SAN DIEGO – San Diego State head coach Brian Dutcher announced that Yanni Wetzell has signed an institutional Grant-In-Aid to attend the University and join the men's basketball program. A 6-10, 240-pound forward and graduate transfer, he has one year of eligibility remaining and is available to play immediately.
In one season at Vanderbilt, Wetzell made 10 starts and appeared in 32 games. He averaged 5.9 points, on 49.6 percent shooting and 3.8 rebounds for the Commodores. In his last eight games, five against NCAA Tournament teams, he upped his output to 8.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game and was one of four players in the SEC, who averaged at least 8.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and shot at least 59.0 percent from the floor over that time period.
"With Jalen McDaniels pursuing a professional career, Yanni Wetzell fills an immediate opening we have at the stretch four position," head coach Brian Dutcher said. "His experience and physical presence are immensely important for next year's team.
"Yanni's skill level and athleticism reminds me of players we have had in the past like Billy White, J.J. O'Brien, Malik Pope and Jalen. Each played the position at a very high level, were very successful and I expect Yanni will have an immediate impact."
A native of Auckland, New Zealand, Wetzell began his collegiate career at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas. In 59 games, all starts, he averaged 13.6 points and 6.2 rebounds while amassing 83 assists, 52 steals and 24 blocks in two seasons. Wetzell earned Heartland Conference Freshman of the Year honors in 2015-16 and second-team All-Heartland Conference following his sophomore season in which he averaged 15.5 points and 6.8 rebounds.
An SEC Academic Honor Roll designee, Wetzell will earn his bachelor's degree in economics from Vanderbilt this month and will enter San Diego State's MBA program in the Fall. He will join five other newcomers; graduate transfer KJ Feagin, from Santa Clara, junior transfers Malachi Flynn, from Washington State and Trey Pulliam, from Navarro College, redshirt sophomore Caleb Giordano and true freshman Keshad Johnson on next season's roster.
The Aztecs return six of their top nine scorers off a team that posted a 21-13 record and advanced to the championship game of the Mountain West Conference tournament in 2019. San Diego State is one of just nine schools nationally to win at least 19 games each of the last 14 seasons and is one of 29 schools to play in seven of the last 10 NCAA tournaments.
The renewal period for season tickets is currently underway. Fans wishing to be added to the waitlist may do so now by contacting the SDSU ticket office at (619) 283-7378.