San Jose State Basketball: Josh Uduje and Will McClendon part of new backcourt core

After finishing tied for last in the Mountain West standings, San Jose State Basketball is hoping new additions Josh Uduje and Will McClendon can have them bounce back up.

Two seasons ago, San Jose State Basketball was one of the biggest surprises in college hoops, winning over 20 games and finishing in the top half of the conference. That was in part to Omari Moore, who earned Mountain West Player of the Year honors. But when he moved on, the team went back to its losing ways, finishing 9-23 (2-16) this past season.

The Spartans, like many teams, have tried to use the portal to bolster its roster for next year. Some of the early transfer portal commitments include forwards Chol Marial, Sadraque NgaNga, and Sadaidriene Hall. The backcourt needed work as well and in the past few days, they landed two guards with all-league potential.

The first pickup was Will McClendon, a former top-60 prospect who spent two years at UCLA. He played 21 mpg this past season as part of the rotation, averaging 4.1 ppg and 3.3 rpg on 34% shooting from the field. McClendon had a trio of double-digit scoring games, including 13 points in a win over Stanford. He was the fourth guard in the Bruins rotation but showed flashes that he can be a lead guard. Now in the Mountain West, he has a shot to be that for the Spartans.

One player familiar with the Mountain West is Josh Uduje, who comes over from Utah State. He averaged 8.7 ppg and 2.5 rpg on 43% shooting from the field, ultimately earning Mountain West 6th Man of the Year honors. The 6'5 guard's top games include 18 points on a perfect 6/6 shooting at Boise State, along with a season-high 20 at Wyoming.

Uduje is a proven performer at this level and should have a chance to start and have an even larger role this time around. If he and McClendon works well, San Jose State Basketball has a chance to get back out of the conference basement and be more competitive again.