FAU transfer Nicholas Boyd commits to SDSU
Nick Boyd celebrates a win. (Credit: FAU Athletics)
The 2024 offseason is upon us, and the San Diego State Aztecs are aiming to restock the program after making back-to-back Sweet 16 runs in the NCAA Tournament.
With the opportunity to transfer without sitting out, the portal is important in building a great team. Like professional free agency, it is filled with athletes trying to find the right situation.
On April 1, FAU’s Nicholas Boyd entered the portal looking to elevate his game on a new stage. Now, the former Owl has committed to San Diego State, the first for SDSU this offseason. He committed on Instagram on Saturday night.
Boyd helped lead FAU to a Final Four run two seasons ago in, which it saw them lose to Lamont Butler and SDSU on a buzzer-beater. Outside of Butler, the player who had to deal with the shot the most is Boyd. He was the defender guarding Butler in that incredible moment.
Life has a way of coming full circle. Boyd committing to the San Diego State Aztecs is one of them. Against SDSU in that Final Four matchup, Boyd scored 12 points on 4-7 shooting from deep.
Nick Boyd nails his 3rd three of the night! 👀#MarchMadness @FAUMBB pic.twitter.com/Oz9nVmW5OZ
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 1, 2023
In three years as an Owl, Boyd contributed every single game. He didn’t get to remain a full-time starter this season as he did last year, but the guard increased his scoring from 8.9 points per game in 2023 to 9.3 per game last season.
During their 2023 run to the Final Four, Boyd helped give FAU their first-ever March Madness win with this game-winning layup with a few seconds remaining against Memphis in the Round of 64.
HOOT HOOT! NICK BOYD GIVES FAU IT’S FIRST EVER WIN IN MARCH MADNESS pic.twitter.com/aK78D789mm
— Mid-Major Madness (@mid_madness) March 18, 2023
Last year, Boyd scored a season-high 21 points against Tulane in mid-January. He also shot over 40% from the field in all three seasons at FAU and shot 84.7% from the charity stripe in 2024. His three-point percentage dropped this year to 34%, but in the two years prior, he shot right at 40% . Boyd can be a knock down shooter from mid range and beyond the arc for the Aztecs this next season.
The former Owl has a total of 7.5 Win Shares for his career. To put in perspective, Reese Waters has 6.1 for his career, while Jaedon LeDee had 7.5 Win Shares this past season.
The transfer guard visited San Diego State this past Monday while also going on a visit to Louisville this past weekend. It seemed these two elite schools were in the final running for Boyd’s talents and the Aztecs made sure to get their guy.
There is a lot to look forward to about this signing. He can be a great fit if utilized correctly.
A potential backcourt of Miles Byrd and Nick Boyd would be exciting to watch as the two lefty specialists have a chance to take over the Mountain West.
Boyd is 6 feet 3 inches and roughly 175 pounds, whereas Byrd is 6 feet 7 inches and 185 pounds. The size and length those two can provide on the defensive end can really benefit them as they complement each other. Boyd is more offensive-focused but has quick hands and can steal the ball, averaging 0.9 steals last year.
We all know what Byrd brings defensively. The guard can block shots better than most frontcourt players can, and seeing the size and length of Boyd and Byrd can do wonders for Brian Dutcher and his defensive plans.
Chris is a graduate of the University of San Diego. He is the former Sports Editor for the USDVista newspaper. Chris has covered the San Diego Loyal, and now covers San Diego State Men’s Basketball. He also contributes regularly about the Padres. Chris is an athlete and is a huge fan of San Diego sports.