College Basketball

“UC San Diego Basketball 2025–26: Inside Clint Allard’s New Era and Tritons’ Big West Title Defense”

Posted by Kim Muhammad on

The Tritons are stepping into the 2025–26 season with fresh leadership, a retooled roster, and a renewed sense of purpose. When Clint Allard was officially named head coach on March 30, 2025, it wasn’t just a changing of the guard—it was a statement of continuity and belief in the culture UC San Diego has been quietly building for years. A UCSD alum (‘08) and the program’s longtime associate head coach, Allard has been part of every step of the Tritons’ Division I rise, including last season’s historic 30–5 campaign, Big West regular-season and tournament championships, and their first NCAA Tournament appearance in school history.

For basketball insiders, scouts, and fans, Allard’s promotion is a natural progression. He’s a coach who values player development, disciplined defense, and adaptability—traits that fueled the Tritons’ No. 1 defensive rating in the nation (91.7) last season. He has an intimate understanding of the system, the conference, and the demands of winning at the mid-major level. But make no mistake: Allard isn’t looking to simply maintain UCSD’s success—he’s looking to expand it. His emphasis on length, versatility, and two-way efficiency is already reflected in the new roster.

The overhaul is undeniable. Gone are cornerstone players like Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones (Big West Player of the Year, NBA Summer League – Raptors), Tyler McGhie (117 made threes last season), and Hayden Gray (NCAA steals leader, NBA Summer League – Celtics). Also departing are key contributors Nordin Kapić (South Carolina transfer), Chris Howell, and Justin Rochelin—each of whom played a role in UCSD’s record-setting year.

In their place comes an impact-heavy transfer class designed to keep UCSD in the Big West title conversation immediately. Allard landed proven playmakers like Tyson Dunn (Buffalo – 12.4 PPG, 5.3 APG), scoring wing Alex Chaikin (Lafayette – 13.9 PPG, All-Patriot League), two-way veteran Tom Beattie (Hawai‘i – 7.4 PPG), skilled big man Bol Dengdit (Portland – 6-11 rim protector with FIBA experience), and D-II All-American Leo Beath (Lynn – 17.8 PPG, 9.6 RPG). These additions, combined with returning sharpshooter Aidan Burke and developing size in Cade Pendletonand Dimitrije Vukicevic, give the Tritons an immediate blend of experience and upside.

For the curious fan, here’s what to expect:

  • The defensive identity stays—ball pressure, passing lane disruption, and disciplined rotations.
  • Three-point shooting remains a priority, but without McGhie’s sheer volume, the ball movement and balance will matter more than ever.
  • A deeper rotation—Allard’s roster moves suggest he’ll lean on an 8–10 man core, allowing for fresh legs and higher tempo.

From the outside looking in, UC San Diego might appear to be in a transitional year. But for those following closely, the Tritons have reloaded, not rebuilt. Allard’s combination of program loyalty, tactical sharpness, and recruiting reach could keep UCSD in the national conversation among mid-majors. The names and faces may have changed, but the expectation in La Jolla hasn’t: compete for Big West titles, earn NCAA bids, and prove that the Tritons belong in March.

UCSD Tritons 2025–26 Full Roster Scouting Report

Returning Players

Aidan Burke (6-3 G, So.)

  • Stats (’24–25): 4.1 PPG, 39.2% 3P (97 attempts) Wikipedia+7Wikipedia+7Facebook+7San Diego City Wire+1
  • ★ Strength: Floor‑spacing specialist
  • ⬇ Weakness: Limited creation
  • Coach insight: Allard sees him as “a reliable sharpshooter who spaces the floor” (projected translation from shooting role).

Ryder Elisaldez (6-3 G, So.)

Jasen Brooks (6-0 G, Fr.)

Yaqub Mir (6-2 G, Fr.)

Christopher Cox (6-8 G/F, R-Fr.)

Camden McCormick (G, Jr.)

  • Rostered: Source ESPN ESPN.com
  • No stats available yet
  • ★ Strength/⬇ Weakness: Role TBD

Incoming Transfers & Freshmen

Tyson Dunn (6-3 G, Grad, Buffalo)

Emanuel Prospere II (6-5 G/F, Grad, Missouri–St. Louis)

Bol Dengdit (6-11 F/C, RS Jr., Portland)

Leo Beath (6-8 F, RS Jr., Lynn, DII)

Tom Beattie (6-5 G, Jr., Hawai‘i)

Alex Chaikin (6-5 G, Jr., Lafayette)

  • Roster listed San Diego State Aztecs
  • ★ Strength: Efficient scorer, shoots well
  • ⬇ Weakness: Defensive consistency to prove

Trap Johnson (6-6 G, RS Fr., Montana State)

Dimitrije Vukicevic (7-0 C, RS Fr., Washington State)

Hudson Mayes (G, Fr., Redondo Union HS)

  • Roster listed UC San Diego
  • ★ Strength: Recruiting upside
  • ⬇ Weakness: PwR track unknown

Jaden Vance (F, Fr., Phoenix, Ariz.)

Coach Allard’s Insights

Coach Allard

From the Jul 21 announcement:

“We’re thrilled … this group brings a mix of backgrounds and experience, yet they all share the competitive drive and team‑first mentality that define UC San Diego Men’s Basketball.” Sports-Reference.com+13San Diego City Wire+13UC San Diego+13

And upon his hire on Apr 16:

“Being head coach of UC San Diego has been a dream of mine… I get to coach at – and recruit to – one of the world’s great universities…” UC San Diego+1

Bottom Line – Unit 1 Hoop Source Perspective

“Allard’s inaugural roster reflects strategic balance. He didn’t chase headline scorers—he curated a team of smart, unselfish, high-IQ players: playmakers like Tyson Dunn, stretch threats like Chaikin/Beath, defensive size in Dengdit/Vukicevic, and gritty grind from Beath and returning Tritons. The net effect: a backcourt that can run, wings who can defend and shoot, and a frontcourt anchored by length. Expect disciplined, disruptive defense, selfless ball movement, and a ‘next-man-up’ culture. UCSD’s new face isn’t just reloaded—it’s redefined.”

Editorial Disclaimer:
All player stats, roster designations, and quotes are sourced directly from official UC San Diego Athletics releases, trusted media outlets, and NCAA-recognized records. Every detail has been verified to ensure 100% accuracy.

© 2025 Unit 1 Hoop Source. All rights reserved. This content is crafted exclusively for editorial publication and may not be reproduced without permission.

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