San Diego State Adds Four International Basketball Players
The Aztecs welcome a diverse recruiting class from Croatia, Italy, and the NBA Academy in Senegal.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Soccer
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During the 2026 offseason, San Diego State University bolstered its basketball roster by signing four international recruits. The new players are currently adapting to the American collegiate system.
Why it matters
The recruitment of international talent allows the university to integrate diverse experience from European professional leagues and developmental programs into the squad. Players are currently focused on mastering team systems and building chemistry as they navigate eligibility requirements.
The new roster additions include 6-foot-10, 242-pound forward Luca Vincini and David Torresani, who is 21 years old. Luka Skoric previously logged 12 games for the Croatian national youth team.
The players
Luca Vincini
He is an Italian forward who competed in the Lega Basket Serie A for two seasons before moving to the United States.
Samson Mashebinu
He is a prospect who refined his skills at the NBA Academy in Senegal prior to joining the Aztecs roster.
David Torresani
He is a 21-year-old guard who spent four seasons with NutriBullet Treviso in the Italian professional league.
Luka Skoric
He is a Croatian athlete who brings four seasons of experience from the Croatian A-1 Liga.
The details
The incoming group includes Luka Skoric, Samson Mashebinu, Luca Vincini, and David Torresani. The recruits previously competed in professional settings, such as the Croatian A-1 Liga and Italy's Lega Basket Serie A, as well as the NBA Academy in Senegal.
Timeline
Luka Skoric appeared for the Croatian national youth team between 2021 and 2023.
Luca Vincini played for the Italian senior national team in 2025.
Samson Mashebinu signed with and joined the team in August 2026.
Classes at San Diego State University began on August 24, 2026.
The NBA Academy in Senegal closed in October 2026.
Season Trajectory
The addition of these international players shifts the team's developmental outlook by introducing experienced professionals to the collegiate ranks. This move impacts the broader competitive balance of the conference as the Aztecs integrate diverse playing styles into their rotation.
The integration of these four players will likely force a rotation shift as coaching staff test new lineups during early season matchups. Readers can monitor how these international skill sets impact the team's defensive rebounding and overall offensive pacing.
The takeaway
The successful transition of these players depends heavily on their ability to adapt to both the pace of American basketball and the demands of university life. Fans should monitor the team's early non-conference games to see how these recruits influence the overall chemistry of the squad.
Further reading
For more on local sports, visit the San Diego Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Aztec.
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