An unprecedented era of success for San Diego State hit a significant speed bump last season. Brian Dutcher’s squad came into the season with heightened expectations but instead were on the wrong side of the bubble on Selection Sunday, breaking a streak of five straight years in the NCAA Tournament. The numerous changes this offseason as the program heads into the new Pac-12 don’t help matters either.
The portal was active
Dutcher and his staff saw a flurry of activity in the transfer portal, losing Miles Byrd to Providence, Miles Heide to Virginia Tech, BJ Davis to Creighton, Pharaoh Compton to Oregon, and Magoon Gwath to DePaul. A few others saw their eligibility come to an end, though there are at least a few familiar faces in San Diego. The Aztecs return both Elzie Harrington and Tae Simmons after each had brilliant moments as freshmen and should have a healthy Latrell Davis this season.
San Diego State’s tremendous success over the last decade has been built on great balance and elite defense and this four-pack of transfer additions hopefully contributes to that. The backcourt gets a major boost at the point with Chance Gladden, who was outstanding as a freshman at Boston University. The Aztecs got their new center from Sacramento State in Bear Cherry, while Isaiah Sy enters the fold are great work at Oregon State.
Considered by many the highlight addition of the offseason, Nick Anderson hopes to step into a major role in his final collegiate campaign as he joins the Aztecs. The 6-5 shooting guard from Texas had two brilliant years at the JUCO level at St. Thomas before decent work in an abbreviated season at Prairie View. Anderson spent last year in a major role in the American at Rice, averaging 15.5 points and 4.3 rebounds as an important starter for the Owls.
Right man, right spot
With all of these departures and changes in the roster, Anderson now steps into a situation where he can put up even better numbers and become a real leader with the Aztecs. He’s fresh off a season where he made 40% of his 3-pointers and could be an offensive catalyst with his shot making. San Diego State was in the bottom 100 in the nation in made 3-pointers last season and are really hoping that Anderson can come through with his play all over the court.
In a way the Aztecs are piecing things together despite losing that long list of high-level talent. They’ll be depending heavily on a few sophomores to step up big and some new faces to really eat in the frontcourt, but Anderson might be expected to be the star here. If we’re going to see San Diego State make a major statement in year one in the Pac-12 then it likely comes because Anderson is playing at a high level.
Add us as a preferred source on Google