SDSU’s Roster Shakes Up Some More as Taj DeGourville Enters the Transfer Portal

A few days removed from the official opening of the transfer portal and surprisingly SDSU’s Taj DeGourville has entered in. With DeGourville’s announcement on Saturday it marks the sixth player from last season’s San Diego State roster.

Taj wrapped up his second season on the Mesa averaging 5.5 points per game, 3 assists and shot 34% from behind the 3 point line. Not all that different from his freshman numbers in 2024-25. With all the lineup changes, minutes and role factors that came into play this past season, the transfer button had been speculated for much of the year.

Though a dynamic playmaker dishing out passes and scoring in bunches, the visible discomfort with his role was a talking point all year. Going from starter to being overshadowed by true freshman Elzie Harrington, the back court had fire power no matter who was playing. The questions centered on what was the right mix that could lead to wins.

With SDSU’s defensive mindset and development, DeGourville was no doubt in San Diego to tap into that element of his game and grow. Something that usually begins to show form about the sophomore/junior carryover. But in this era of college ball that mindset may have run its course.

Here is a video taken of a spectacular block he had against Nevada earlier this season. You could see the anticipation and awareness on display.

Taj DeGourville with the SUPER CLEAN Block🔥 SDSU 23-23 and surging. #sdsu pic.twitter.com/LeDCzWiGTg

— SONS OF MONTEZUMA™️ (@sonsofmontyNIL) February 15, 2026

DeGourville’s ability to both play on and off ball offensively makes him a very versatile piece to any squad. However with a back court that may be stacked once again—despite losing Sean Newman Jr. to graduation, Miles Byrd to Providence, and presumably BJ Davis in the near future—DeGourville’s role may have been compromised yet again in his Junior season.

Returning, for now, is Elzie Harrington at the point guard spot. His steady output all season while injury-free proved to be one of the brightest spots of the roster. Incoming red shirt transfer Latrell Davis has been spoken about glowingly by head coach Brian Dutcher. So much in fact that Dutch claimed this years team would’ve reached the NCAA Tournament had he played. Davis will certainly demand a heavy dose of touches in the new season.

But none of this was news after the portal opened. So why the late jump into it by DeGourville? One can only speculate as to the timing. Fellow teammate and great friend Pharoah Compton had been in the portal for a few days already. SDSU on the same day picked up big man Bear Cherry from Sacramento State seemingly replacing Compton’s role in the front court.

Of course negotiations, potential team suitors, other friends’ moves and the influence that has all come into play with all of these decisions.

Perhaps DeGourville will be known in San Diego for his awesome display this past year at the Swish League Pro Am. His scoring ability was climbing and so a big sophomore season was expected to come. In the red & black perhaps his amazing pass in the Players’ Era Tournament in 2024-25 was the play many will remember of his time at State.

TAJ DEGOURVILLE GOT THE ASSIST LAYING DOWN 🤯 pic.twitter.com/42mNyg73oh

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) November 27, 2024

For both sides this may work out just fine. SDSU will take a hit depth wise to their back court, but it is a sign that the program stands on steadier ground with who they have locked in and returning already. But make no mistake, wherever Taj DeGourville ends up in the off season, they will be getting a potential all conference player.

SDSU Men’s Basketball Roster as current:

G – Elzie Harrington

G – Latrell Davis

F – Tae Simmons

F – Zach White

C – Bear Cherry

C – Thokbor Majak