Among all the noise this week on the Mesa, SDSU managed to pierce through quietly with a big addition to the 2026-2027 basketball roster when they signed Oregon State transfer, Isaiah Sy.
Sy is listed at 6’7″ 190lbs and by his own X/Twitter account regards himself as a guard. For those in Aztec Nation looking for more size, that’s pretty good for the guard positions. But we’ll get into that.
From reports by SDUT’s beat writer Mark Zeiger, Sy is coming to SDSU by way of France where he played most of his life as the son of a pro basketballer. After spending a few years in developmental prep school and community college n the states, Sy took his game to the Beavers in Corvallis before a staff change was made.
At this stage in picking out players from the transfer portal the selection shows both a young player banking on himself to get the right fit opportunity—and a basketball program in serious need of a versatile player hungry for a chance.
The loss of newly acquired transfer Nick Anderson due to season ending knee injury put SDSU in the position of needing another wing player. After reportedly missing out on their first option to backfill Anderson’s roster spot, Sy’s pickup could prove to be crucial for a team badly in need of a bounce back year.
So why did Dutcher & staff feel so strongly that Sy should be the selection at this point? Let’s take a look.
Proven Experience
Sy’s time at Oregon State bakes in some some fun Pac-12 rival elements to it. He has the experience playing against Gonzaga for two seasons and having that familiarity is a fun aspect to him joining SDSU knowing all three sides will meet multiple times this season.
But also having that experience is one less transition to factor in when it comes to being game time ready on this new look squad for Dutcher & crew.
The addition of Sy is another overseas player to go along with the many others on the roster, but with Sy he’s got two seasons of the collegiate systems, styles, and expectations out of the way in his development. Now it’s all ball in a fresh new start. That has to give a sense of reward to the young man.
By the Numbers
In his time at Oregon State last season Sy averaged 10 points per game, shot 35% from behind the 3-point line, and knocked down 87% in free throws. All show abilities to be a consistent scorer and reliable shot taker.
Though the output doesn’t necessarily even up with that of Nick Anderson, their styles aren’t exactly an apples to apples comparison of what they bring and can do for their team.
His best scoring game last season came against Loyola Marymount (25 points) and San Francisco (18). Watching the game tape on Sy, he plays up to his tall frame. At times able to back down the shorter opponent and get shots over them.
He’s able to knock down jumpers from the outside in a catch & shoot mentality, set play or when a play breaks down. But he also flashes the ability to take his opponent off the dribble and into the lane for an attempt or a dish to a teammate in the paint, where he averages nearly two assists per game.
Defense & Rebounding
On the defensive end at times Sy can be disruptive against his opponents. His length can give troubles to smaller players, though he may struggle against smaller quicker ones. Either way he doesn’t appear to be a liability. In fact, his versatile size could bring some advantages in packages where the Aztecs can use his size and speed against slower 3-4 spot forwards.
Sy’s an underrated rebounder averaging just over 4.6 per game. That’s a promising stat line showing he’s not afraid to mix it up and get physical.
As a comparison Aztecs fans could align Sy’s game and production around the realm of a Micah Parrish type. Both are tall, athletic wings with guard skills that shoot a similar 3 point percentage, collect similar rebounds and perhaps have underrated defensive abilities.
Where they differ most; Sy is a much better free throw shooter where Parrish was flirting in the high 70 percentile and Sy lives well in the high 80’s.
Overall, it could be a very sleeper pick for Dutcher’s mix come February March when his teams begin to take form & flight. Wouldn’t be surprised if Sy is ready to hit the season running however as the other European additions get their sea legs about them in the new systems.
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