Pharaoh Compton’s “assertiveness” pays off

Aztecs freshman Pharaoh Compton won back-to-back Mountain West Freshman of the Week honors.

The former four-star recruit from Las Vegas is making waves around the program and in the Mountain West Conference.

Aztec striker Pharaoh Compton has arrived.

He is the first Aztec to win the Rookie of the Week award since it was introduced prior to the 2021 season, and he has now done so twice.

In eight games, Compton was used as the team’s sixth man – the first player not to come off the bench. Against USD on Saturday evening, Compton was on the move in both halves.

“It’s just about being ready,” Compton said after the game about his assertiveness. “I just know that when I come on the field I have to make an impact and bring the energy no matter what happens. I try to do that every game.”

That seems to be the case. Compton makes an impact on the pitch almost immediately.

.@PharaohCompton with the SLAM

📺 MWN pic.twitter.com/Yzgr0qVMJB

— San Diego State Men’s Basketball (@Aztec_MBB) December 8, 2024

In the season opener against UC San Diego, Compton impacted the game in the first half by scoring four straight points for the Aztecs while also grabbing some defensive rebounds. A few weeks later, in a big win over Creighton, the forward hit a dunk shortly after coming on for Magoon Gwath.

Compton continued to contribute throughout the remainder of the Players Era Festival over the Thanksgiving holiday. Compton hit a layup and then set up a basket by BJ Davis on the next possession after checking into the game against Oregon.

In the biggest win of the season against No. 6 Houston, the freshman scored 13 points and grabbed three rebounds in 21 minutes. He scored eight points with one assist in the first half.

Compton would then go 4-4 from the field in San Diego State’s Mountain West opener against Fresno State. Against USD, he and freshman Taj DeGourville were the two best players on the court in the first half. They finished with a combined 15 points.

The proof is in the pudding.

“(Compton) is a burden; “He’s as physical a freshman as you’ll ever see out there,” head coach Brian Dutcher said after USD. “I think he had six baskets and rebounds tonight. So we have a lot of talent on the bench and our strength is definitely a big reason why we win games.”

Before the season began, the East Village Times caught up with Compton at SDSU Media Day. The striker expressed what he thinks he brings to the table.

“My ability to consistently play with a motor,” Compton said. “Going back and forth on offense and defense and not making the playoffs.”

The Aztecs are known for wearing down their opponents. They’ve been doing this for years. His attitude of not missing out on playoffs and dominating when he gets the chance is why the rookie found early success.

The more confident Compton appears on the field, the more it will pay off for him.

Chris is a graduate of the University of San Diego. He is the former sports editor of USDVista newspaper. Chris covered the San Diego Loyal and now covers San Diego State Men’s Basketball. He also writes regularly about the Padres. Chris is an athlete and a big fan of sports in San Diego.

Post views: 330