Utah State Basketball: 5 Bold Predictions for a Breakout Season

The Utah State Aggies men's basketball team is buzzing with anticipation as they approach the upcoming season. After a somewhat turbulent period, there's a palpable sense of optimism surrounding the program, fueled by returning talent, promising newcomers, and a renewed energy under head coach Ryan Odom. While a return to the NCAA Tournament isn't guaranteed, several factors suggest that Utah State is poised for a significant step forward. Here are five bold predictions for what could be a breakout season in Logan.

**Prediction 1: Steven Ashworth emerges as an All-Mountain West Guard.** Ashworth has steadily improved throughout his career at Utah State, showcasing a knack for clutch shots and impressive playmaking abilities. This season, with increased experience and a more defined leadership role, he's primed to explode onto the scene as one of the conference's premier guards. Expect to see Ashworth’s scoring average jump significantly, alongside a boost in assists as he orchestrates the Aggies' offense. His ability to hit from deep, coupled with his crafty drives to the basket, makes him a tough matchup for any defender.

**Prediction 2: The Aggies finish top-three in the Mountain West Conference.** The Mountain West is perpetually a competitive conference, but this year's Utah State squad possesses the talent and depth to challenge the established hierarchy. While San Diego State and Boise State will likely be tough contenders, the Aggies have the potential to surpass expectations and finish among the conference's elite. Their improved defense, combined with an explosive offense, could propel them to a top-three finish, securing a favorable seed in the Mountain West Tournament.

**Prediction 3: Taylor Funk proves to be the missing piece of the puzzle.** The graduate transfer from Saint Joseph's brings a much-needed dimension to the Aggies' frontcourt. Funk's versatility as a scorer, both inside and out, stretches opposing defenses and creates opportunities for his teammates. His experience and leadership will also be invaluable for a relatively young Utah State roster. Expect Funk to become a key contributor and a stabilizing force for the Aggies, solidifying their frontcourt presence and adding a crucial scoring punch.

**Prediction 4: Utah State secures a bid to the NIT Tournament, at minimum.** While the ultimate goal is an NCAA Tournament berth, a more realistic – yet still impressive – outcome for this season is a spot in the NIT. This would signify significant progress for the program and provide valuable postseason experience for the younger players. A strong non-conference performance, coupled with a solid showing in the Mountain West, should be enough to earn the Aggies an NIT invitation, marking a positive step in their rebuilding process.

**Prediction 5: The Aggies boast one of the top offenses in the Mountain West.** With a dynamic backcourt led by Ashworth and a more versatile frontcourt thanks to the addition of Funk, Utah State’s offense is primed to be a high-octane unit. Coach Odom's up-tempo system, combined with the team's improved shooting and playmaking, will lead to a significant increase in offensive production. Expect the Aggies to consistently put up big numbers and become one of the most exciting teams to watch in the conference.


This season holds immense promise for Utah State basketball. While these predictions are bold, they reflect the genuine potential of this team. The combination of returning talent, key additions, and a dedicated coaching staff creates an environment ripe for success. Aggie fans have every reason to be excited for what could be a truly breakout season. The Spectrum will be rocking, and the Aggies will be looking to make a statement on the national stage. This season could mark the beginning of a new era of Utah State basketball, one filled with exciting wins and a return to national prominence. The journey begins soon, and the anticipation is palpable.