SDSU lands former Italian pro and big man Luca Vincini
Credit: Backdoor Podcast
6-foot-8 power forward Luca Vincini becomes the next international signing for San Diego State
There is just something about an international prospect named Luka (Luca).
Brian Dutcher has been working his butt off this offseason to recruit international talent to San Diego State. The latest signing is a 22-year-old power forward who most recently played for Dinamo BDS Sassari in Italy – LBA Serie A. Luca Vincini is a big man who will remind many of former Aztec, Yanni Wetzel, who played on The Mesa from 2019-2020. The team announced on Tuesday.
According to his ProBallers profile, Vincini shot 53% and averaged 6.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.2 blocks last season in the biggest league in Italy. He scored a season high of 16 points against Apu Old Wild West Udine on November 1st, 2025. He reached double figures in scoring four times and had a season-high of eight rebounds on Nov. 16.
Three-point shooting is not really a part of his game, but he did go 2-6 last season. This could be a part of his game that opens up on The Mesa.
Vincini’s skillset is a work in progress right now. We really do not know what we are going to get from him right away. It could take some time for him to get comfortable, or he could find his groove right away and compete for the starting spot with Tae Simmons. The latter is unlikely.
Vincini and Simmons should complement each other really well. Both seem to be physical players, but Vincini is more of an offensive player with his threat around the rim. The big man finds the weak spots well in opposing defenses, and it sets him up for an easy shot. Vincini will endure many mismatches throughout the 2026-27 season. He highlights this well in the video below.
🙌 @IBSAItalia Top Performance: 9 punti e 8 rimbalzi con 16 di valutazione per Luca Vincini nella vittoria di Sassari contro Trento 🏀#TuttoUnAltroSport pic.twitter.com/a59ntHVFRq
— Lega Basket Serie A (@LegaBasketA) November 18, 2025
Vincini had just 13 steals and six blocks last season. His defense must improve if he wants to see big minutes. Dutcher already knows what he will get from Simmons on the defensive end, and Simmons could even emerge as a very strong defender. If Dutcher needs more offense on the floor, Vincini will provide it. The Italian has a knack for finding the ball.
The roster is seriously starting to take shape. While the Aztecs are still looking for a serious rim protector, it’s looking more and more like Bear Cherry will be the starting five.
After the announcement of Vincini, SDSU has him, Simmons, Cherry, Thokbor Majak, Luka Skorić, and Zachary White in the front court. Though depending on White’s role, he could play in the backcourt. Elzie Harrington, Latrell Davis, Nick Anderson, David Torresani, and Chance Gladden round out the rest of the roster.
Injury Update: Elzie Harrington has a massive leg immobilizer on his right leg. This brace will make sure he cannot move his leg for some time. Harrington will be off his feet for a while.
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.