San Diego State Aztecs forward Magoon Gwath is set to make his highly anticipated return to the court on Tuesday night against Troy after being sidelined for the first two games of the season due to knee surgery. According to Mark Zeigler of the San Diego Union Tribune, Gwath has fully recovered and is eager to rejoin his teammates in competitive action.
In recent weeks, Gwath participated in team warm-ups during the exhibition matches against Long Beach State and Idaho State but did not enter those games. As the Aztecs prepare for their upcoming matchup, expectations are high that he will reclaim his spot in the starting lineup. However, head coach Brian Dutcher is keeping the option open for Jeremiah Oden to start at the four position if necessary.
Dutcher reiterated that the training staff was committed to ensuring Gwath’s readiness before allowing him to return to play. “He’s played one game since last February,” he stated. “As good as he thinks he is going to be, there will be a curve to try and get his timing back.” The coach anticipates that Gwath may experience some frustrations as he readjusts to game speed.
There are ongoing discussions regarding playing time limitations. Initially, it was suggested that Gwath might be restricted to around 15 to 20 minutes on the floor. However, depending on the flow of the game, he could potentially exceed that, reaching 25 to 27 minutes, which would align with the regular rotation.
Assistant coach Ryan Badrtalei emphasized Gwath’s unique contributions, stating, “He adds a different element out there on both sides of the ball.” Badrtalei highlighted Gwath’s basketball IQ as a significant factor in his development over time, allowing him to learn and adapt from each experience on the court.
Fans can expect to see Gwath bring a dynamic presence to the Aztecs against the Trojans. While immediate dominance may not be anticipated, his ability to elevate the team’s performance should have a positive impact as the Aztecs look to control the game from start to finish. The return of a key player like Gwath certainly brings a renewed sense of hope and excitement for San Diego State basketball as they continue their season.