Dutcher Likes SDSU’s Pieces. Friday Will Show How They Fit.

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Brian Dutcher believes San Diego State has the talent to compete for a championship in the new Pac-12. Ahead of Friday’s exhibition at Arizona, however, his assessment came with a clear qualification: the Aztecs are still learning how to play together, and injuries have slowed that process. With nine newcomers and just four returning players, SDSU heads to Tucson with considerable upside and an offense still finding its rhythm.

Dutcher said he was leaning toward holding Latrell Davis out after Davis aggravated his separated shoulder, while Luka Škorić is also unlikely to play because of a groin injury. Both are potential starters, making their absences significant when evaluating Friday’s performance. Dutcher described Davis as one of SDSU’s best players even during his redshirt season, praising his shooting and ability to get to the rim. Protecting that offensive weapon ahead of the November 3 opener is understandably a priority.

The most intriguing takeaway was Dutcher’s vision for a lineup featuring several playmakers. Elzie Harrington, Chance Gladden, Davis, and David Torresani all have point guard experience, giving SDSU opportunities to spread the floor and attack from multiple positions. Gladden received praise for his pace, scoring versatility, and unselfishness, with Dutcher saying he will have an opportunity to start. Harrington and Tae Simmons also earned recognition for their growth and familiarity with the program.

That ability to create could become especially valuable alongside Isaiah Sy. Dutcher called Sy “as good a shooter as we’ve had since I’ve been here,” emphasizing his quick release and ability to capitalize on limited space. The challenge now is generating those opportunities consistently. If SDSU’s guards can draw help and move the ball effectively, Sy could become a dangerous option for punishing defenses that collapse into the paint.

There was encouraging news regarding the European additions: Dutcher said all three have received NCAA clearance. He praised Škorić’s floor spacing, Luca Vincini’s screening and passing, and Torresani’s explosiveness. Their skills offer different ways to improve the offense, although missing summer practice has added to the adjustment. Dutcher sounded more comfortable with the team’s defensive progress, while identifying rebounding and keeping Bear Cherry out of foul trouble as ongoing priorities.

Nick Anderson’s situation remains conditional. Dutcher said his ACL rehabilitation is ahead of schedule, but a possible return also depends on SDSU’s appeal for another year of eligibility. Preserving Anderson for a full season would be preferable if that option becomes available; otherwise, a late-season appearance could be considered if he is healthy enough.

Friday should provide useful answers about SDSU’s ball movement, defensive discipline, and ability to finish possessions against quality competition. Dutcher intends to compete for the win while giving players opportunities to establish themselves. His confidence in the team’s ceiling is clear. Now comes the work of turning a promising collection of players into a group capable of meeting those expectations.