Could the Aztecs be building an Omaha, Nebraska pipeline? Today San Diego State basketball received a commitment from Campbell transfer Jay Pal. Pal had visited the Mesa on May 10th.
The 6-9 forward spent last season at Campbell, breaking out to the tune of 12.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game for the Fighting Camels.
Pal follows a similar path to the Aztecs as Aguek Arop. They both are South Sudanese, come from Omaha, Nebraska, went to the same prep school, and play they same position.
Now they will both end their college basketball careers at SDSU. Their journey is different however. While Arop made it to the Aztecs after his prep year, Pal’s journey is a bit more complex.
Pal played at Omaha Central High School (Neb.) before attending The Skill Factory for his prep year. After his prep year he went to junior college, playing at Clarendon College in Texas. There he averaged over 10 points and five rebounds a game.
After one season in JuCo, Pal committed to Jacksonville State. His first year there he was a starter and averaged a decent five points and four rebounds. But his second season saw him relegated to the bench where he ultimately decided it would be better to leave and transfer.
Pal would find a landing spot at Campbell where he had a breakout season. Starting all 32 games for the Fighting Camels, Pal finished the season with 23 double-digit scoring games and shot 58% from the floor.
After one year at Campbell, Pal believed the timing was perfect to try his hand at one of the best D1 basketball programs in the Nation. He decided to find a new home for his final year of eligibility and decided on the Mesa.
Campbell is an ideal fit at SDSU for a role very similar, or even larger, to his fellow Sudanese compatriot, Arop. He will be a depth piece that could be a weapon on offense and is efficient as a rebounder.
Defensively he is a very capable shot blocker and his versatility to cover an opposing player with size or quickness makes Pal that familiar style that fits the Aztec mold.
Pal has one year of eligibility left and will be coming to the Mesa as a graduate transfer, making him immediately eligible. San Diego State has two open scholarship and a big man is a priority.
