NCAA Basketball: Ranking of top 25 team backcourts for 2023-24 season

25. San Diego State Aztecs

Matt Bradley was not only the leading scorer on last year’s national championship game finalist (12.6 ppg), but he also was the lone double-digit scorer on the roster for the Aztecs. Yet he’s not the only key perimeter departure, as Adam Seiko also was an important contributor on the defensive end.

San Diego State does bring back two key starters that should keep them as a Mountain West favorite. Darrion Trammell (9.8 ppg and 2.9 apg) may have halved his scoring production compared to his days at Seattle but he had some huge moments for the team in their Final Four run, including 21 points against Alabama in the massive Sweet 16 upset. And Lamont Butler (8.8 ppg and 3.2 apg) is not only an elite defender but he’s also famous for the game-winning shot against Florida Atlantic in the Final Four.

The key for the Aztecs is the newest transfer, Reese Waters. He averaged 9.8 ppg at USC last season, including a 20-point effort against Long Beach State. The Pac-12 6th Man of the Year looks to be the next key Pac-12 to Mountain West import to break out.

If that happens, San Diego State will be in great shape. But losing Bradley is going to hurt their offensive potential. It’ll be interesting to see who emerges as the go-to option.