The NCAA college basketball transfer portal is officially closed and the Aztecs men’s program remains intact without any last second departures. Hooray for joy.
Though two of it’s star players remained in the NBA draft process lasting beyond the portal deadline, we can now with certainty cut that number in half with the news released on Wednesday afternoon.
San Diego State’s standout forward Magoon Gwath has announced his decision to withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft and return to the Aztecs for the upcoming season.
This move comes after a period of speculation regarding his future, including potential transfers to programs like Kentucky, Michigan, Texas, and Washington, all of which reportedly offered substantial NIL deals.
Gwath made his announcement via Instagram, stating, “While the NBA remains a goal of mine in the future, I’m looking forward to an amazing year ahead in san diego”.
During the 2024–25 season, Gwath averaged 8.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, earning him both the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors. His season was briefly interrupted by a hyperextended knee injury in February, but prior to that, he showcased his potential by averaging 13.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks over an eight-game stretch.
On the other hand redshirt junior Miles Byrd remains in the draft process with no update to share as of now. Though Byrd has made it clear that if he returns to college basketball, it will be with the Aztecs, stating, “No portal for me. If I’m coming back to college, I’m coming back to SDSU”.
Byrd had a standout 2024–25 sophomore season, averaging 12.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. At 6’7″ he earned Second-Team All-Mountain West and All-Defensive Team honors and his defensive prowess, highlighted by his length and anticipation, makes him a versatile wing prospect.
While his shooting consistency dipped in the latter half of the season mainly due to injuries, his overall impact on both ends of the floor positions him as a future potential first-round pick if he continues to develop.
Byrd has until June 15 to decide whether to remain in the draft or return to SDSU. His choice will significantly influence the Aztecs’ roster for the 2025–26 season, especially with Magoon Gwath committing to return.
Gwath’s return is a huge boost for the Aztecs as they aim for a fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. His decision also highlights the challenges mid-major programs face in retaining top talent in the evolving landscape of college basketball and NIL opportunities.
What’s even more impressive for this SDSU program is the ability to keep the bulk of the young & talented roster completelky intact. Only seniors with extra years of eligibility entered the transfer portal and ended up moving on. In Demarshay Johnson Jr.’s case reuniting with former assistant Chris Acker in Long Beach State and Nick Boyd landing in Wisconsin.
Knowing that a deep and talented roster has the upside of making a deep tournament run but also cuts back on potential minutes for each player, the culture of the Aztecs that Coach Dutcher & staff have carried on proved itself to be strong yet again.
The brotherhood is alive among current & former players, the upsides of an education at San Diego State, and living in America’s finest city have paid off dividends when it comes to player retention.
If Byrd can add his return to the Aztecs, the duo’s presence will be pivotal for San Diego State’s aspirations in the upcoming season and bring a different energy to the arena with raised expectations.
As the roster currently stands right now including Byrd’s return.
BACK COURT
Sean Newman Jr.
BJ Davis
Latrell Davis
WINGS
Reese Waters
Miles Byrd
Jeremiah Oden
Taj DeGourville
Tae Simmons
Elzie Harrington
FRONT COURT
Miles Heide
Magoon Gwath
Pharoah Compton
Thokbor Majak
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