For the first time since 2019, an Aztec who played his high school basketball in San Diego County will be in the starting lineup or playing significant minutes. Devin Watson of El Camino high was the last one to do it.
Next man up for San Diego State is Wayne McKinney III, a name that San Diego hoop heads have known for years. The University of San Diego senior makes the hop down the 8 freeway and fills the spot left by Lamont Butler who moved on to the greener pastures of Kentucky.
The rising senior with one year of eligibility remaining announced his commitment to the Aztecs on his social media page.
McKinney starred for 2 years at Coronado High School earning CA Division IV state player of the year and All CIF San Diego awards in 2021. The point guard played 3 seasons for the Toreros averaging 13.5 pts and 2.9 assists per game while earning 2nd team All-WCC honors in 2024.
What the Aztecs are Getting
McKinney’s game is comparable to Darrion Trammell. While Wayne may seem like a small point guard at 6’0”, he plays like a big guard using a high vertical jump to get shots off over taller defenders.
He really excels in transition getting steals with his quick hands and converts them to points on the other end. He also attacks the rim ferociously, adjusting his body hanging in midair to shield the ball from defenders while drawing contact to get to the free throw line.
To be the next man up after Lamont Butler has it’s big challenges. On the defensive end Wayne is a good perimeter defender, but not on an elite level like Butler, who was the back to back Mountain West defensive player of the year.
However, on the offensive end, McKinney is a slightly above average 3-point shooter, hitting 34.7% from deep last season. Where he really makes his mark is by having the ability to create his own shot when needed—indicated by averaging 1.04 points per possession in isolation.
How He Fits With the Aztecs
Wayne fills the need for an experienced guard while sophomore BJ Davis continues to develop to become a starter in 2026. For the now, McKinney should offer quality competition for the starting guard spot along with Nick Boyd who transferred in from FAU.
But competition for that one starting spot isn’t all or nothing with this addition. Boyd and McKinney can play both guard positions which fits Coach Dutcher’s preference of having two ball handling guards on the court at the same time.
Another positive is that McKinney is very familiar with the Aztec program who recruited him out of high school. Meanwhile even after joining USD, he competed against Aztec players in summer Swish League Pro Am games the past few seasons.
What’s Next?
The transfer portal is officially closed. Now, SDSU coaches know exactly who they have to choose from for the last remaining scholarship. Expect the Aztecs to go after a power forward to replace the spot left by Elijah Saunders who suddenly departed the team 3 days before the transfer deadline. The roster could use another rebounder who can also stretch the defense with perimeter shooting.
Stay tuned for more Aztec basketball coverage and updates through Sons of Montezuma social media channels. Go Aztecs!
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