Watching the San Diego State Aztecs bounce back from that preseason sweep by PLDT to secure a surprise sweep of their own in the Isabela leg tells me something important about this team’s character. It’s easy to write off a group after a rough start, but turning around to win two in a row, and doing so emphatically, signals a resilience we’ll need to see all season long. As we look ahead to what promises to be another challenging campaign, both in the Mountain West and on the national stage, I believe their success hinges on five critical factors. These aren’t just abstract concepts; they’re tangible elements I’ve seen championship-caliber teams embody, and I see glimpses of them already in this Aztecs squad.
First and foremost, this team must establish a consistent, go-to offensive identity beyond just tough defense. We all know the Aztecs will defend; it’s in their DNA. But last season’s tournament run showed that when the shots aren’t falling, even the best defense can crack under elite pressure. The scoring can’t just be a committee approach every single night. Someone, whether it’s a veteran guard or an emerging forward, needs to embrace the role of the primary bucket-getter in crunch time. The offense needs a reliable half-court set they can execute with their eyes closed when the game slows down. I’d love to see them improve their three-point percentage from last year’s middling 34.5% to something closer to 37% or 38%. That extra spacing would open up driving lanes and make their already physical interior play even more devastating. The two wins in Isabela, coming off a loss, suggest they’re figuring things out, but consistency over a 30+ game season is a different beast.
Building on that, the development of the bench unit is non-negotiable. Coach Dutcher has always valued depth, but this year, it feels particularly crucial. The preseason rotation experiments, including those early stumbles, are all about finding which combinations work. You need at least three, maybe four guys off the bench who you can trust to not just maintain a lead, but to provide a genuine spark. I’m talking about energy, defensive stops, and maybe five to eight points each game from the reserves as a collective. A strong bench mitigates foul trouble, keeps the starters fresh for March, and allows for different tactical looks. The sweep in Isabela likely involved contributions up and down the roster, and that kind of shared success builds the confidence of the entire group, not just the starting five.
Third, and this is where my personal bias as a longtime observer comes in, they must dominate the rebounding battle, especially on the offensive glass. San Diego State’s physicality is a trademark, and it should translate to second-chance points. I want to see them average at least 12 offensive rebounds per game. Those extra possessions are demoralizing for opponents and are often the difference in tight, low-scoring conference games. It’s an effort stat, pure and simple. Winning the overall rebounding margin by a significant number, say +6 or +7 per game, directly correlates with controlling the tempo and the game’s flow. It turns defense into immediate offense and covers for those nights when the jump shot is a little off.
The fourth key is leadership, both vocal and by example. With the departure of key veterans from last year’s squad, new voices need to emerge in the locker room and on the floor. This isn’t just about the seniors; sometimes the most impactful leader is a junior or even a sophomore who plays with relentless intensity. This player holds others accountable in practice, communicates on defense, and is the first to pick up a teammate after a mistake. The response after the PLDT sweep shows the leadership is there—someone rallied the troops. That needs to be a constant, not just a reaction to adversity. In my experience, the teams that make deep March runs have a clear, respected leader who sets the emotional tone.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is building and maintaining a tournament mentality from November through February. The Mountain West is brutally tough, and every game is a battle. But the goal is always March. They need to approach certain regular-season games, especially high-profile non-conference matchups and tough road trips, with the single-elimination urgency of the NCAA Tournament. Every possession matters. Every defensive rotation is critical. Learning to close out close games—winning those contests decided by five points or less—is the best preparation for the madness of March. The surprise sweep in Isabela is a great building block for that mentality. It proves they can string wins together and handle success, which is just as important as handling failure.
So, as we embark on this new season, the blueprint is there. It’s about offensive consistency, bench depth, rebounding dominance, steadfast leadership, and a March mindset in every game. The early-season resilience they’ve shown is an encouraging first step. If they can lock in on these five pillars, I’m confident this San Diego State team has the potential not just for a winning season, but for another memorable and deep tournament run that captures the hearts of Aztec Nation all over again. The foundation, after those two wins, feels solid. Now it’s about the construction, brick by brick, all the way to what we all hope is a glorious finish.
