Miles Byrd Returns to San Diego State for Junior Season

Updated May 29, 2025

Miles Byrd, a talented guard with NBA potential, announced Wednesday he‍ will return to San Diego State University (SDSU) for his redshirt junior season. Byrd’s decision⁣ came just before the deadline for college players to remove their names from the NBA draft, marking a significant boost for the Aztecs’ NBA potential.

Byrd’s return is a major piece in solidifying what head⁣ coach Brian Dutcher hopes will be a very talented roster. Last season, Byrd averaged⁣ career ⁢highs across the⁢ board, including 12.3 points,4.4 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game. He showcased his scoring ability early in the season, hitting ⁣double⁣ figures in 15 of the first 19 games.

However, the six-foot-seven-inch guard experienced a shooting slump later in the season. His three-point‍ percentage dipped from 38.7% to 30.1% by ‍season’s end. Despite ⁢this, Byrd earned All-Mountain West honors and a spot on‍ the conference’s All-Defensive Team, underscoring his value⁢ to ⁤the team’s Mountain West prospects.

Dutcher has⁢ had a productive offseason, also securing the return of Mountain West Defensive Player⁤ of the Year, Magoon Gwath. The team also added Latrell Davis, Jeremiah Oden, and Sean Newman Jr. thru the transfer portal, enhancing the team’s team depth.

The aztecs also signed Elzie Harrington, a⁣ highly-regarded high ⁢school guard. With returning‍ players like Reese Waters, Pharaoh Compton, and Taj DeGourville, SDSU could be a preseason Top-25 contender.

Last season, San diego State lost to UNC in the First Four, an‍ early ⁤exit after reaching consecutive Sweet 16s, including a run to the National Championship game in 2023.

What’s next

With Byrd’s return⁢ and the addition of new talent, San⁤ Diego state aims to build on past successes and make a deeper run in the NCAA⁤ tournament next season.