Aug. 31, 2010
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State sophomore Kawhi Leonard was named as one of college basketball's eight sophomores to watch by ESPN.com's Dick Vitale.
The 2010 Mountain West Conference freshman of the year was already named a fourth-team preseason All-American by the legendary broadcaster. Leonard was just one of three freshmen in Division I to lead his team in scoring and rebounding last season.
Vitale noted that, "Fans from the West Coast know all about Leonard, but now the nation will know more about this talented performer, since the Aztecs are one of the favorites in the Mountain West." The 2010 MWC tournament most valuable player scored 16 points and grabbed 21 rebounds at UNLV to clinch the Aztecs' trip to the NCAA Tournament.
The Aztecs return nine letter-winners and all five starters from last season's 25-9 team. Leonard is joined by seniors Billy White (2010 MWC honorable mention), Malcolm Thomas (2010 all-MWC second team), D.J. Gay (2010 MWC honorable mention) and sophomore Chase Tapley, who shot 50 percent from the field and led the Aztecs with a 1.84 assist-to-turnover ratio.
SDSU enters the 2010-11 season fresh off one of its most successful efforts after winning the MWC tournament crown, advancing to the NCAA Tournament and compiling a 25-9 record. The Scarlet and Black have won 20 or more games and advanced to the postseason five consecutive seasons. San Diego State inches toward the `10-11 season with much anticipation as it is ranked No. 23 in Vitale's preseason poll and No. 24 in Andy Katz's rankings. ESPN.com's Pat Forde and FoxSports.com's Jeff Goodman, meanwhile, have tabbed the Aztecs as one of their top teams heading into `10-11.
San Diego State men's basketball season tickets are currently on sale at GoAztecs.com and start at $99 for reserved chair back seats. For more information, please contact the Aztec Ticket Office at (619) 283-7378.