Michigan tips off a pivotal week in Las Vegas tonight (10:30 p.m., truTV) against San Diego State in its opening game of the Players Era Festival.
It’s a prove-it week for the Wolverines in the highest-profile multi-team event in college basketball. They’ll play three games in three days—likely three of the five most challenging non-conference games they’ll play all season, and there’s extra name, image and likeness money on the table for teams that finish in the top four.
The Aztecs entered this season with high expectations. They were a consensus pick to win the Mountain West and return a pair of star players with NBA upside who would typically end up elsewhere in modern college basketball.
Early-season results haven’t quite gone as planned, with Troy upsetting San Diego State last week in double overtime. Brian Dutcher’s defensive reputation is inarguable, and his roster is as deep and talented as he’s had in quite some time. However, this group — like Michigan — seems to be still figuring things out early in the season.
The Aztecs
A San Diego State preview has to start with defense before offense. The Aztecs are one of the most consistently dominant defensive teams in the mid-major ranks, finishing in the top-30 in adjusted defensive efficiency in seven of Dutcher’s eight seasons in charge — including three top ten finishes.
Early this year, the Aztecs are ranked 20th in adjusted defensive efficiency, and that number should climb throughout the year.
San Diego State’s defensive scheme is aggressive. They are ranked 16th in forced turnover rate, 26th in block rate, and 20th in steal rate. That aggression comes at a price, ranking 247th in defensive rebounding rate, 298th in opponent 3-point volume, and 159th in defensive free-throw rate (294th last year).
The Aztecs will blitz you, pressure you, block your shot, and do everything in their power to disrupt your comfort, knowing that they might give up too many open threes, putbacks, and free throws.
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