Saint Mary’s has always found itself to be a successful mid-major but always living in the shadow of big bad Gonzaga. That may be the case, but it’s not like the Gaels haven’t deserved their flowers either, making the NCAA Tournament eight times since 2007. If it wasn’t for only one Sweet Sixteen appearance, I’m sure they would get more love, but if there were ever a year to make it out of their region, it would be this season. A darling on most analytical websites, like 7th on KenPom, and 9th on ShotQuality, the Gaels aim for their highest seeding in program history. But, of course, the pundits should direct a ton of credit toward coach Randy Bennett. Still, today we will highlight freshman Aidan Mahaney and his explosion on the scene in Moraga, California.
Aidan Mahaney comes from nearby Campolindo High School, where he was named Bay Area NewsGroup Player of the Year, MaxPreps All-Northern California, and SBLive’s All-North Coast Section Player of the Year. Every incoming freshman at a high-level college basketball program is everything this and everything that, but what Mahaney has done in his first season with the Gaels is amazing. He’s fifth in minutes per game, but he is tops in field goal attempts and points for the nationally-ranked Saint Mary’s squad.
ShotQuality Profile
Aidan Mahaney’s ShotQuality player profile is a thing of beauty. He is in the 100th percentile in catch & shoot three-pointers and in the 80th percentile in off-the-dribble three-pointers. Translation, he can hit any three-pointer, whether on the move or set and ready. He has also been a beast in the pick & roll, especially behind the arc. He is 17% more efficient pulling up from downtown than taking a midrange in the P&R. He is also in the 89th percentile or better driving to the hoop from the left. He has only taken that shot 56 times this season, but having that shot in his bag is deadly when he is such a dangerous shooter.
Aidan Mahaney has had his issues with the midrange this season, but that makes sense, given his shooting profile. He is in the 23rd percentile or worse in all midrange shot types, but it isn’t and shouldn’t be a shot he is hunting. The profile shows a lethal shooter who can create his own shot but also camp in the corners and hit shots off of passes from Logan Johnson. The data suggests Mahaney is an essential piece to any team that wants to make a deep run in March, and Saint Mary’s is no exception.