Preview San Diego State’s Men’s Basketball Team Before Tuesday’s Opener

San Diego State’s men’s basketball team is set to kick off the 2025-26 season on Tuesday night against Long Beach State at Viejas Arena. The Aztecs have garnered attention as the unanimous favorites to win the Mountain West Conference, bolstered by standout players such as Miles Byrd, who has been named the preseason Player of the Year, and Elzie Harrington, the Preseason Newcomer of the Year.

Key Players and Roster Overview

Here’s a breakdown of the key players on the roster ahead of this season’s opener:

• Magoon Gwath
  Position: Forward
  Height: 7-0
  Weight: 212 pounds
  Year: Redshirt sophomore
  Notes: Had surgery on his knee and is expected to return by mid-November.
• Elzie Harrington
  Position: Guard
  Height: 6-5
  Weight: 188 pounds
  Year: Freshman
  Notes: A versatile recruit who can play multiple backcourt positions after commitments to Harvard and USC.
• Sean Newman Jr.
  Position: Guard
  Height: 6-1
  Weight: 174 pounds
  Year: Fifth-year senior
  Notes: Led Division I in assists per game, transitioning from Louisiana Tech.
• Pharaoh Compton
  Position: Forward
  Height: 6-7
  Weight: 230 pounds
  Year: Sophomore
  Notes: Focused on improving his play to commit fewer fouls and enhance his shooting.
• Latrell Davis
  Position: Guard
  Height: 6-3
  Weight: 212 pounds
  Year: Junior
  Notes: A transfer from San Jose State, notable for his ability to drive to the basket.
• Tae Simmons
  Position: Forward
  Height: 6-6
  Weight: 230 pounds
  Year: Freshman
  Notes: Combines physicality with a strong work ethic to excel on the court.
• BJ Davis
  Position: Guard
  Height: 6-2
  Weight: 175 pounds
  Year: Junior
  Notes: Started 31 games last season and averaged 9.0 points.
• Miles Byrd
  Position: Guard
  Height: 6-6
  Weight: 190 pounds
  Year: Redshirt junior
  Notes: Decided to return for his fourth year after a standout performance at the draft combine.
• Taj DeGourville
  Position: Guard
  Height: 6-5
  Weight: 211 pounds
  Year: Sophomore
  Notes: One of the team’s most improved players, scoring well in exhibition matches.
• Jeremiah Oden
  Position: Forward
  Height: 6-8
  Weight: 210 pounds
  Year: Sixth-year senior
  Notes: Experienced player with a strong knowledge of the conference, previously at Wyoming.
• Thokbor Majak
  Position: Forward
  Height: 7-1
  Weight: 215 pounds
  Year: Redshirt freshman
  Notes: Eager to contribute despite limited experience in basketball.
• Reese Dixon-Waters
  Position: Guard
  Height: 6-5
  Weight: 217 pounds
  Year: Fifth-year senior
  Notes: Continues to impress with his shooting ability, performing well in preseason.
• Miles Heide
  Position: Forward
  Height: 6-9
  Weight: 235 pounds
  Year: Junior
  Notes: Expected to play a significant role as a reliable rebounder.

As the Aztecs prepare for their season opener, the depth and talent within the roster create high expectations. Fans eagerly anticipate the team’s performance and the potential for a successful campaign in the Mountain West Conference.