Going into the season, I thought San Diego State might take a step back after losing several key team members from last year, but they have looked solid so far. This game could potentially be closer than some people think.

The San Diego State Aztecs have a lot of talent. They have multiple three-level scorers, tons of length, and post players who know their roles and do the dirty work. They have good depth and would have no issues playing at least nine players.

SDSU plays a lot like the Houston Cougars. They are tough-minded and great defenders. Offensively, they have multiple athletic guards who can score in multiple ways and big men who are tough rim defenders and rebounders.

The Aztecs are well-coached, too. Their head coach, Brian Dutch, was an assistant coach on the Michigan Fab Five team and has been successful at San Diego State. Both teams will be ready to compete after a couple of days off. This one will likely be a chess match between the two coaching staffs.

I’m going a different route from my normal “Head of the Snake.” I am choosing red-shirt freshman forward Magoon Gwath. Gwath is a legit seven-footer that plays outside in their offense. He is solid at attacking the rim. He only averages 5 points and two rebounds per game, but what impresses me the most about Gwath is his ability to block shots and affect/alter shots at the rim.

They have multiple candidates for their “Head of the Snake,” as several guys could lead them in scoring. But for this one, I’ll go with the big man.
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San Diego State Offense

• San Diego State loves to run in offensive transition. Their big men are great at rim-running, and their guards are always looking to attack.
• The Aztecs have several guys that are three-level scorers. They make great decisions on how they want to score.
• Their post-players can make outside shots but are best when around the paint.
• It will be imperative for the Coogs to defend without fouling. They don’t have to get a steal or blocked shot on every possession. Houston will need their key guards on the court to defend the three-level scorers from San Diego State.

San Diego State Defense

• The Aztecs like to double-team the post;
• They get a ton of deflections on defense – which often turn into steals;
• Magoon Gwath is an elite shot-blocker. Will need to know where he is at all times.

San Diego State Personnel

*#10 – BJ Davis – 6’2″ – SO – Guard – 16ppg, 4rpg

• Thin/scoring guard;
• Solid three-point shooter;
• Tough finisher at the basket; Nice floater;

*#2 – Nick Boyd – 6’3″ – SR – Guard – (Florida Atlantic) – 13ppg, 4rpg, 2apg

• LEFTY;
• Athletic/point guard; Three-level scorer;
• Really solid at driving to the basket;
• Outstanding three-point shooter; Quick shot release;
• They like to run him off several “off-ball” screens to get him shot opportunities;

*#21 – Miles Byrd – 6’7″ – SO – Guard – 12ppg, 4rpg

• LEFTY;
• Long/athletic guard; Three-level scorer;
• Really nice touch on the floater in the paint;

*#31 – Jared Coleman-Jones – 6’10” – SR – Forward – (Northwestern/Middle Tennessee State) – 5ppg, 5rpg

• Tall/big body forward; “Tough”;
• Willing to step out to shoot the three-pointer;
• Solid in the paint; Loves to “rim-run” (must get back on defense);
• Does the dirty work in the post; Solid rebounder;

*#0 – Magoon Gwath – 7’0″ – RS FR – Forward – 5ppg, 2rpg

• Extremely long/athletic forward;
• Plays more outside than in the post;
• Capable three-point shooter, but would prefer to drive;
• Likes to put the ball on the floor to attack the rim; A little “loose” with the ball;
• OUTSTANDING shot-blocker!;

#3 – Wayne McKinney III – 6’0″ – SR – Guard – (San Diego) – 9ppg, 2rpg

• Smaller guard; Three-level scorer;
• Typically their “6th Man” off the bench;
• Pesky defender;
• Really nice pull-up jumper;
• Extremely creative passer (especially into the post);

#5 – Pharaoh Compton – 6’8″ – FR – Forward – 6ppg, 3rpg

• Long/athletic forward;
• Highly touted freshman;
• They like to use him in the high post to face-up and drive;
• Sell the moving screen; He does not always get set;
• Similar game to JoJo when he was a freshman;

#24 – Taj DeGourville – 6’5″ – FR – Guard – 5ppg, 3rpg

• Athletic guard; Three-level scorer;
• Best when trying to get to the basket;
• Solid shooter;

#40 – Miles Heide – 6’10” – SO – Forward – 2ppg, 4rpg

• Big body/post player
• Not very quick; I’d get him in some pick and roll actions;
• Good offensive rebounder and second chance scorer;

Keys to Victory

1. Be available for the entire game. The Coogs have had too many starters sitting on the bench in key stretches due to fouls. They need their closers to be available if times get tough. If this game is close, having the best possible line-up on the court at the end will be crucial. “You can get a basket back. You can’t get a foul back!” – Coach Richard Hollingsworth
2. Limit them to one shot. In the games the Coogs have lost, they allowed too many offensive rebounds. I suspect the coaching staff has challenged everyone to get physical and hit the boards.
3. Identify who is hot for them. The Coogs allowed Tae Davis from Notre Dame to go off on Wednesday night…Thursday morning…(I still haven’t recovered from that late start + an early-morning flight home). They will need to adjust and look to slow down anyone that gets hot for SDSU.
4. Attack the paint on offense. The Coogs should look to attack the paint on offense, either off the bounce or by feeding the post. They like to double-team the post, but J’Wan is very good at making the cross-court skip pass. Oregon was able to attack and create to get guys open three-point shot opportunities.
5. Get Emanuel early shot opportunities. I would look to get Eman some early shots. The Coogs are at their best when he and LJ are off to a hot start on offense. I’d like to see him look to drive and attack the basket. The Coogs need him to get to the foul line more, as he is a fantastic free-throw shooter.