham Ike, two players the Aztecs have played before. This could be the premier mid-major matchup of the season.