San Diego State Basketball: 5 Early Predictions For 2014-15 Season

By Matt Johnson

San Diego State Basketball: 5 Early Predictions For 2014-15 Season

San Diego State Aztecs — San Diego State has emerged as the Mountain West Conference’s top program since Steve Fisher took over 16 years ago. With the Aztecs returning three starters from last year’s Sweet 16 team to go along with a consensus top-20 recruiting class, San Diego State again appears ready to wreak havoc on their conference foes as 2014-15 gets underway. Here are five early predictions for the Aztecs this season.

5. Aztecs Will Be Amongst National Leaders In Team Defense

San Diego State Aztecs

5. Aztecs Will Be Amongst National Leaders In Team Defense

San Diego State Aztecs — The Aztecs were one of the stingiest defensive teams in the nation last year, surrendering just 57 points per game while limiting the opposition to 38.6 percent shooting from the field. Expect more of the same in 2014-15 as San Diego State’s combination of speed and athleticism frustrates opponents all season long.

4. Angelo Chol Will Make Biggest Impact of Newcomers

Angelo Chol

4. Angelo Chol Will Make Biggest Impact of Newcomers

Angelo Chol — The Aztecs’ recruiting class is rated amongst the top-20 classes in the country, and Angelo Chol is a big reason why. Chol appeared in 65 games during his two years at Arizona before transferring to San Diego State for his junior season. At 6-foot-9, Chol could become San Diego State’s best rebounder and help offset the loss of Josh Davis up front.

3. Winston Shepard Will Be Mountain West’s Player of the Year

Winston Shepard

3. Winston Shepard Will Be Mountain West’s Player of the Year

Winston Shepard — Following a campaign that saw Shepard average 11.6 points per game, the 6-foot-8 forward figures to become San Diego State’s primary offensive option now that Xavier Thames has moved on. With the Aztecs boasting great skill and depth, Shepard should find greater room to operate and enjoy a big junior season.

2. San Diego State Will Win the Mountain West Title

San Diego State Aztecs

2. San Diego State Will Win the Mountain West Title

San Diego State Aztecs — San Diego State again appears to be the team to beat in the Mountain West heading into 2014-15. The Aztecs carry the best frontcourt in the conference, and if a young, but talented group of guards matures quickly, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t again emerge as league champs.

1. San Diego State Will Make A Run To the Sweet 16

San Diego State Aztecs

1. San Diego State Will Make A Run To the Sweet 16

San Diego State Aztecs — The Aztecs made a nice run through the NCAA Tournament last season, defeating New Mexico State and North Dakota State before falling to Arizona in the Regional Semifinals. With a deep roster and solid coaching from Fisher, expect San Diego State to make another run to the Sweet 16 before the 2014-15 season ends.

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San Diego State Aztecs

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