San Diego, California – San Diego State basketball received a major boost Tuesday night as Magoon Gwath, one of the team’s standout players, announced his decision to return for the 2024-25 season. Gwath made the announcement on Instagram in collaboration with the MESA Foundation, confirming that he was removing his name from the transfer portal.
In his post, Gwath wrote, “Home is where the heart is. Staying home! I am excited to share that I am removing my name from the transfer portal. If I return to school next season, it will be as an Aztec. Thank you for your continued support as I go through the 2025 NBA Draft process.”
Gwath’s decision comes after rumors circulated earlier in the day suggesting that he was close to committing to Kentucky, following the path of former teammate Lamont Butler from the previous season. Michigan, Texas, and Washington were also mentioned as potential suitors, offering enticing NIL deals to the standout forward. However, Gwath ultimately decided to stay at San Diego State, keeping his eligibility intact while continuing his pursuit of the NBA Draft.
Gwath, a redshirt freshman this past season, emerged as one of the top players for the Aztecs, averaging nine points, five rebounds, and three blocks per game. He also shot 37 percent from beyond the arc, earning recognition as the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. His return to the team is a major win for head coach Brian Dutcher, who has been working to reshape his roster after losing Gwath and point guard Nick Boyd to the transfer portal.
When asked about the potential for players returning to their original schools after entering the transfer portal, Coach Dutcher said on 760 AM’s “Jon & Jim” show last week, “I wouldn’t close the door. But the whole thing is, how long can you wait? Because the more you wait, the more you miss out on other players.” Now that Gwath has committed to return, Dutcher and his staff can focus on adding to the backcourt, particularly after Boyd’s departure.
San Diego State made its first addition from the transfer portal on Monday night, landing forward Jeremiah Oden for his final season. Oden, a sixth-year senior, has played at Wyoming, DePaul, and Charlotte, although he did not appear in a game this past season due to injury.
With Gwath’s return and the addition of Oden, the Aztecs are looking to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season, with an eye on continuing their success in the Mountain West and beyond.
