Team making slow steady progress, one month away from the opener.
Some minor injuries.
Excited to get picked to win the conference. "We want to be the team that when they talk about the conference, they talk about San Diego State first. We're excited about it and we're getting used to it."
We know Boise beat us twice last year. The preseason poll is what it is.
Dutcher on the JAM center: It's been everything and more than we have hoped for."
SDSU still practices in Viejas at times because of the background view that the team will see shooting in the season. Players can get shots at night after practice it they so choose.
If you're going to be good it's the extra work you put in.
If these guys want to be the best can be, they know the standard based off previous players like Jamaal Franklin and Kawhi Leonard.
Jeremy Hemsley has dealt with a hamstring string as of late. Not risking an injury. He's like Richie Williams in terms of quickness and shiftiness.
With the shorter shot clock, Dutcher plans to increase the tempo to work with. The way we play defense, we get less possessions on offense.
On Trey Kell: Trey's really really good. He always makes the right play. We'd like him to be more aggressive on the offensive end.
Matt Shrigley: He's working hard at the rehab. Doing a great job with Tom. Because he redshirted he can't get a sixth year so he's doing everything in his power to get back this year. We'd love to have Matt back this year.
On not being in the Top 25: Having the past that we've had with the NCAA tourney, we know it doesn't matter too much .
On Shepard: He brings great experience. He's been through the wars. He's filled every role on the team we've need him to fill. He continues to grow his game. We'll put him in position to make those plays that he's comfortable making.
On Pope: Malik Pope didn't get healthy until December. He's not even a full year healthy in the program yet. He's getting better daily. That's key in being a player. The challenge to him is to maintain that
On Zylan Cheatham: He brings energy. He brought it on the bench last year and he wasn't playing. Has to slow himself down in practice. Has to make the right play and right read and he'll be on the floor a lot more.
