San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball

Last updated
For information on all San Diego State University sports, see San Diego State Aztecs

San Diego State Aztecs
men's basketball
Basketball current event.svg 2024–25 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team
San Diego State Aztecs logo.svg
University San Diego State University
First season1921–22
All-time record1,485–1,125 (.569)
Head coach Brian Dutcher (8th season)
Conference Mountain West
(Pac-12 in 2026–27)
Location San Diego, California
Arena Viejas Arena
(capacity: 12,414)
Nickname Aztecs
Student sectionThe Show
ColorsScarlet and black [1]
   
Uniforms
Kit body thinsidesonwhite.png
Kit body basketball.svg
Kit shorts blanksides2.png
Kit shorts.svg
Home
Kit body redsides.png
Kit body basketball.svg
Kit shorts redsides.png
Kit shorts.svg
Away
Kit body blacksides.png
Kit body basketball.svg
Kit shorts blacksides.png
Kit shorts.svg
Alternate
NCAA tournament runner-up
2023
NCAA tournament Final Four
2023
NCAA tournament Elite Eight
1957*, 1967*, 2023
NCAA tournament Sweet Sixteen
1957*, 1967*, 2011, 2014, 2023, 2024
NCAA tournament round of 32
1957*, 1967*, 1968*, 1975, 1976, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2023, 2024
NCAA tournament appearances
1957*, 1967*, 1968*, 1975, 1976, 1985, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
*at Division II level
Conference tournament champions
Mountain West: 2002, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023
WAC: 1985
PCAA: 1976
Conference regular season champions
Mountain West: 2006, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2023
PCAA: 1977, 1978

The San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team is the men's college basketball program that represents San Diego State University. The Aztecs compete in NCAA Division I as a member of the Mountain West Conference (MW). The team plays its home games at Viejas Arena.

Contents

The Aztecs have been to sixteen NCAA Division I tournaments since joining NCAA Division I in 1969, last appearing in the tournament in 2024. In the 2023 NCAA tournament, they reached the Final Four for the first time in program history, losing to UConn in the championship game. In the Mountain West Conference, the Aztecs have won seven tournament championships and nine regular season titles.

Notable alumni include NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Tony Gwynn, who played both basketball and baseball for the Aztecs.

Team history

The Aztecs first began play during the 1921–22 basketball season. The team played that season, as well as the next three, as part of the Southern California Junior College Conference due to proximity to other schools, despite the fact that that SDSU (then known as San Diego Normal School) was not a junior college itself. [2] The Aztecs joined the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) in 1926 following a season as an independent, and competed in the NAIA until 1956, when they transitioned to the newly founded NCAA Division II. They competed in six NAIA Men's Basketball Championships. Finishing as runners up in 1939 and in 1940, the Aztecs finally prevailed and won the 1941 NAIA Division I men's basketball tournament. [3] After competing in NCAA Division II from 1956 until 1969 they became an NCAA Division I school in the fall of 1969. The Aztecs moved from the Pacific Coast Athletic Association (PCAA), which is now known as the Big West Conference, to the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) in 1978. [4] In 1999, the Aztecs left the WAC and became a charter member of the Mountain West Conference. [5] Prior to entering the Mountain West, the team had been to three NCAA Division I men's basketball tournaments. During their time in the MWC, the Aztecs have won several conference championships and have been to nine NCAA tournaments and four NIT tournaments. [5] In the 2010–11 season, the Aztecs were ranked as high as 4th in the nation and won their first ever games in the NCAA tournament, reaching the Sweet Sixteen. [6] Following the 2013–14 season, the team reached its second Sweet Sixteen. In the 2019–20 season, the Aztecs finished with a 30–2 record for their best winning percentage in team history. The team spent seven straight weeks in the top 5 of both the AP Top 25 and Coaches Poll, finishing the season at #6 in both polls. The 2020 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament was cancelled at the end of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the 2022–2023 season, the Aztecs reached their third Sweet Sixteen, first Elite Eight with a win over #1 Alabama, and first Final Four. The win over Creighton on March 26 in the South Region Final gave them their first Region championship in program history. On April 1, they became the first team from the Mountain West Conference to reach the National Championship after defeating FAU 72–71 on a buzzer-beating shot by point guard Lamont Butler. In the 2023 NCAA Division I men's basketball championship game, the Aztecs were defeated by the University of Connecticut Huskies by a score of 59–76. [7]

Rivalries

The Aztecs have three rivalries, the UNLV Rebels, the USD Toreros, and the BYU Cougars. The rivalry with the Rebels was especially fierce between the years 2010–2013, however the rivalry has cooled down significantly due to the one-sided nature of the affair. San Diego State has won 22 of 24 games against UNLV from 2014 to 2024. The USD Toreros are the Aztecs' crosstown rivals and play them near-annually in the City Championship. The Aztecs' rivalry with the BYU Cougars has been partially dormant since 2011, when the Cougars left the MWC for the WCC. The teams still play occasionally in non-conference games.

Viejas Arena 20180303-073Crowd(5X8).jpg
Viejas Arena

Facilities

Viejas Arena

Viejas Arena (officially Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl) is a multi-purpose arena located in San Diego, California on the campus of San Diego State University. The arena opened in 1997 and seats 12,414 for basketball and up to 12,845 for concerts.

Viejas Arena is the home of the San Diego State Aztecs men's and women's basketball teams. The arena also hosts the San Diego Mojo of the Pro Volleyball Federation. The arena features an "open-air" concourse design that allows fans to experience breaks, concessions, and event activities for games, concerts, and other events outdoors.

Prior to the opening of the arena, men's basketball played its home games primarily at Peterson Gymnasium (located across the street from Viejas Arena and the current home to the Aztec women's volleyball team), and, for more than 30 years, played on-and-off at the San Diego Sports Arena. [8] [9] [10]

Jeff Jacobs JAM Center

In 2015, the San Diego State Athletics Department opened an on-campus state-of-the-art practice facility, The Jeff Jacobs JAM Center, for the Aztec men's basketball and women's basketball teams. [11]

Head coaches

As of the 2022 Media Guide

NameSeasonsRecordPercentage
C.E. Peterson1921–192670–30.700
Tom McMullen1926–192923–17.575
Morris Gross 1929–1942190–85.690
Don DeLauer1942–194314–9.609
Alex Alexander1943–194517–26.395
Charlie Smith 1945–194845–36.563
George Ziegenfuss 1948–1969316–229.580
Dick Davis1969–197465–67.492
Tim Vezie1974–197977–62.554
Smokey Gaines 1979–1987112–117.489
Jim Brandenburg 1987–199152–87.356
Jim Harrick Jr. (Interim coach)19920–7.000
Tony Fuller 1992–199420–37.351
Fred Trenkle1994–199955–83.399
*Steve Fisher 1999–2017386–209.648
Brian Dutcher 2017–Present151–46.766
Through April 2nd 2023.

Postseason

NCAA Division I tournament results

The Aztecs have appeared in the NCAA Division I tournament 16 times, with a combined record of 13–16. They have reached the Sweet Sixteen four times, in 2011, 2014, 2023, and 2024; in 2023 they reached the Elite Eight, the Final Four, and the National Championship, all for the first time. Additionally, at 30–2 and ranked in the Top 10 they were considered a virtual lock for the 2020 NCAA Tournament, which was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

YearSeedRoundOpponentResult
1975 N/ARound of 32 UNLV L 80–90
1976 N/ARound of 32 UCLA L 64–74
1985 13Round of 64(4) UNLV L 80–85
2002 13First Round(4) Illinois L 64–93
2006 11First Round(6) Indiana L 83–87
2010 11First Round(6) Tennessee L 59–62
2011 2First Round
Round of 32
Sweet Sixteen
(15) Northern Colorado
(7) Temple
(3) Connecticut
W 68–50
W 71–64 2OT
L 67–74
2012 6First Round(11) NC State L 65–79
2013 7First Round
Round of 32
(10) Oklahoma
(15) Florida Gulf Coast
W 70–55
L 71–81
2014 4First Round
Round of 32
Sweet Sixteen
(13) New Mexico State
(12) North Dakota State
(1) Arizona
W 73–69 OT
W 63–44
L 64–70
2015 8First Round
Round of 32
(9) St. John's
(1) Duke
W 76–64
L 49–68
2018 11First Round(6) Houston L 65–67
2021 6First Round(11) Syracuse L 62–78
2022 8First Round(9) Creighton L 69–72 OT
2023 5First Round
Second Round
Sweet Sixteen
Elite Eight
Final Four
National Championship
(12) Charleston
(13) Furman
(1) Alabama
(6) Creighton
(9) Florida Atlantic
(4) UConn
W 63–57
W 75–52
W 71–64
W 57–56
W 72–71
L 59–76
2024 5First Round
Second Round
Sweet Sixteen
(12) UAB
(13) Yale
(1) UConn
W 69–65
W 85–57
L 52–82

NCAA Tournament seeding history

The NCAA began seeding the tournament with the 1978 edition with the present seeding format beginning the following year.

Years → '85 '02 '06 '10 '11 '12 '13 '14 '15 '18 '21 '22 '23
Seeds →131311112674811685

NIT results

The Aztecs have appeared in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) six times, with a combined record of 8–6.

YearRoundOpponentResult
1982 First round UC Irvine L 69–70
2003 First round
Second Round
UC Santa Barbara
Texas Tech
W 67–62
L 57–48
2007 First round
Second Round
Missouri State
Syracuse
W 74–70
L 64–80
2008 First round Florida L 49–73
2009 First round
Second Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
Weber State
Kansas State
Saint Mary's
Baylor
W 65–49
W 70–52
W 70–66
L 62–76
2016 First round
Second Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
IPFW
Washington
Georgia Tech
George Washington
W 79–55
W 93–78
W 72–56
L 46–65

NCAA Division II tournament results

The Aztecs appeared in the NCAA Division II tournament three times, with a combined record of 5–3.

YearRoundOpponentResult
1957 Regional semifinals
Regional Finals
Elite Eight
Chapman
Regis
Cal State Los Angeles
W 75–56
W 81–78
L 55–57
1967 Regional semifinals
Regional Finals
Elite Eight
Portland State
Nevada Southern
Illinois State
W 101–73
W 88–71
L 76–77 3OT
1968 Regional semifinals
Regional 3rd-place game
UC Irvine
UC Davis
L 69–78
W 79–72

NAIA tournament results

The Aztecs have appeared in the NAIA tournament five times. Their combined record is 15–4. They were NAIA national champions in 1941.

YearRoundOpponentResult
1939 First round
Second Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
National Championship
Northern State
East Texas State
Manchester
Peru State
Southwestern (KS)
W 49–25
W 41–36
W 49–41
W 49–39
L 31–32
1940 First round
Second Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
National Championship
East Central State (OK)
Appalachian State
Pittsburg State
Delta State
Tarkio
W 36–35
W 48–46
W 32–30
W 30–28
L 42–52
1941 First round
Second Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
National Championship
Western Montana
Culver–Stockton
Texas Western
West Texas State
Murray State
W 46–29
W 46–41 OT
W 44–42
W 43–40
W 36–34
1942 First round
Second Round
Chadron State
Bemidji State
W 36–29
L 32–41
1956 First round
Second Round
Alderson Broaddus
Gustavus Adolphus
W 77–64
L 60–69

Retired jerseys

On January 16, 2020, the Aztecs announced that they would be retiring former small forward Kawhi Leonard's number 15 jersey on February 1, 2020. Following Leonard's jersey retirement, some confusion circulated regarding statements that Leonard was the first player in Aztecs history to have his jersey retired, as the school ceremoniously retired former power forward and center Michael Cage's number 44 jersey in 1984. [12]

On December 29, 2023, the Aztecs announced that they would be retiring three more jerseys in a "Return to the Rafters" ceremony on January 17, 2024. [13] The players honored were Milton "Milky" Phelps, Judy Porter, and Michael Cage. This ceremony resolved the prior confusion regarding Cage's jersey retirement.

San Diego State Aztecs retired numbers
No.PlayerPos.CareerYear ret.Ref.
15 Kawhi Leonard SF 2009–20112020 [12] [14]
22Milton Phelps C/PF 1937-19412024 [13]
44 Michael Cage C/PF 1980–19842024 [15] [13]

Team records

All-time record vs. current MWC teams

Official record (including any NCAA imposed vacates and forfeits) against all current MWC opponents as of the completion of the 2022–2023 season:

OpponentGames PlayedWonLostPercentageStreakFirst Meeting
Air Force 886424.727Won 81973–74
Boise State 291811.621Lost 11976–77
Colorado State 945143.543Won 41961–62
Fresno State 1267056.556Won 81939–40
Nevada 32257.781Lost 11956–57
New Mexico 934449.473Won 11975–76
San Jose State 824735.573Won 111936–37
UNLV 804337.538Won 61965–66
Utah State 26189.692Won 41962–63
Wyoming 915041.549Won 101978–79
Totals741430311.580
Through March 14th, 2023.

[16] [17] [ circular reference ] [18]

Career Leaders (DI Era)

As of the 2022-23 Media Guide

Career Scoring Leaders
SeasonsPlayerPoints
2004–07 Brandon Heath 2,189
1981–84 Michael Cage 1,846
1983–86 Anthony Watson 1,735
2009–13 Chase Tapley 1,526
2017-21 Matt Mitchell 1,471
2015–18 Trey Kell 1,403
2012–16 Winston Shepard 1,403
2016–19Jeremy Hemsley1,392
1973–76Steve Copp1,307
2008–11 Billy White 1,294
Career Rebound Leaders
SeasonsPlayerRebounds
1981–84 Michael Cage 1317
2018-23 Nathan Mensah 899
2004–06 Marcus Slaughter 775
1973–76Steve Copp737
1982–85Leonard Allen724
2009–11 Kawhi Leonard 716
1974, 1976–79 Joel Kramer 711
2012–16 Winston Shepard 708
2000–04Aerick Sanders686
2013–16Skylar Spencer652
Career Assist Leaders
SeasonsPlayerAssists
1978–81 Tony Gwynn 590
2006–09 Richie Williams 479
1994–97Chad Nelson412
2004–07 Brandon Heath 394
1974–77Mark Delsman376
1983–86 Anthony Watson 356
1982–83Keith Smith349
2008–11 D.J. Gay 344
2001–03Deandre Moore339
2015–18 Trey Kell 320
Career Steals Leaders
SeasonsPlayerSteals
2006–09 Richie Williams 246
2004–07 Brandon Heath 217
1983–86 Anthony Watson 192
2009–13 Chase Tapley 197
1994–97Chad Nelson175
2007–11 Billy White 149
1978–81 Tony Gwynn 141
2006–09Kyle Spain137
1980–83Eddie Morris131
2017–21 Matt Mitchell 129
Career Games played Leaders
SeasonsPlayerGames
2018-23Adam Seiko154
2018-23 Nathan Mensah 146
2012–16Skylar Spencer144
2007–11 D.J. Gay 140
2012–16 Winston Shepard 139
2018-23 Aguek Arop 135
2016–19Jeremy Hemsley134
2015–18 Trey Kell 134
2009–13 Chase Tapley 134
2007–11 Billy White 134
Career Minutes played Leaders
SeasonsPlayerMinutes
2004–07 Brandon Heath 4,275
1981–84 Michael Cage 4,262
2007–11 D.J. Gay 4,222
2009–13 Chase Tapley 3,813
2006–09 Richie Williams 3,780
1994–97Chad Nelson3,692
2015–18 Trey Kell 3,640
2016–19Jeremy Hemsley3,632
2012–16 Winston Shepard 3,583
2007–11 Billy White 3,532
Career Blocks Leaders
SeasonsPlayerBlocks
2012–16Skylar Spencer303
2018–23 Nathan Mensah 235
1982–85Leonard Allen214
2009–11 Malcolm Thomas 127
1981–84 Michael Cage 118
1991–93Joe McNaull114
2015–18 Malik Pope 113
2000–04Aerick Sanders105
2007–11 Billy White 102
1997-01Marcelo Correa100
Career Wins Leaders
SeasonsPlayerWins
2018–23Adam Seiko120
2018–23 Nathan Mensah 112
2012–16Skylar Spencer109
2007–11 D.J. Gay 105
2012-16 Winston Shepard 104
2009–13 Chase Tapley 103
2018-23Aguek Arop102
2007–11 Billy White 101
2013–17 Dakarai Allen 99
2017–21 Matt Mitchell 96

Single Season Leaders (DI Era)

(*) Lead conference

Season Scoring Leaders
SeasonPlayerPointsPPG
1983–84 Michael Cage 68624.5
2006–07 Brandon Heath 63719.3
2013–14 Xavier Thames 63317.5
1985–86 Anthony Watson 630*22.5
2005–06 Brandon Heath 607*18.4
2019–20 Malachi Flynn 56417.6
2012–13 Jamaal Franklin 56017.0
2001–02 Randy Holcomb 55816.9
2011–12 Jamaal Franklin 55717.4
2010–11 Kawhi Leonard 55715.5
Season Rebound Leaders
SeasonPlayerReboundsRPG
2010–11 Kawhi Leonard 380*10.6
1980–81 Michael Cage 355*13.1
1982–83 Michael Cage 354*12.6
1983–84 Michael Cage 352*12.6
1971–72Chris McMurray35012.5
2013–14 Josh Davis 34210
2009–10 Kawhi Leonard 336*9.9
2005–06 Marcus Slaughter 329*11
2012–13 Jamaal Franklin 3129.4
2010–11 Malcom Thomas 3018.1
Season Assists Leaders
SeasonPlayerAssistsAPG
1979–80 Tony Gwynn 221*8.2
1981–82Keith Smith212*7.3
1977–78Dean Decker1766.3
2003–04Wesley Stokes1755.8
1984–85Creon Dorsey171*5.5
1980–81 Tony Gwynn 1646.3
1975–76Ray Leary1635.6
2019–20 Malachi Flynn 1635.1
1978–79 Tony Gwynn 153*5.7
2006–07 Richie Williams 1514.6
Season Steals Leaders
SeasonPlayerStealsSPG
2008–09 Richie Williams 77*2.1
1984–85 Anthony Watson 742.4
2006–07 Richie Williams 69*2.1
1998–99Matt Watts65*2.6
1989–90Michael Best652.2
2006–07 Brandon Heath 641.9
2004–05 Brandon Heath 63*2.2
1995–96Raymond King632.2
1984–85Creon Dorsey632.0
2006–07Lorrenzo Wade621.9
Season Blocks Leaders
SeasonPlayerBlocks
2014–15Skylar Spencer91
2013–14Skylar Spencer89
1984–85Leonard Allen82
2010–11 Malcolm Thomas 75
2015–16Skylar Spencer72
2021-22Nathan Mensah71
2022-23Nathan Mensah64
2016–17Valentine Izundu53
2009–10 Malcolm Thomas 52*
2012–13Skylar Spencer51

Single Game Leaders (DI Era)

Most Points in a game
DatePlayerPointsOpponent
February 20, 1986 Anthony Watson 54 USIU
March 3, 1979 Kim Goetz 44 Utah
February 9, 1979 Kim Goetz 42 Colorado State
February 5, 1980Eddie Morris41 UNLV
February 6, 1984 Michael Cage 40 Wyoming
Most Rebounds in a game
DatePlayerReboundsOpponent
December 29, 1980 Michael Cage 26 LaSalle
February 24, 1979 Steve Malovic 23 New Mexico State
December 21, 1971Chris McMurray23 Chapman University
March 13, 2010 Kawhi Leonard 21 UNLV
February 6, 1984 Michael Cage 21 Wyoming
Most Assists in a game
DatePlayerAssistsOpponent
February 5, 1980 Tony Gwynn 18 UNLV
March 7, 1981 Tony Gwynn 16 New Mexico State
February 14, 1980 Tony Gwynn 14 New Mexico State
December 11, 1976Dean Decker14 UNLV
February 12, 1985Creon Doresy13 LBSU

Notable former players

Several former Aztec men's basketball players have gone on to play in the NBA, play in other professional basketball leagues, or achieve significant notability outside of basketball.

National Basketball Association (NBA)
PlayerPositionNBA DebutTeam (s)
Joel Kramer SF1979 Phoenix Suns
Steve Malovic PF1980 Washington Bullets, San Diego Clippers, Detroit Pistons
Rock Lee C1982 San Diego Clippers
Michael Cage PF/C1985 Los Angeles Clippers, Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets
Steffond Johnson PF1987 Los Angeles Clippers
Randy Holcomb SF2006 Chicago Bulls
Kawhi Leonard SF2012 San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers
Malcolm Thomas PF2012 San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers
Jamaal Franklin SG2014 Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets
J. J. O'Brien SF2016 Utah Jazz
Zylan Cheatham PF2019 New Orleans Pelicans
Jalen McDaniels SF2019 Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors
Malachi Flynn PG2020 Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons
Jordan Schakel SG/SF2021 Washington Wizards
Nathan Mensah C2023 Charlotte Hornets
Overseas Professional Leagues
PlayerPositionLeagueTeam (s)
Brandon Heath G NBL (Bulgaria) BC Levski Sofia
Hubert Roberts C Ligat HaAl (Israel) Hapoel Haifa, Hapoel Jerusalem, Maccabi Haifa, Rishon LeZion
Marcus Slaughter C/PF Liga ACB (Spain) Real Madrid Baloncesto
Jamaal Franklin SG CBA (China) Zhejiang Lions
Yanni Wetzell PF/C NBL (Australia) South East Melbourne Phoenix, New Zealand Breakers
Billy White PF NBL (Canada) Halifax Hurricanes, Moncton Magic, Windsor Express
Xavier Thames G LKL (Lithuania) BC Jonava
Other sports
PlayerKnown forTeam (s)
Tony Gwynn Baseball Hall of Fame outfielder San Diego Padres (MLB)
Tony Clark Baseball first baseman and MLBPA union leader Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks, San Diego Padres (MLB)
Media
PlayerKnown forAppearances
Art Linkletter Television personalityHost of House Party
Host of People are Funny

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Viejas Arena</span> Arena in San Diego, California, U.S.

Viejas Arena is an indoor arena in San Diego, California, located on the campus of San Diego State University. It is the home of the San Diego State Aztecs men's and women's basketball teams. The Aztecs compete in NCAA Division I as a member of the Mountain West Conference (MW). The arena is also the home of the San Diego Mojo of the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steve Fisher (basketball)</span> American basketball coach (born 1945)

Stephen Louis Fisher is an American former basketball coach. Fisher served as the head coach for the Michigan Wolverines, with whom he won the national championship in 1989, and was an assistant at Michigan, Western Michigan University, and the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association. From 1999 to 2017, Fisher was head coach for the San Diego State Aztecs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">San Diego State Aztecs</span> Intercollegiate sports teams of San Diego State University

The San Diego State Aztecs are the intercollegiate athletic teams that represent San Diego State University (SDSU). The Aztecs compete in NCAA Division I (FBS) as a member of the Mountain West Conference (MW); they will become a member of the Pac-12 Conference in 2026. The university currently fields 17 varsity teams. The team's nickname is derived from the Aztecs; colors are scarlet (red) and black.

Peterson Gymnasium is an indoor arena in San Diego, California, located on the campus of San Diego State University. It is the home of the San Diego State Aztecs women's volleyball team. The Aztecs compete in NCAA Division I as a member of the Mountain West Conference (MW).

The Show is the student section of the San Diego State Aztecs teams that represent San Diego State University. Known for its vocal and creative support of the Aztecs, particularly the men's basketball team, it has garnered national recognition. The basketball student section consists of three designated sections in Viejas Arena, which are located behind the basket near the visiting team's bench. The Show is credited with being the first student section to ever use Big Heads as free throw distractions. Its mantra is "No one likes us. We don't care."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009–10 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2009–10 San Diego State men's basketball team represented San Diego State University in the 2009–10 college basketball season. This was head coach Steve Fisher's eleventh season at San Diego State. The Aztecs competed in the Mountain West Conference and played their home games at Viejas Arena. They finished the season 25–9, 11–5 in MWC play. They won the 2010 Mountain West Conference men's basketball tournament to earn the conference's automatic bid to the 2010 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. They earned an 11 seed in the Midwest Region and were defeated by 6 seed and AP #15 Tennessee in the first round.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010–11 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2010–11 San Diego State men's basketball team represented San Diego State University in the 2010–11 college basketball season. It was their 12th season in the Mountain West Conference. This was head coach Steve Fisher's twelfth season at San Diego State. The Aztecs competed in the Mountain West Conference and played their home games at Viejas Arena.

The 2010–11 Mountain West Conference men's basketball season was the 12th season of Mountain West Conference basketball. This was the final season for the two Utah schools in the conference. BYU became a member of the West Coast Conference in most sports, including basketball, while its football program became independent. Utah joined the Pacific-10 Conference, which changed its name to the Pac-12 with Colorado also joining from the Big 12 Conference. The Mountain West welcomed new members as well, with Boise State joining in 2011 and Fresno State and Nevada following in 2012. The Brigham Young University Cougars and San Diego State men's basketball teams ended the regular season as co-champions. San Diego State earned the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament by defeating BYU in the conference tournament. BYU and UNLV secured at-large bids into the tournament. Both BYU and SDSU reached the Sweet Sixteen round but were also eliminated in that round.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2011–12 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2011–12 San Diego State men's basketball team represented San Diego State University in the 2011–12 college basketball season. It was their 13th season in the Mountain West Conference. This was head coach Steve Fisher's thirteenth season at San Diego State. The Aztecs played their home games at Viejas Arena. They finished with a record of 26–8 overall and 10–4 in Mountain West play to be co-champions of the Mountain West with New Mexico. They lost in the championship game of the Mountain West Basketball tournament to New Mexico. They received an at-large bid into the 2012 NCAA tournament, earning the 6 seed in the Midwest which they lost to North Carolina State in the second round.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012–13 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2012–13 San Diego State men's basketball team represents San Diego State University in the 2012–13 college basketball season. They are members in the Mountain West Conference. This will be head coach Steve Fisher's fourteenth season at San Diego State. The Aztecs play home games at Viejas Arena. They finished with a record of 23–11 overall, 9–7 in Mountain West play for 3rd place tie with Boise State. They lost in the semifinals in the 2013 Mountain West Conference men's basketball tournament to New Mexico. They received an at-large bid in the 2013 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, in which they beat Oklahoma in the second round and lost in the third round to Florida Gulf Coast.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013–14 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2013–14 San Diego State men's basketball team represented San Diego State University during the 2013–14 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. They were members in the Mountain West Conference. This was head coach Steve Fisher's fifteenth season at San Diego State. The Aztecs played their home games at Viejas Arena. They finished the season 31–5, 16–2 in Mountain West play to win the Mountain West regular season championship. They advanced to the finals of the Mountain West tournament where they lost to New Mexico. They received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament where they defeated New Mexico State and North Dakota State to advance to the Sweet Sixteen where they lost to Arizona.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014–15 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2014–15 San Diego State men's basketball team represented San Diego State University during the 2014–15 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. This was head coach Steve Fisher's sixteenth season at San Diego State. The Aztecs played their home games at Viejas Arena. They were members in the Mountain West Conference. They finished the season 27–9, 14–4 in Mountain West play to finish in a tie for the Mountain West regular season championship. They advanced to the championship game of the Mountain West tournament where they lost to Wyoming. They received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament where they defeated St. John's in the second round before losing in the third round to Duke.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016–17 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2016–17 San Diego State men's basketball team represented San Diego State University during the 2016–17 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. This was head coach Steve Fisher's 18th season at San Diego State. The Aztecs played their home games at Viejas Arena as members in the Mountain West Conference. They finished the season 19–14, 9–9 in Mountain West play to finish in a tie for fifth place. They defeated UNLV and Boise State to advance to the semifinals of the Mountain West tournament where they lost to Colorado State. They Aztecs did not participate in a postseason tournament for the first time since the 2004–05 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2019–20 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2019–20 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team represented San Diego State University during the 2019–20 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Aztecs, led by third-year head coach Brian Dutcher, played their home games at Viejas Arena as members in the Mountain West Conference. They finished the season 30–2, 17–1 in Mountain West play to be regular season Mountain West champions. They defeated Air Force and Boise State to reach the championship game of the Mountain West tournament where they lost to Utah State. Although they were a virtual lock to receive an at-large bid to and a high seed in the NCAA tournament, on March 12 the NCAA Tournament was cancelled amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020–21 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2020–21 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team represented San Diego State University during the 2020–21 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Aztecs, led by fourth-year head coach Brian Dutcher, played their home games at Viejas Arena as members in the Mountain West Conference. The Aztecs finished the season 23–5, 14–3 in Mountain West play to win the regular season championship. In the Mountain West tournament, they defeated Wyoming, Nevada, and Utah State to win the tournament championship. As a result, they received the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament as the No. 6 seed in the Midwest region. There they lost in the first round to Syracuse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021–22 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2021–22 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team represented San Diego State University during the 2021–22 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Aztecs, led by fifth-year head coach Brian Dutcher, played their home games at Viejas Arena as members in the Mountain West Conference. They finished the season 23–9, 13–4 in Mountain West Play to finish in third place. As the No. 3 seed in the Mountain West tournament, they defeated Fresno State and Colorado State to advance to the championship game, where they lost to Boise State. They received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament as the No. 8 seed in the Midwest Region, where they lost in the first round to Creighton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022–23 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2022–23 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team represented San Diego State University during the 2022–23 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Aztecs were led by sixth-year head coach Brian Dutcher and played their home games at Viejas Arena as members in the Mountain West Conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023–24 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2023–24 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team represented San Diego State University during the 2023–24 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Aztecs were led by seventh-year head coach Brian Dutcher and played their home games at Viejas Arena as members in the Mountain West Conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023–24 San Diego State Aztecs women's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2023–24 San Diego State Aztecs women's basketball team represents San Diego State University during the 2023–24 NCAA Division I women's basketball season. The Aztecs, led by 11th-year head coach Stacie Terry-Hutson, play their home games at Viejas Arena in San Diego, California, as members of the Mountain West Conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024–25 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team</span>

The 2024–25 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team represented San Diego State University during the 2024–25 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Aztecs are led by eighth-year head coach Brian Dutcher and play their home games at Viejas Arena as members in the Mountain West Conference.

References

  1. "Color Palette". San Diego State Athletics Style Guide (PDF). October 19, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  2. Fontius, David Howard A History of Basketball at San Diego State University From 1921 to 1971 San Diego, 1976[ page needed ]
  3. "NAIA Division I Men's Basketball" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 25, 2009. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
  4. SDSU add may herald better daysLong Beach Press-Telegram Wednesday, December 21, 2011
  5. 1 2 "San Diego State Official Athletic Site – San Diego State University". Goaztecs.cstv.com. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  6. Zeigler, Mark (March 23, 2011). "SDSU tries to crash the party | SanDiegoUnionTribune.com". Signonsandiego.com. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  7. Forde, Pat (April 2, 2023). "A Buzzer-Beater For Teammates, Family and a Fallen Sister". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  8. Maffei, John (July 6, 2013). "Sports site No. 3: San Diego Sports Arena". U-T San Diego . San Diego, CA: MLIM Holdings. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
  9. "The Reno Report: Sdsu Basketball Re-Enters The Arena". East County Magazine. June 13, 2010. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  10. "San Diego State Official Athletic Site – Men's Basketball". Goaztecs.cstv.com. March 26, 1999. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  11. "SDSU spent $4.7 million on JAM Center". San Diego Union-Tribune. November 6, 2015. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
  12. 1 2 "San Diego State to Retire Kawhi's Jersey". Sports Illustrated. Associated Press. Retrieved January 17, 2020.
  13. 1 2 3 "SDSU to Return Three Jerseys to the Rafters at Viejas". SDSU Athletics. December 29, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  14. "When is a number not retired? Ask SDSU's administration". San Diego Union-Tribune. January 25, 2020.
  15. "Michael Cage to Join Thunder Broadcast Team". www.nba.com.
  16. "MBB MG 2019 20 web" (PDF).
  17. 2016–17 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team
  18. "San Diego St Aztecs Basketball 2017-18 Schedule - Aztecs Home and Away - ESPN". ESPN.com.