San Diego State gained a commitment from Taj DeGourville, another sign the Aztecs’ roster rebuild is moving fast after a turbulent stretch that has already sent multiple players into the transfer portal. The former San Diego State guard is tied to the same portal cycle that has also drawn attention from Nebraska, and his move adds another layer to a team trying to steady itself after missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time in six seasons.
DeGourville’s decision comes as five Aztecs entered the transfer portal and Miles Byrd announced Thursday that he is leaving for Providence for his final season of eligibility. Byrd had been the last link to San Diego State’s 2023 Final Four team, so his departure closes one of the clearest connections to that run.
The new commitment also lands in the middle of a broader reshaping of the roster. Miles Heide, Pharoh Compton and Magoon Gwath are among the players who entered the portal, and the departures have left San Diego State looking for both experience and production. The timing matters because the program is trying to rebuild while other pieces are still moving out the door.
Jeremiah “Bear” Cherry gave the Aztecs an answer on Saturday. The 6-foot-11, 250-pound forward announced on Instagram that he is committing to San Diego State after transferring from UNLV to Sacramento State last year. Cherry played in six games before suffering a season-ending leg injury against UCLA, but his numbers before the injury were strong: 15.5 points per game, 8.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 2.3 blocks and 31.2 minutes per game while shooting 48% from the field, including 37 of 77.
Cherry’s arrival gives San Diego State a frontcourt piece with size and production, while DeGourville’s commitment helps fill another spot in a portal season that has already changed the shape of the roster. The Aztecs are not just reloading; they are trying to replace a core, and the next few decisions will show whether the new group can come together quickly enough to keep the program on course.
