Overview:
UCSB senior transfer Aidan Mahaney has been recognized as the Big West Conference’s Preseason Player of the Year by Blue Ribbon Basketball Yearbook, while Lindy’s College Basketball Annual named him the league’s top NBA prospect.
Recruiting Aidan Mahaney four years ago was a long shot for UC Santa Barbara basketball.
However, it became a “Hail Mary” of sorts, as Coach Joe Pasternack recalled seeing Mahaney in high school, knowing he was close friends with the son of Saint Mary’s College Coach Randy Bennett.
Despite initial doubts, Coach Pasternack heavily pursued Mahaney last spring when he entered the NCAA transfer portal for the second consecutive year. “I’ve never experienced a recruiting battle like this,” he admitted.
Mahaney, who had previously led Saint Mary’s to NCAA tournaments and joined Connecticut last spring, expressed confidence in his new role. “One hundred percent, we have what it takes to make a real run this season,” he stated during practice at the Thunderdome.
With upcoming games against San Francisco State and San José State, the Gauchos look to capitalize on the momentum. Coach Pasternack highlighted the surge in season ticket requests, aiming for a sold-out crowd.
The Gauchos, after a strong showing in 2023 with a school-record 27 wins, are looking to bounce back this year. With several players eager to prove themselves, Mahaney has become a vocal leader, collaborating closely with returning starters like Colin Smith and Jason Fontenet II, and other experienced transfers.
Mahaney’s journey has included highs and lows during his tenure at UConn, where despite facing challenges, he learned valuable lessons about competition and resilience. As he joins UCSB, he remains focused on team success rather than individual accolades, emphasizing, “A rising tide lifts all boats.”
