Sports

6 The Daily Aztec Sports

Nov. 3 - 9, 2021 EDITOR: Jason Freund • sports@thedailyaztec.com

Column: Aztec men’s basketball hopes to remain king of the Mountain West

By Jason Freund SPORTS EDITOR

Last year could’ve been seen as either a success or a disappointment for the San Diego State men’s basketball team.

A 23-5 record. First place in the Mountain West Conference. Ranked as high as No. 16 in the AP Top 25. Winners of the Mountain West Tournament and granted a six seed in the NCAA Tournament.

The same SDSU squad only lasted one game in the NCAA Tournament, getting thoroughly beaten 78-62 by the Syracuse Orange in the first round.

But, it is a new season filled with new expectations.

There were losses in the offseason, but there were plenty of additions to strengthen the team.

With a blend of old faces and fresh blood, the Aztecs are once again looking to remain at the peak of their conference.

However, the Aztecs will regain their top weapon that was taken from them last season.

No, it’s not a new player coming off the bench. It isn’t an old scheme that head coach Brian Dutcher can properly utilize. It is the crowd. Gone are the cardboard cutouts of last year and in is a rabid fanbase led by one of — if not the most — passionate student sections who will watch each game with great interest: The Show.

With their season opener against UC Riverside coming up on Nov. 9, here are three plot points for the upcoming season. Replacing lost production Believe it or not, nearly 50% of SDSU’s offense is no longer with the team.

Matt Mitchell, Jordan Schakel and Terrell Gomez have all graduated onto the greener pastures of professional basketball.

Last season, SDSU scored 2,062 total

points. The trio of Mitchell, Gomez and Schakel combined for a total of 1,028 points on 44.6% field goal shooting.

Even with those three gone, Dutcher has a plethora of options to fill the void.

Seniors Trey Pulliam and Joshua Tomaic are back thanks due to an extra year of eligibility granted to all athletes by the NCAA.

Seniors Adam Seiko and Nathan Mensah both enter their senior season after averaging 4.2 and 8.1 points per game, respectively, while sophomore Lamont Butler has nowhere to go but up after a promising freshman season.

All of the above players bring different scoring capabilities to the team with one exception: three-point shooting.

Last season, Schakel was the main shooter behind the arc, shooting 46.1% from the three point line. That is six points higher than the second-highest three-point shooter Gomez, who posted a 40.2 three-point percentage.

Enter senior transfer Matt Bradley and

Photo by Jason Freund

Senior guard Trey Pulliam and the Aztecs look to start where they left off in 2021 after winning the Mountain West Conference tounament, and finished the season ranked just outside the AP Top 25.

sophomore transfer Chad baker-Mazara.

From Cal comes Bradley, who averaged 18 points per game and connected on 38.1% of his shots from three point land.

Baker-Mazara, meanwhile, set the freshman record for three-pointers at Duquesne University with a sterling 41.7%. One of his best performances came against Fordham University, where 21 of the 23 points he scored came from beyond the arc.

Pulliam, who has spent time in practice going one-on-one with Bradley, likes what he sees so far in the Cal transfer.

“He’s a guy that can help bring up that scoring that we are losing,” Pulliam said. “He’s just a guy that can come in and we can rely on.”

Plenty of depth, but who gets the starting nod?

So Dutcher has options, which is always a good thing in a team sport such as basketball.

But here’s the thing — there can only be five players on the court at a time. Someone will have to come off the bench.

It is safe to presume that Pulliam will be the starting point guard. Mensah started 27 out of 28 games as the primary power forward. Bradley will be leaned on as this season’s version of Gomez or Malachi Flynn.

For now, the three mentioned above should be locks for the starting five. But from there, where do the Aztecs go?

There are plenty of options to slot into the final two spots. Any combination of Seiko, Baker-Mazara or Butler can fit into the lineup to add versatility and offensive opportunities.

SDSU could also go with an extra big man and slot one of Tomaic, senior transfer Tahirou Diabate or sophomore Keshod Johnson into the lineup.

It is a good problem to have and one that can be tinkered with. Perhaps the Aztecs choose to load up on the defensive side of the ball or go heavy on the offense. A good defense is a good offense Ever since Steve Fisher served as the SDSU’s head coach, the Aztecs have been known for their defense.

Last season, they finished the season with the 21st ranked defense according to KenPom. This year, KenPom places the Aztecs as the 10th best defensive team in the nation.

Last season, the Aztecs were at the top of the MWC in both average points against (61.2) and steals (8.18). SDSU also placed within the top five in both offensive (279) and defensive (724) rebounds.

Mensah was the overall leader in terms of rebounds with 170. He led the team in offensive rebounds with 56 while his 114 defensive rebounds were two less than Mitchell.

“To be a great defensive player comes from your teammates. With the front court defensively, a big man struggles a lot with all the foul trouble you get when you drive to the paint,” Mensah said on his defense. “All credit goes to my teammates.”

Women’s basketball is eager to climb to the top in 2021

By Jayden Hanzy STAFF WRITER

Following a disappointing 2020-2021 season, the San Diego State women’s basketball team is looking primed and prepped to make a big splash this season.

The Aztecs finished seventh in the Mountain West Conference last season, but have brought back most of their talent from last year and have brought in new pieces that should contribute to their success this year.

During last season’s “COVID Year,” the Scarlet and Black found it difficult to find their groove. SDSU took on some tough opponents, and were able to gain experience through their difficult schedule. The Aztecs finished 7-17 while finishing 5-12 against Mountain West Conference opponents.

During the Oct. 13 Mountain West Conference Media Day, head coach Stacie Terry-Hutson was more excited than ever about her team as she enters her ninth season as the Aztecs head coach.

“They know what we are doing, they know what is going to be asked of them, and we have pushed them harder than they ever have been” Terry-Hutson said about players returning this year. “We have a level of expectations that has been raised and we are definitely doing everything we can to get better, and ultimately win a Mountain West championship.”

This year the Scarlet and Black have made major strides when it comes to the quality of their players. Through consistent hard work this offseason, both returners and new players have developed expeditiously.

“It’s been really nice. We can go deep into our roster which allows our guards to get some rest and we won’t lose much as we sub,” Terry-Hutson said about the team’s depth.“We have a great deep team this year so I’m excited to see how that helps us move forward.”

Photo by Kyle Betz

After an injuried filled season last year, SDSU’s women’s basketball team looks to climb to the top of the Mountain West Conference.

Senior Sophia Ramos said she is once again looking to be the catalyst for the team’s success. During the 2020-2021 season, Ramos averaged 15.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Ramos has received high praise from her head coach, and has the potential to carry her team to a Mountain West championship.

“I am just going to be a leader. I have so much experience in playing basketball all around, and playing under coach Stacie for these last three years and having a relationship with her there is a good level

of trust between us,” Ramos said about her role on the team. “My big thing this year is just to be a leader and a coach on the court for us.”

On a team with five seniors, leadership will be crucial on the court. SDSU has potential throughout their roster, and the experience that the returners were able to gain last season will be key for the team this year.

Perhaps one of the biggest players to keep an eye on this year will be redshirt freshman Asia Avinger. Avinger won honors this year for Mountain West preseason freshman of the year. Avinger — fresh out of high school — is already putting the conference on notice and is becoming a key piece for the team.

Ramos and Avinger are just two of the threats on the Aztecs deep roster. With their exceptional depth and wealth of experience, expect the Aztecs to have a bounce back year and become one of the biggest competitors in the Mountain West.

In a few weeks, the Scarlet and Black are set to play the Biola University Eagles in an exhibition match that will kick off the season. The game on Nov. 1 will be the teams first game in the Viejas Arena this season and the commencement of another exciting schedule.

Outside of their conference, the Aztecs take on some strong competition such as Ohio State, University of San Diego, and Ole Miss.

Nov. 3 - 9, 2021 EDITOR: Jason Freund • sports@thedailyaztec.com

Sports

The Daily Aztec

7

Matt Bradley: potential weapon for SDSU

By Austin Tarke STAFF WRITER

In the last four seasons, San Diego State basketball — under head coach Brian Dutcher — has had nothing but success. With Dutcher, the Aztecs have made every Mountain West title game, had two March Madness appearances, had a 30-win team in 2019 and are now backto-back Mountain West Conference champions.

Yet, there are question marks surrounding the team that lost 52% of their offensive production from the previous season. Who will fill the void? The answer: Matt Bradley. The incoming senior forward has a linebacker frame that stands at 6’4, 230 pounds and can score at all levels. He was picked as the Mountain West Preseason Newcomer of the Year.

Bradley is a senior transfer from UC Berkeley. In his junior year, he scored 18 points per game, shot 37% from three and secured almost five rebounds per game. However, his team never had a winning record.

“I’m intense, I really just want to win and play hard,” Bradley said.

He said he’s buying into the Aztec winning culture that’s had 17 straight winning seasons and made eight NCAA tournament appearances. Winning basketball means playing as a team. Bradley said he’s not worried about his stats.

“I’m trying to be a great teammate and be the best player I can be,” Bradley said.

It has been a difficult adjustment for Bradley to acclimate to his new team from an offensive standpoint. He’s

coming from a team where the ball was always in his hands. Now, he credits his tremendous teammates for taking some pressure off his game.

“There’s a lot of dudes on this team that can score the basketball,” Bradley said.

From a defensive perspective, Bradley said he is amazed at the level of play.

“I don’t know any team that plays defense like San Diego State,” Bradley said.

He said it’s always one against five as the team collectively guards the ball.

The intensity on defense and battle for starting roles on the team has made for

Photo courtesy of SDSU Athletics

Transfer student Matt Bradley tore it up for Cal, scoring 18 points per game and shooting for 37% at the three poimt line,and now he’s ready to compete as an Aztec.

competitive practices.

“Practices have been harder than some games I played in the PAC-12,” Bradley said.

Bradley has a a worthy basketball skillset.

When asked what’s the best part of his game, he mentioned something that can’t be found in the stat sheet.

“My competitiveness,” said Bradley. “When I compete, it can be taken as this dude’s angry, but it’s my passion for the game.”

Bradley also mentioned his competitive teammates match his energy.

“It’s fun going head to head in practice,”

returning senior guard Trey Pulliam said. “We feed off the energy.”

While Bradley may be humble about his skillset, the other Aztec players rave about their new teammate.

“He’s a dog,” sophomore guard Lamont Butler said repeatedly.

Pulliam mentioned he’s versatile and will replace the talent we lost last year. Senior forward Nathan Mensah said Bradley has quickly bought into the San Diego State culture.

Bradley gets into a zone when he laces up his sneakers. But he also prioritizes hobbies outside of basketball to clear his head.

His excitement was evident as a big smile came over his face when he talked about photography.

“Mount Helix is a nice spot, you can see anything from Mexico to the ocean and even see campus,” Bradley said.

The newcomer to San Diego also said he likes trying different restaurants and his favorite location so far is Little Italy.

On Nov. 9, the Aztecs tip off their season against UC Riverside. Instead of looking ahead to the following game, a rematch against rival BYU or a marquee matchup against top-ranked Michigan in December. Bradley says he focuses on one game at a time.

“We have every game circled on the schedule,” Bradley said.

Nevertheless on Nov. 9, 12,414 strong will be loud and proud in Viejas Arena as Bradley admits he’s anxious to be in front of one of the best student sections in college basketball, but he’s excited and looking forward to answering the question marks that this team has going into the season.

Alex Crain poised for big 2021 season

By Katelynn Robinson NEWS EDITOR

Fourth year guard and business graduate student, Alex Crain said she is looking to be more aggressive on the court this season, alongside San Diego State’s women’s basketball team.

Crain said she is looking forward to competing in what will be some of the most pivotal games of the season, including games against Ole Miss and Ohio State.

“Those games will lead us into conference plays and that is always the best time of year because that’s when you really start to play for the tournament,” Crain said.

Practices and training have started looking closer to normal this year, according to Crain. Athletes have more access to facilities and are able to fully practice as an entire group. This comes after last year’s limitations from practice hours to practice structures to their season being limited to 13 games. Although this is the case, Crain said the team still needs to “mask up and stay safe” in their training rooms.

“I think right off the bat, it was just better vibes because we have more accessibility to the facilities and there were less restrictions in terms of how our team could interact with each other,” Crain said. “And then overall I think we just came in with a different mentality in terms of what we want for this season and our expectations. A big thing we have been talking about is being unselfish and rebounding. I think overall this year has been a lot more intense but also I think we’re also closer in a way.”

Crain said the athletes were granted a “COVID year” meaning they will have

an extra year of eligibility due to the unorthodox 2020 season.

“I love it here so, yeah, I want to come back for next year and you know, keep it rolling,” Crain said.

Due to the additional year of eligibility, Crain described this season as her “pseudo senior year.”

“I’ve worked really hard this summer just to improve my overall game and I think this season I just want to go in with a more aggressive mindset and just really go out there and leave it all out because this is like a pseudo senior year for me so I have all the experience and all the tools I need,” Crain said.

If Crain chooses to stay with SDSU for an additional year, she said she has two

Courtesy of SDSU AthleticsGraduate student Alex Crain plans on taking her team to the top of the Mountain West Conference in 2021.

options academically.

“I actually graduated in two years with my undergraduate, so right now I am finishing up my masters in business,” Crain said. “So, the plan is to either kind of get another year in my master in business next year or to start another masters program altogether.”

Crain said personally, her mentality before each game is to “take no prisoners.”

“I think before games the mentality has to be ‘take no prisoners’ like when I go out there I want to leave it all out because at the end of the day if you give 100 then you have no regrets,” Crain said. “I think this year taking those extra steps forward, being more aggressive, and being more assertive on the floor and then when I’m

speaking and how I carry myself is key for me and the success of our team overall.”

Crain said her coaches have advised her to focus on her strengths as a defensive player; however, she said she likes all aspects of the game.

“I like both sides of the ball because defense helps you win but you have to put the ball in the basket,” Crain said. “Plus, it is just fun getting those cool plays either an assist or a good ‘and one’ so I like both sides of the ball.” This year the team is stacked with returning players who have experience on the court and in competitions. Given the effects of COVID-19, the team has also had to be adaptive in the past.

“The COVID year definitely matured us a lot,” Crain said. “So, we had quite a few freshmen come in last year and I’d say all of them have taken so many steps forward in terms of their maturity on the court and off the court. Our leadership of course has always been strong but I think this year we are even more so on the same page in terms of our expectations and our mentality. Overall, I would just say we are just a better team.”

Last year SDSU women’s basketball joined the Jordan family, making them the 9th women’s team to ever be signed by the Jordan brand. Crain said it is an honor to be a part of his legacy

“It [the gear] is so clean, like the shoes and the travel suits, we actually just got our practice jerseys and stuff so it is finally coming together,” Crain said. “Last year, we were having to use the older practice jerseys so now we have the new ones and we just look fresher. You know you look good, you feel good.”

The Aztecs tipped off their season with an exhibition game agaisnt BIOLA, earning their first win 79-52 at Viejas Arena.