San Diego State Standout Miles Byrd Sets Sights on Player of the Year Honors
Former Lincoln-Stockton star wing Miles Byrd was named the 2025-26 Mountain West Conference Preseason Player of the Year ahead of his junior year campaign.
Miles Byrd, one of the top returning players in the country, has hauled in multiple honors during the preseason. The 6’6 wing was named the conference preseason player of the year and named to the Erving Award Preseason Watch List, honoring the top small forward in the country.
Byrd takes a lot of pride in being recognized for these awards but understands it is a long season. “Winning preseason player of the year is an honor, for sure. [I’ve] been in college going on four years, so to get that early recognition is nice, but it doesn’t move me much. {We’ve] got a lot of games in a season and [I’ve] got a lot of work to do to live up to that award,” Byrd said.
Byrd returns to San Diego State University following an impressive sophomore year, averaging 12.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg, and 3.2 stocks per game. Byrd showed his impressive two-way ability, ranking second in the Mountain West in steals and ninth in 3-point field goals. Byrd was named to the All-Mountain West second team and earned All-Defensive Team honors last season.
As an upperclassman and the longest tenured Aztec on the roster Byrd enters a leadership role for what will most likely be his final season of his collegiate career. Byrd is not unfamiliar with changing roles and adjusting to what the roster and coach Brian Dutcher ask of him.
As a freshman Byrd found himself on the end of the bench for a stacked veteran roster. His 2022-23 season was highlighted by the Aztecs first ever appearance in the national championship.
Byrd played just four games his redshirt-freshman year but was vital in the Aztecs Mountain West Regular Season and Tournament Championships and eventual run to a national championship game. Byrd was just the lighthearted spark the Aztecs needed that season, his infectious love for the game and banter helped a veteran group find magic in March.
During his freshman year he found his way onto the court, his energy and tenacity helped the Aztecs continue their regular season and March Madness success. Byrd’s stat line didn’t always show the full extent of his game, but he was crucial in wins versus New Mexico at home, No. 17 Utah State at home and versus UAB in March Madness. His two-way tenacity led to massive runs for the Aztecs and showed glimpses of what makes him a top player heading into his junior year.
This past season Byrd was able to step into the starting lineup after Lamont Butler and Jaedon LeDee’s departures. In his first season as a full-time starter he showed college basketball and the NBA what makes him such a special player. Byrd helped lead the Aztecs to an impressive 21-10 record and past ranked Creighton and Houston in the Players-Era Festival. In the Players-Era Festival Byrd averaged 14.7 ppg and 3 stocks per game, leading the Aztecs to a third-place finish in Las Vegas.
“Personally, I think my journey was ideal. I came into college really young, and I’ve been able to sit behind some great players and also go through both rough and effective patches on the court of my own,” Byrd shared. “I think having to sit back and wait my turn has taught me resilience, it’s helped me grow my work ethic, and I think it’s mentally prepared me for the next level.
On April 26, 2025 Byrd announced his decision to enter the NBA draft, but not the transfer portal. Byrd told Aztec fans that it was either the NBA or San Diego State. Byrd went through the draft process while fans waited patiently for his decision.
During the NBA Draft Combine, Byrd excelled, showing his defensive instincts and range from deep. In today’s NBA guys like Byrd have found their niche playing hard nose team defense and hitting the open shot. During the two combine scrimmages Byrd combined for 24 points, 5-11 shooting from deep and nine stocks. His impressive 6’10 wingspan had NBA executives intrigued.
Even though he was regularly mocked in the second round, on May 28, 2025 Byrd posted on Instagram, “Back to work @aztecmbb,” announcing his decision to return to the Mesa for his junior year.
Upon his return to campus after the draft process Byrd learned a lot about himself and the game that will translate to wins in Viejas Arena.
“I think I learned to slow the game down and win the game within the game. Being around pros all day for two months, you pick up on the little tricks and secrets to basketball,” Byrd said. “I think my game has matured a lot since the end of last season.”
Now Byrd is looked at to have a big junior year as he sets his eyes on playing in the NBA next season. The Aztecs were picked to finish first in the Mountain West Conference and are just the third team in conference history to be picked unanimously. Alongside Byrd on preseason awards is Reese Dixon-Waters, Magoon Gwath and Elzie Harrington.
Byrd has shown his versatility, tenacity and ability to influence a game throughout his college career. Now, with more eyes than ever on the Aztecs, Byrd has the ability to show college basketball fans and NBA executives what makes him so special.
Byrd has trusted the process throughout his high school, AAU, and college career, finding his niche and exemplifying what it means to be a team player. Coming out of Stockton, Byrd chose San Diego State, a school known for its structure and rich history of NorCal talent, to help mold him as a player and person.
“For all my NorCal hoopers, going through the gauntlet of high school and AAU basketball, I would say to trust your work. I lived by the quote “What is done in the dark will come to the light” throughout high school. I felt like I wasn’t being respected to my full potential but that’s for you to go and get. Also, put yourself in a place where you’re getting better as a person and player,” Byrd added.
