AztecBreakdown

I’m with Schaeffer, although maybe for slightly different reasons. But most I’ve seen have opined about playing too many players.

This one is tough. Byrd loses his man in the scramble. RDW helps cover for him, which is good. Byrd recovers though and RDW takes too long to find his man again. Doesn’t start the closeout til after the catch, which is way too late.

This is why Newman leads the team in +/- right now. He starts rotating even before Compton does, gets the steal, and leads the break that results in a dunk.
Newman can definitely be gun shy, and that’s a problem, but he makes good plays. Love his energy on the floor.

There are reasons having too many good players can be bad. But I think the tape shows that most of them don’t apply in this case.

Statistically, Sean Newman has been the best Aztec in terms of making teammates better. I love this clip where he passes to Taj already knowing what the next pass should be, and pointing it out so Taj can make it. Small thing with a big impact.

Saw someone complain how there were no offensive sets run by SDSU last night.
Turned on the replay, literally the first play was a Spain pick and roll…
This is why I struggle to be on social media.

My take on the Aztecs depth is different than the consensus. I’ll try and elaborate in a pod, but idk if I think it’s the problem most seem to think it is.

Pretty sure it’s the same broadcast either way. But MWN has it online and on replay as well, which are both really nice for me.

In general I don’t mind watching the MW network. My only complaint is their insistence on cutting to replay while there’s action happening.

Not to be that guy, but the same Boise State team that everyone wrote off, best this team by almost 30… Aztecs showed flashes, but need to be consistent.

Aztecs playing a lot more drop coverage this game. Seems to be working better than the hedges.

Bj Davis is on fire, and Newman’s passing has been impressive.

Goal 1 for tonight: Win the game.
Goal 2: Improve the defense. This team needs to get back to it's identity.

Top-100 wins in the Mountian West according to KenPom:

USU over 45 VCU
UNLV over 70 Memphis
UNM over 81 Miss St.
SDSU over 86 Oregon
Boise St. and Fresno St. over 90 Utah Valley
UNR over 91 USF
CSU over 95 South Florida

This is why they call Miles Byrd “Casino.” He’s gearing up for a steal on the inbound to 10, but loses track of his man and has to foul to save the dunk. Big gamble that didn’t pay off.

It’ll take some time to get to the Baylor game, but I’m watching the Oregon game, and Goon was a defensive liability. Consistently missing assignments. Should get better with reps, but sheesh. Easy example where he just loses his man.

Killing it so far.

He’s not without faults, but he seems to be the move for the starting PG spot. His shooting numbers will come back down to earth though and then we’ll see how good he really is.

Post Players Era, this is how SDSU's PIPM looks. Seems to confirm my general suspicion that offense isn't the problem. Four of the best players have been average or worse on that end.
Also shown, best players in the Mountain West as of Thanksgiving day.

They can be. I do believe that. They can turn whatever is happening around. But, they need to diagnose whatever the issue is and implement a solution.

I wasn’t able to watch until about 7 minutes left, but going back to the Troy game, opponents are making a bunch of shots. And the ones they don’t make they often get second chances on. Super uncharacteristic of Aztec teams.

What is up with the defense this year? I know offenses have been going crazy in general, but this season feels like the worst Aztec defense I’ve ever seen.

You sir(?), are too kind. I’m going to need to post here more regularly now.

Biggest problem so far imo. Team doesn’t seem to have a starting level PG. All 3 candidates have shown flashes but haven’t been consistent.

After last night's loss against Troy, Here is the scouting report for SDSU vs. Mighigan.

SDSU will likely treat Aday Mara similar to how the did Ryan Kalkbrenner by fronting him in the post.

Wake Forest trying to execute a Gortat screen against Aday Mara.

Yaxel Lendeborg’s versatility makes him one of the best players in college basketball.

Turnovers for easy points will be crucial against Michigan.

Michigan’s drop coverage attempts to force shots like this.