The transfer portal taketh away but it also giveth back.
Gone from the San Diego State Aztecs 2024-2025 team via the portal are 3 scholarship players in Magoon Gwath, Nick Boyd and Demarshay Johnson Jr. Walk-on Cam Lawin also put his name into the transfer portal.
While it’s sad to say goodbye to those who are leaving, this clears the path for new blood to come into the Aztec program. In the first 2 days the transfer window opened over 1,000 college players entered their names. Sifting through all of the available players is a daunting task for a SDSU coaching staff that prides itself on being able to spot talent and have a vision for their role as an Aztec.
Consider SDSU lucky that only 2 players in the rotation are transferring out so far—although players still have until April 22nd to enter their name before the portal closes. As of right now, SDSU has 5 scholarships available to use.
While the Aztecs can consider last year’s campaign a success having made the NCAA tournament for a 5th straight year, several weaknesses plagued their season which capped the ceiling on their success. Three point shooting, rebounding and free throw shooting were the most problematic for a team that ranked 116th in offensive efficiency and 244th in defensive rebounding.
A lead point guard, outside shooter who is deadly from 3, and a center or power forward who can clean the glass are the biggest needs for the Aztecs. Here are some players in the portal who may fill those voids.
Latrell Davis, PG/CG, San Jose State (2 years of eligibility)
Davis was a consideration for 6th man of the year in the Mountain West. The sophomore from Leeds, England was impressive in 2 games against the Aztecs this past season scoring 23 points on 5-7 from 3 at Viejas Arena and 21 points on 5-11 from 3 in San Jose.
Davis has an ability to get downhill to the rim in similar fashion to Nick Boyd and can finish through contact. He can also play off-ball putting up catch & shoot shots.
Overall on the year Davis shot 38% from beyond the arc. I’m sure he caught the attention of Coach Dutcher & his staff and he would be a nice addition to the guards coming back in Myles Byrd, Reese Waters, BJ Davis and Taj DeGourville.
Jamichael Stillwell, PF, UW-Milwaukee (at least 1 year of eligibility maybe more with JUCO ruling)
Simply put—Jamichael Stillwell would solve the Aztecs rebounding issue. He is an absolute ball hawk for missed shots coming off of the rim. The 6’8” Stillwell finished 14th in the nation in rebounding with 10.7 per game earning Horizon League Newcomer of the Year and All-Horizon League First Team honors.
Offensively Stillwell also averaged 13 ppg, though his production is mostly in transition or around the paint. Which isn’t a bad thing for this Aztecs team. While he is not a great three point shooter, Jamichael has a similar skill set to Aztec 4 Life and Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson.
The Aztecs have officially reached out and are currently recruiting Stillwell. But they will have stiff competition with the Atlanta, Georgia native as he has a long list of suitors from Power 4 schools and may be out of the NIL price range for SDSU.
Other Possibilities
Players who have stated that they have had contact with SDSU are guard Anquan Bolden, Jr. from Buffalo, guard Paul Djobet from Miami, guard Layne Taylor from Central Arkansas, guard Bryce Lindsay from James Madison and guard Jaydon Young from Virginia Tech.
Besides the portal this off season, expect at least 1 or 2 scholarships to go to high school players who could redshirt a year and develop their game. Coaches will be looking for the next Magoon Gwath type who is being overlooked by power conference schools.
Stay tuned as more is sure to come in these wild portal days.
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