San Diego State’s basketball program has received a significant boost in the preseason as they were ranked as a power conference team in the Associated Press poll. The Aztecs started at No. 17, which is two spots higher than last year and marks their second-highest opening ranking.
Illustrating their credibility as a strong team, San Diego State appeared on 55 out of 63 ballots, with one voter even ranking them as high as No. 9. Coach Brian Dutcher has been vocal about considering San Diego State a power conference team regardless of their conference, emphasizing their potential.
Reigning atop the AP poll is Kansas, with Duke, Purdue, Michigan State, and Marquette following suit. Not far behind these top-ranked teams, two West Coast teams, Gonzaga and Arizona, were ranked ahead of San Diego State at No. 11 and No. 12 respectively.
San Diego State is in good company as other notable teams ranking close to them include Texas, North Carolina, Baylor, USC, and Villanova. It’s clear that the Aztecs are garnering attention from both fans and experts alike.
However, while the AP poll recognizes San Diego State’s potential, the Kenpom.com computer metric projects them at No. 29 overall, forecasting a 21-8 record. The metric also predicts that the Aztecs will have the nation’s 50th best offense and 12th best defense.
Considering alternative preseason computer ratings, Bart Torvik’s T-rank metric places the Aztecs at No. 23. Though it is slightly kinder, it still emphasizes San Diego State’s strength in the upcoming season.
Other western Mountain West schools, including Boise State and New Mexico, received votes but did not make it into the top 25. This showcases the competitive nature of the conference and highlights San Diego State’s prominence within.
As San Diego State’s basketball program begins the season with a strong opening ranking and the support of experts, fans can anticipate an exciting and promising journey. With a talented roster and a dedicated coaching staff, the Aztecs are poised to make a notable impact in the upcoming season.
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