Collegehoopsnet - Aztecs Look For Point Guards

Coach Steve Fisher and crew are looking for a point guard: one now and one or two later. With Wesley Stokes academically ineligible for the fall semester, the Aztecs need to plug the hole in the lineup as well as the void in on court leadership in 2004. And considering that Stokes is a senior, they’ll need to fill that spot in the future anyway.

The short-term fix is either sophomore Brandon Heath, who’s better suited for the two guard spot, or incoming freshman Matt Thomas, who signed a LOI in the spring. Thomas saw limited action in a summer league team that was led by fellow Aztecs Marcus Slaughter and Heath. Leadership will likely come from fifth year senior Chris Walton.

As for the future, well, two possibilities visited San Diego State in early September. Top prospect Byron Eaton is a five star recruit and listed by The Insiders as the #2 ranked point guard. He’s 6-0/170 and plays both football and basketball in high school. The Aztecs are one of four schools Eaton will visit in September. Cincinnati and Oklahoma State appear to be the front runners for landing this potential McDonald’s All-American.

Kashif Watson, younger brother of C.J. who plays the point for Tennessee, gave the Aztecs a verbal commitment shortly after his trip to San Diego. He was also offered a scholarship by Minnesota but cancelled his trip there after seeing San Diego. Given Watson’s skill set and size (6-3/150) most think he’s better suited as a two guard.

Stokes will remain on scholarship and if he restores his academic eligibility after the fall semester ends, he could be ready to rejoin the squad in mid-December. Last season, Stokes averaged 12.1 points per game and ranked second in the Mountain West Conference with 5.8 assists.

Fisher repeatedly said last year that the Aztecs would only go as far as Stokes would take them. With Stokes’ role in question, it’s hard to tell how they’ll do this year and beyond. Marcus Slaughter appears to be a rising star. He took advantage of Evan Burns’ departure last year to start most of the games as a freshman. Many think he will be the focal point going forward.

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