October is usually the month when a number of players start committing before the early signing period. San Diego State got an early jump when 6-2 guard BJ Davis committed last week. On the first of October the Aztecs got some good news landing 6-9 big Miles Heide.
Under Coach Brian Dutcher the Aztecs went from a team that mainly recruited California kids to a team that finds talent anywhere in the country. Heide is not on the other coast, but he does hail from the Pacific Northwest. He plays his high school ball at Mount Si, a school outside of Seattle, Washington, and manned the low block for the Wildcats. Last season he played close to the basket and averaged a double-double, with 14.5 points and 10.1 rebounds in 26 games.
Heide is a developing big man that has flown under the radar nationally, but has not escaped the eye of Coach Dutcher. Mark Ziegler of the San Diego Union Tribune reported that Dutcher was the main recruiter for Heide, which is uncommon, especially for a player that is not a four or five star prospect. That should tell you enough about what the coaching staff thinks of Heide; and this is a staff that has a history of unearthing overlooked gems.
Even though he was a decent player last season at Mount Si, he spent the summer and beyond working to improve his game. After being saddled down low in high school, he spent the time extending his range, by adding a jump shot that extends from the elbow all the way to behind the three-point arc. This development makes him an intriguing prospect at the next level, and the commitment that Heide has shown to improving bodes well for his development.
“It’s been a big addition to my game the past three or four months,” said Heide (per Ziegler). “Before Section 7 I didn’t really have a jump shot, or a fadeaway or a three. It’s the work that I put in, something I’ve been developing over time. It’s a long process and I’m willing to take it.”
With his game developing it is hard to gauge exactly where he is at right now in his game. Last season he played close to the basket nearly all game, but showed good feel and strong hands around the basket. Next season, the Aztecs will lose a lot of important players; playing time will be available. Heide will get the opportunity to make an impact. He just needs to be ready.
