2006 San Diego State Aztecs Basketball Preview

2006 San Diego State Aztecs Basketball Predictions

Last season, the San Diego State Aztecs (24- 9 overall and 13- 3 in the MWC) topped their league and made it to the Big Dance. Although they lost in the first round 87- 83 to Indiana, look for the Aztecs to go deeper into the tourney in 2006- 07.

Guard Brandon Heath (18.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3.5 APG) can be the MWC Player of the Year for a second season in a row. Heath, one of the most versatile and dominant players in the nation, hit almost 100 three-pointers last season. Sophomore Richie Williams (6.6 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 3.8 APG), who led the conference in steals and assists during his first year, offers excellent skills.

The Aztecs lost forward Marcus Slaughter (16 PPG, 11.0 RPG) to the NBA draft—a draft in which he was not chosen. But there’s still a lot of frontcourt talent available. Mohamed Abukar (14.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.0 APG) and Kyle Spain (9.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.0 APG) can both score. Spain is also a fine three-point man and rebounder. Transfer Jerome Habel, the number two junior college prospect in the country, looks like the guy to replace Slaughter.

Head coach Steve Fisher (105- 106 in 7 years) guided the Aztecs to their first regular season MWC title ever as the team tied their all-time record for wins—24. The team also won the conference tournament and earned a rare NCAA berth. Fisher, who will see four starters return, has his team focused on doing it all again and more—as they possess the stuff to take them deeper into the NCAA Tournament.

San Diego State returns a host of fine players and has recruited some talented guys. The team is also focused on winning and proving that they are better than their first-round elimination in last year’s tournament. They came close to beating Indiana, except for some last minute mistakes. This team is smart enough to learn from their errors.

If you want more info on the 2006 San Diego State Aztecs College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check view other mid major previews from MadduxSports.com of universities like the Southern Illinois Salukis and Toledo Rockets.