SDSU Basketball: Will They Make the NCAA Tournament?
The San Diego State Aztecs men’s basketball team has been one of the most competitive teams in the NCAA for the past few years. Despite having one of the toughest schedules in the nation, they have consistently been in the running for the NCAA tournament. This year, the team is looking to make it to the Big Dance and possibly make a deep run. But will they be able to make it?
History of SDSU Basketball
The San Diego State Aztecs have a long and storied history. The team has been playing since 1921 and has made the NCAA tournament 14 times since then. They have also won the Mountain West Conference Tournament twice, in 2006 and 2011. The Aztecs have had some great players over the years, such as Kawhi Leonard, Jamaal Franklin, and Malcolm Thomas, who all went on to have successful NBA careers.
This Year’s Team
This year’s SDSU team is led by head coach Brian Dutcher and is made up of mostly upperclassmen. The Aztecs are led by senior guard Jordan Schakel who is averaging 15.3 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per game. He is joined in the starting lineup by senior forward Nathan Mensah and junior forward Matt Mitchell, who are both averaging double-digit points per game. The Aztecs also have a strong supporting cast of role players such as senior guard KJ Feagin, junior forward Aguek Arop, and freshman guard Terrell Gomez.
Schedule and Record
The Aztecs have one of the toughest schedules in the country this year, having to face teams such as Gonzaga, Utah State, and UNLV. Despite this, the Aztecs have managed to put together a strong record of 19-4 and are sitting at the top of the Mountain West Conference standings.
Chances of Making the NCAA Tournament
The Aztecs have a very good chance of making the NCAA tournament this year. They have a strong record and are currently sitting atop the Mountain West Conference standings. If the Aztecs can continue to win, they should have no problem making the Big Dance.
Key Factors for Success
The Aztecs have a few key factors that will be important for their success this year. The first is their senior leadership. Schakel and Mensah have been the core of the team and have been playing strong all year. In addition, the Aztecs have a strong supporting cast of role players who have stepped up in big games. Lastly, the Aztecs have a very deep bench which has helped to keep the team fresh late in games.
RPI and Strength of Schedule
The Aztecs currently have a RPI rating of 19 and a strength of schedule of 33. This is a very good rating for a team that is in contention for the NCAA tournament. It shows that the Aztecs have been able to beat some tough teams and have put up impressive numbers against them.
Key Games
The Aztecs still have a few key games left on their schedule that will be important for their NCAA tournament chances. They will face off against UNLV, Boise State, and Colorado State, all of whom are competing for the Mountain West conference title. The Aztecs will also have a chance to show their mettle against the likes of Gonzaga, Utah State, and BYU in non-conference games. Victories in these games could go a long way towards securing an NCAA tournament bid.
Postseason Predictions
At this point, it looks like the Aztecs have a good chance of making the NCAA tournament. They have a strong record and a good RPI rating, and have been able to beat some of the toughest teams in the country. If the Aztecs can continue to win, they should have no problem making the Big Dance.
Possible NCAA Tournament Run
If the Aztecs do make the NCAA tournament, they could be a dangerous team. They have a lot of experienced players and a deep bench, which could give them the edge against some of the top teams in the country. In addition, the Aztecs have been able to beat some of the best teams in the country, which shows that they have the capability to make a deep run in the tournament.
Key Players in the Tournament
If the Aztecs do make the tournament, there are a few players who will be key to their success. Schakel and Mensah are both experienced leaders who have been instrumental in the team’s success this year. In addition, Gomez and Arop have been playing well off the bench and could be valuable contributors in the tournament. Lastly, Mitchell has been a key contributor all year and could be a difference-maker in the tournament.
Conclusion
The San Diego State Aztecs have been one of the most competitive teams in the nation this year and have a good chance of making the NCAA tournament. If they are able to make the tournament, they have the potential to make a deep run, thanks to their experienced veterans and deep bench. It should be an exciting March for SDSU fans and we will all be waiting to see if they can make it to the Big Dance.
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