San Diego State Basketball: 2023-24 season preview for the Aztecs

Key Reserves

Forward – Magoon Gwath (Freshman)

Though he committed to San Diego State pretty late in the offseason, the Aztecs are excited about Gwath’s future potential in the program. A lanky 6’11 center, he looks to have the tools to develop into another solid frontcourt weapon for the Aztecs’ stiff defensive-minded system, though he may need a few seasons to build the strength and skill to become a major weapon.

Guard – Micah Parrish (Senior)

Someone we could see actually starting games for most of the season, Parrish is another one of the major returning faces for the Aztecs. He was a solid presence in his first two collegiate seasons at Oakland before averaging 7.4 points and 3.6 rebounds with the Aztecs as a junior last year. San Diego State loves what he brings on the defensive end while the hopes are that he can step up as one of the team’s best 3-point shooters, hitting just over 35% last season from outside the arc.

Guard – BJ Davis (Freshman)

A 4-star point guard from Modesto, Davis is a brilliant young backcourt weapon that has great potential down the line for the Aztecs. He’s the most highly touted of this year’s recruits, forecasted as a solid ball distributor and decent long-range shooter. It’s uncertain how much of a role he’ll play as a true freshman.

Guard – Demarshay Johnson Jr. (Sophomore)

We didn’t see much of Johnson last season, who scored all 8 of his points against a non-D1 opponent early in the season, but he should take a step forward as a sophomore. He’s got the size to be the Aztecs’ backup center, though we simply haven’t seen enough from him to know what to expect.

Guard – Miles Byrd (Sophomore)

Byrd is another face we didn’t see get a lot of minutes for San Diego State, appearing in just four contests last season. He averaged 4.3 points and 1.5 assists in those games and projects as a very talented outside shooter who can cause mayhem on both sides of the court. If all goes according to plan, this former 4-star shooting guard takes a major step forward, especially as a scorer.

Forward – Elijah Saunders (Sophomore)

Yet another young piece that the Aztecs will get more out of as a sophomore, Saunders put up just 14 points across 16 games but will have increased opportunities in this rotation. He’s a decently-sized prospect who shows promise as both a scorer and rebounder down low; we’ll have to see what kind of role he’ll play, especially in a frontcourt that lacks experience off the bench.

Forward – Miles Heide (Freshman)

The final piece of the recruiting class, it’ll be interesting to see what kind of role Heide plays for the Aztecs. He’s a 6’9 center who does have potential and showed great promise on the offensive end in high school, but this 3-star recruit will certainly need time adjusting to life in the college game.