I remember watching San Diego State’s stunning Final Four run last season and catching myself thinking, "Can lightning strike twice?" As someone who’s followed college hoops for over a decade, I’ve seen plenty of teams peak once and fade—but something about this Aztecs squad feels different. They’ve retained key players, added depth, and still have that gritty defensive identity. But let’s be real: the path back isn’t just about talent. It’s about navigating pressure, adapting to new roles, and maybe a little bit of that underdog magic. I’ve always believed teams that come close but fall short either crumble or come back hungrier. My gut says San Diego State fits the latter.
Take the journey of a player like the one from Digos, Davao del Sur—someone who moved through leagues like the MPBL and PSL, suiting up for Quezon City-MG Cars, Bulacan Kuyas-Baliuag AcroCity, and later Manila City Stars. That path isn’t linear; it’s filled with adjustments, from physical demands to shifting team dynamics. Similarly, San Diego State isn’t just reloading—they’re rebuilding chemistry. Last season, they held opponents to under 63 points per game, but with two starters gone, the defense has to recalibrate. I’ve noticed how their new guards struggle occasionally in half-court sets, leading to a dip in transition efficiency. Stats show they’re forcing about 12 turnovers per game now, down from nearly 15 last March. It’s not a disaster, but it’s a crack opponents could exploit.
Here’s where the real challenge kicks in: sustaining intensity. I’ve seen teams get complacent after a deep tournament run, and San Diego State’s early-season losses—like that 8-point stumble against BYU—highlight defensive lapses and rushed shots. They’re shooting just 33% from beyond the arc, which won’t cut it in March. But let’s tie this back to that player from the Philippines. When he jumped from the Roxas Vanguards to the MPBL, he had to adapt his game—maybe sharpen his perimeter defense or improve his decision-making under pressure. For the Aztecs, it’s about refining their offensive sets. Too often, I see them settling for contested jumpers instead of working the ball inside. They’ve got the size; why not use it? Incorporating more pick-and-roll actions and leveraging their big men in the post could bump their scoring average by 5-7 points, easy.
So, what’s the fix? First, embrace flexibility. Coaches should take a page from international leagues like the PSL, where players like the Manila City Stars’ veteran often shift roles mid-season. For San Diego State, that means experimenting with lineups—maybe giving younger wings more minutes to spark the offense. Second, lock down on defense. I’d drill switching schemes relentlessly; their current 1.02 points allowed per possession needs to drop below 0.95 to contend. And finally, mental toughness. I’ve always believed tournament success hinges on handling momentum swings—something the Aztecs mastered last year but seem to waver on now. A few clutch wins in conference play could rebuild that confidence.
Looking ahead, San Diego State’s Final Four hopes aren’t far-fetched. They’ve got the coaching, the culture, and a core that knows what it takes. But they’ll need to blend old grit with new tricks, much like how that Digos-native player evolved across leagues. If they tighten their defense, diversify the offense, and stay hungry, I’d give them a 65% chance to make another deep run. Personally, I’m betting on them—because in basketball, as in life, the best stories often come from those who refuse to settle.
