San Diego State’s Big Man Surprises by Staying Instead of Transferring

San Diego, California — Magoon Gwath, a rising star and 7-foot center, has stunned college basketball fans by deciding to remain with the San Diego State Aztecs instead of transferring to marquee programs Kentucky or Michigan. This surprise announcement came late Tuesday night, just days after Gwath entered the transfer portal and quickly garnered attention for his impressive performance this past season.

Having been named the Mountain West Freshman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, Gwath made headlines by averaging 2.6 blocks per game, cementing his reputation as one of the top shot-blocking talents in college basketball. His decision to test the transfer waters came as no surprise given his remarkable ascent from an unranked recruit to a conference standout.

Gwath’s sudden change of heart has been aptly summarized by sportswriter Mark Zeigler, who noted the unexpected nature of his return. “This is not an April Fools’ joke,” Zeigler stated, emphasizing that despite interest from schools known for their basketball prowess, Gwath ultimately chose to honor his commitment to San Diego State.

Coaches from Kentucky and Michigan were reportedly confident in their chances of landing Gwath, prompting a flurry of predictions favoring the Wildcats early on Tuesday. However, it was clear that Gwath’s connection to San Diego State weighed heavily on his decision. Gwath indicated that the Aztecs provided him a critical opportunity to showcase his skills as a former unknown recruit, and he wanted to continue contributing to the team’s legacy.

“I knew he wanted to be here with us and knew in his heart that he wanted to be at San Diego State,” said one insider close to Gwath. “But he owed it to himself and to his family to see what was out there.” The insider further elaborated, “At the end of the day, he was willing to settle for less money. It’s not all about money, as much as people want to say it is,” suggesting that loyalty and personal growth played a significant role in Gwath’s decision.

As a result of this sudden decision, Kentucky’s coaching staff will have to revise their recruiting strategies. Earlier on Tuesday, former Illinois forward Morez Johnson had already committed to Michigan, tightening competition in the transfer market for the Wildcats. They still have a range of potential recruits to consider, including UAB’s Yaxel Lendeborg, a highly touted player who is under professional consideration.

The transfer portal period, which opened on March 24, has seen a sharp rise in player movement, with over 1,000 names entered as teams scramble to fill their rosters for next season. As it stands, only nine players are currently part of Kentucky’s roster for the 2025-26 season, pointing to an impending reshuffle within their lineup.

For now, Gwath’s return adds stability to San Diego State’s program as they prepare for an offseason of growth and development. His decision not only affects the Aztecs but also reshapes the potential landscape of college basketball for next season as rival teams adjust to this surprising outcome.