Utah State men's basketball season preview 2024-25: 3 biggest games, key players to watch, predictions and more
Utah State went on a successful 28-7 record last season and only five players will be returning from the previous season's roster. Moreover, they will enter the season with a new coach at the helm after Danny Sprinkle led the program to a MW championship and banked on his coaching offer from the Washington Huskies.
Now, as the Aggies are gripped by first-year head coach Jerrod Calhoun, let's look at the top games they are slated for in the 2024-25 season.
Utah State men's basketball season preview 2024-25: 3 biggest games, key players to watch, predictions and more
Utah State's 3 biggest games in the 2024-25 season
Aggies will play 11 non-conference games this season, seven at home and four on the road. However, one of the most integral stretches of the program is the European Tour. Jerrod Calhoun and the team will play numerous teams across the continent from August 9 to August 19. While the names of opposing teams are not out yet, they will face rosters from Rome, Florence, Split and Dubrovnik.
For the non-conference stretch, the Aggies will play a crucial game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. The two teams face off for the first time since the Aggies’ 2021 blowout loss (94-75) to the Hawkeyes in South Dakota.
It will be a significant juncture for Calhoun, as the last Big Ten team they faced was the 2024 NCAA runner-up Purdue Boilermakers last year.
More potential matchups can come as the Aggies confirm their regular season conference schedule. Until then, the December 7 game against Utah Tech in Dee Glen Smith Spectrum could act as a huge reason for local fans to fill up the arena.
Key Utah State players to watch out for in the 2024-25 season
As a redshirt freshman, Mason Flaslev became the program favorite for the Moutain West season title holders. He averaged 11.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.3 steals last season while shooting 56.2% from the field. As a sophomore, he will be eager to take things a level further and diversify his presence on the court.
Another significant player could be the latest Serbian addition, Pavle Stosic, who joins the program as a sophomore from Gonzaga with three years of eligibility. Expect him to mold into the Aggies' roster due to his versatility and ability to be a combo forward.
He also brings international experience with the 2021 FIBA U18 European Challengers and helping his squad to second place in Group A.
Utah State predictions for the 2024-25 season
Aggies will get an early reality check of their caliber in August through their European tour. While the team battles through basketball powerhouses, Calhoun will have enough chances to test his coaching acumen.
With that, the Aggies can do some early damage this season and build their resume. It will not only help their chances to earn a third straight NCAA bid but also maintain the morale of the young roster.