USD Basketball to Face Colorado State on October 25

The Toreros open their exhibition slate against Colorado State at Jenny Craig Pavilion this Friday.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of basketball players in navy blue and green uniforms, capturing dynamic motion on a hardwood court. — The University of San Diego men's basketball team hosts Colorado State for a preseason exhibition game at Jenny Craig Pavilion this Friday. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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University of San Diego men's basketball will host Colorado State in a preseason exhibition game on October 25, 2026. This matchup marks the head coaching debut for JR Blount.

Why it matters

The exhibition offers a first look at a reconfigured roster under new leadership as the program shifts toward a more physical and defensive-oriented identity. This transition is essential as the team prepares for a competitive schedule leading into conference play.

Newcomer Marqui Worthy Jr. arrives with a 16.4 points per game average from his previous season at UC Riverside. The team is currently building its defensive structure around a roster that lacks players suited for high-volume 3-point shooting.

The players

JR Blount

He is the new head coach of the University of San Diego basketball team who previously served as an assistant at Iowa State.

Alejandro Aviles

The 6-foot-9 player is the only returner from last season with significant minutes and is currently sidelined with an injury.

Marqui Worthy Jr.

He is a new addition to the roster who played for UC Riverside last season and averaged 16.4 points per game.

The details

Coach JR Blount is prioritizing ball movement and paint penetration as the team moves away from individual one-on-one play. The roster features multiple transfers, though Alejandro Aviles remains the only significant returning player from last season.

October 25, 2026: Exhibition game against Colorado State.
October 27, 2026: Exhibition game against UCLA.
November 2, 2026: Regular season opener against Biola.
December 8, 2026: Home game against USC.
January 2, 2027: WCC conference play opener at Saint Mary's.

Season Trajectory

The program is pivoting toward a physical, defensive identity to better navigate the upcoming West Coast Conference schedule. Success in this defensive transition will be critical for determining the team's competitive balance before the January opener at Saint Mary's.

With Alejandro Aviles sidelined, the rotation will rely heavily on new transfers to fill the scoring void left by a lack of 3-point shooters. Fans should monitor the effectiveness of the defensive-focused rotation during the exhibition games to gauge depth ahead of the Biola opener.

The takeaway

This preseason marks a fundamental reset for the program as it builds a new identity under a first-year head coach. Fans should look for how the team manages role adherence during the upcoming exhibitions against Colorado State and UCLA.