San Diego State basketball entered a new PAC-12 era with a new confidence Friday night when they began their exhibition season with a dramatically different roster than last season. The Aztecs traveled to Tucson, Arizona to take on the Wildcats of Arizona. Despite all the changes Brian Dutcher has a familiar expectation: competing for championships.
“I like the pieces. I like this team,” Dutcher said. “But I’m a little concerned that we’re not going to be quite where we need to be for a scrimmage of this magnitude in Tucson against a very good Arizona team.”
Friday night’s exhibition matchup against Arizona provided an early opportunity to evaluate a San Diego State team that Dutcher believes has the pieces to be special, even if it is still a work in progress.
The Wildcats were victorious 82-67, finishing both halves with strong runs to keep the Aztecs always one step behind.
But before the Aztecs can turn this loss into criticism, there was a lot to walk away feeling good about when it came to this game. Especially the important questions about their identity, offensive chemistry and ability to compete against the nation’s best teams.
With four returning players and nine newcomers, the Aztecs have undergone significant roster turnover heading into the 2026-27 season. Several key additions arrived from overseas, and they weren’t truly active until just recently.
The opening starting five went as follows: Elzie Harrington, Chance Gladden, Isaiah Sy, Tae Simmons, and Bear Cherry.
At the end of the game four players finished having reached into double-digit scoring: Isaiah Sy 17points on 7-11 shooting, including 3-5 from three point range. Sy the Oregon State transfer showed his rangy athleticism and sharp-shooting ability.
Most exciting was his ferocious block of Arizona’s 7’2″ Lithuanian big man Motiejus Krivas (17 points) and Sy’s emphatic scream in his face after the play. Sy on the night played within himself and really showed a veteran presence the most by only surrendering just 1 turnover.
If and it’s a big IF, but if Sy is to continue to be a major scoring threat this season, it’s a big plus if he maintains that low turnover rate. Something this team struggled with from it’s stars last year.
Chance Gladden and Tae Simmons followed up with 15 points each—though both play a very different game. Gladden the guard, was 2-3 from behind the arc and both he and Simmons contributed knocking down 10 of 13 free throws combined—another sign of improvement in an area that plagued the Aztecs a year ago.
Simmons was very active as usual grabbing 8 boards to go with his offensive contributions.
The differences however is Simmons who plays more in the paint was a very efficient 5-8 in field goals, while Gladden hit 4-10 overall. The two players had some incredible hustle plays, but both lacked turning it over 7 times combined.
The other double-digit scorer was Big Bear Cherry. The 270 lb center finished with 12 points on 6-12 field goals, cleaned up with 9 rebounds and had to body up against Arizona’s down low threats. Cherry was strong with 3 blocks, was very active moving around the floor and kept himself clean with just two personal fouls.
His big body presence had us asking in reflection, if Cherry had been a part of last year’s team, would these Aztecs had made the NCAA Tournament? Painful to think about, but glad he is an Aztec now.
Overall the team as a whole brought so much more energy, activity and a desire to be playmakers to the game that just felt very inspiring. Knowing the team had just this first opportunity in real live game action together is a huge test against a team like Arizona.
However the opening struggle from Elzie Harrington (4 points, 4 assists, 5 fouls) may be due to trying to be a facilitator and not engaging in more than just four shot attempts. The other issue was the lack of bench contributors.
The bench shot just 1-15 and added only 4 points when all is said and done. It’s early and finding their groove in the offense was a challenge for Luka Vincini, David Torresani, Zach White, Thokbor Majak, freshman Zach White, and injured Latrell Davis.
While others bring experience from different college programs, the overseas newcomers are likely the ones to benefit the most with these scrimmages to get the kinks out.
In conclusion, the result is a team with considerable versatility and perimeter skill, and a big new force down in the middle. But one that has yet to establish the cohesion Dutcher wants to see before the regular season begins November 3.
Regardless, there’s plenty to be excited about as the season grows this team together. Next up SDSU hosts USC next Friday night October 23, at Viejas Arena for another exhibition game.
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