The San Diego State Aztecs are making waves in the offseason, and not just through the usual channels. Head coach Brian Dutcher has taken a creative approach to roster building, dipping into the European pro leagues to add seasoned talent as the team prepares for a new chapter in conference play.

In today's college basketball landscape, there's no downtime for coaches. Between managing the transfer portal, navigating NIL deals, and traditional recruiting, it's a 24/7 job. After losing key players—including Magoon Gwath, who transferred to DePaul—Dutcher knew he needed experience, not just potential. While many mid-major programs lean heavily on the transfer portal or junior college ranks, Dutcher looked across the Atlantic.

"These guys are European pros," Dutcher said. "They're playing professional basketball. There are buyouts in their contracts, you have to pay them, and you have to get all the paperwork done to bring them over."

The strategy reflects a broader shift in college hoops. With fewer high school recruits ready to contribute immediately, mid-level programs like SDSU need players who can step in and make an impact from day one. That's exactly what the Aztecs are banking on with their latest additions.

First came Luka Skoric, a 6'9" wing from Croatia who could help fill the void in the post. But the signing generating the most buzz is 6'2" point guard David Torresani, who arrives from Nutribullet Treviso in Italy's Lega Basket Serie A. Torresani spent four seasons with Treviso, appearing in 60 games, with 50 of those coming over the last two seasons. His game has grown steadily with each campaign. Last season, he averaged 7 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 18.1 minutes per game, shooting 43.6% from the field, 37.9% from three-point range, and 76.9% from the free-throw line.

For Aztecs fans, this infusion of European experience signals a savvy pivot. In an era where power conferences often dominate the headlines, Dutcher is proving that recruiting creativity can level the playing field. Whether it's Skoric's length in the paint or Torresani's steady hand at the point, these additions could be exactly what SDSU needs to compete in their new league.