San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||
University | San Diego State University | |||
First season | 1921–22 | |||
All-time record | 1,485–1,125 (.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 section | The Show | |||
Colors | Scarlet and black [1] | |||
Uniforms | ||||
| ||||
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 (SDSU). 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.
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. The Aztecs have won seven Mountain West Conference tournaments 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.
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 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]
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 (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]
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 Coach | Seasons | Overall | Pct. |
---|---|---|---|
C.E. Peterson | 1922–1926 | 70–30 | .700 |
Tom McMullen | 1927–1929 | 23–17 | .575 |
Morris Gross | 1929–1942 | 190–85–1 | .690 |
Don DeLauer and Dick Mitchell | 1943 | 14–9 | .609 |
Alex Alexander | 1944–1945 | 17–26 | .395 |
Charlie Smith | 1946–1948 | 45–36 | .563 |
George Ziegenfuss | 1949–1969 | 316–229 | .580 |
Dick Davis | 1970–1974 | 65–67 | .492 |
Tim Vezie | 1975–1979 | 77–62 | .554 |
Smokey Gaines | 1980–1987 | 112–117 | .489 |
Jim Brandenburg | 1988–1992 | 52–87 | .356 |
Jim Harrick Jr. (interim) | 1992 | 0–7 | .000 |
Tony Fuller | 1993–1994 | 20–37 | .351 |
Fred Trenkle | 1995–1999 | 55–83 | .399 |
Steve Fisher | 2000–2017 | 386–209 | .649 |
Brian Dutcher | 2018–present | 177–58 | .753 |
As of the 2024 Media Guide
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.
Year | Seed | Round | Opponent | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
1975 | N/A | Round of 32 | UNLV | L 80–90 |
1976 | N/A | Round of 32 | UCLA | L 64–74 |
1985 | 13 | Round of 64 | (4) UNLV | L 80–85 |
2002 | 13 | First Round | (4) Illinois | L 64–93 |
2006 | 11 | First Round | (6) Indiana | L 83–87 |
2010 | 11 | First Round | (6) Tennessee | L 59–62 |
2011 | 2 | First Round Round of 32 Sweet Sixteen | (15) Northern Colorado (7) Temple (3) Connecticut | W 68–50 W 71–64 2OT L 67–74 |
2012 | 6 | First Round | (11) NC State | L 65–79 |
2013 | 7 | First Round Round of 32 | (10) Oklahoma (15) Florida Gulf Coast | W 70–55 L 71–81 |
2014 | 4 | First 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 | 8 | First Round Round of 32 | (9) St. John's (1) Duke | W 76–64 L 49–68 |
2018 | 11 | First Round | (6) Houston | L 65–67 |
2021 | 6 | First Round | (11) Syracuse | L 62–78 |
2022 | 8 | First Round | (9) Creighton | L 69–72 OT |
2023 | 5 | First 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 | 5 | First Round Second Round Sweet Sixteen | (12) UAB (13) Yale (1) UConn | W 69–65 W 85–57 L 52–82 |
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 → | 13 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 2 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 8 | 11 | 6 | 8 | 5 |
The Aztecs have appeared in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) six times, with a combined record of 8–6.
Year | Round | Opponent | Result |
---|---|---|---|
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 |
The Aztecs appeared in the NCAA Division II tournament three times, with a combined record of 5–3.
Year | Round | Opponent | Result |
---|---|---|---|
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 |
The Aztecs have appeared in the NAIA tournament five times. Their combined record is 15–4. They were NAIA national champions in 1941.
Year | Round | Opponent | Result |
---|---|---|---|
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 |
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. | Player | Pos. | Career | Year ret. | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 | Kawhi Leonard | SF | 2009–2011 | 2020 | [12] [14] |
22 | Milton Phelps | C/PF | 1937-1941 | 2024 | [13] |
44 | Michael Cage | C/PF | 1980–1984 | 2024 | [15] [13] |
Official record (including any NCAA imposed vacates and forfeits) against all current MWC opponents as of the completion of the 2022–2023 season:
Opponent | Games Played | Won | Lost | Percentage | Streak | First Meeting |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Air Force | 88 | 64 | 24 | .727 | Won 8 | 1973–74 |
Boise State | 29 | 18 | 11 | .621 | Lost 1 | 1976–77 |
Colorado State | 94 | 51 | 43 | .543 | Won 4 | 1961–62 |
Fresno State | 126 | 70 | 56 | .556 | Won 8 | 1939–40 |
Nevada | 32 | 25 | 7 | .781 | Lost 1 | 1956–57 |
New Mexico | 93 | 44 | 49 | .473 | Won 1 | 1975–76 |
San Jose State | 82 | 47 | 35 | .573 | Won 11 | 1936–37 |
UNLV | 80 | 43 | 37 | .538 | Won 6 | 1965–66 |
Utah State | 26 | 18 | 9 | .692 | Won 4 | 1962–63 |
Wyoming | 91 | 50 | 41 | .549 | Won 10 | 1978–79 |
Totals | 741 | 430 | 311 | .580 |
Career Scoring Leaders | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seasons | Player | Points | |||
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 | |||
2016–19 | Jeremy Hemsley | 1,392 | |||
1973–76 | Steve Copp | 1,307 | |||
2008–11 | Billy White | 1,294 |
Career Rebound Leaders | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seasons | Player | Rebounds | |||
1981–84 | Michael Cage | 1317 | |||
2018-23 | Nathan Mensah | 899 | |||
2004–06 | Marcus Slaughter | 775 | |||
1973–76 | Steve Copp | 737 | |||
1982–85 | Leonard Allen | 724 | |||
2009–11 | Kawhi Leonard | 716 | |||
1974, 1976–79 | Joel Kramer | 711 | |||
2012–16 | Winston Shepard | 708 | |||
2000–04 | Aerick Sanders | 686 | |||
2013–16 | Skylar Spencer | 652 |
Career Assist Leaders | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seasons | Player | Assists | |||
1978–81 | Tony Gwynn | 590 | |||
2006–09 | Richie Williams | 479 | |||
1994–97 | Chad Nelson | 412 | |||
2004–07 | Brandon Heath | 394 | |||
1974–77 | Mark Delsman | 376 | |||
1983–86 | Anthony Watson | 356 | |||
1982–83 | Keith Smith | 349 | |||
2008–11 | D.J. Gay | 344 | |||
2001–03 | Deandre Moore | 339 | |||
2015–18 | Trey Kell | 320 |
Career Steals Leaders | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seasons | Player | Steals | |||
2006–09 | Richie Williams | 246 | |||
2004–07 | Brandon Heath | 217 | |||
1983–86 | Anthony Watson | 192 | |||
2009–13 | Chase Tapley | 197 | |||
1994–97 | Chad Nelson | 175 | |||
2007–11 | Billy White | 149 | |||
1978–81 | Tony Gwynn | 141 | |||
2006–09 | Kyle Spain | 137 | |||
1980–83 | Eddie Morris | 131 | |||
2017–21 | Matt Mitchell | 129 |
Career Games played Leaders | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seasons | Player | Games | |||
2018-23 | Adam Seiko | 154 | |||
2018-23 | Nathan Mensah | 146 | |||
2012–16 | Skylar Spencer | 144 | |||
2007–11 | D.J. Gay | 140 | |||
2012–16 | Winston Shepard | 139 | |||
2018-23 | Aguek Arop | 135 | |||
2016–19 | Jeremy Hemsley | 134 | |||
2015–18 | Trey Kell | 134 | |||
2009–13 | Chase Tapley | 134 | |||
2007–11 | Billy White | 134 |
Career Minutes played Leaders | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seasons | Player | Minutes | |||
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 | |||
1994–97 | Chad Nelson | 3,692 | |||
2015–18 | Trey Kell | 3,640 | |||
2016–19 | Jeremy Hemsley | 3,632 | |||
2012–16 | Winston Shepard | 3,583 | |||
2007–11 | Billy White | 3,532 |
Career Blocks Leaders | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seasons | Player | Blocks | |||
2012–16 | Skylar Spencer | 303 | |||
2018–23 | Nathan Mensah | 235 | |||
1982–85 | Leonard Allen | 214 | |||
2009–11 | Malcolm Thomas | 127 | |||
1981–84 | Michael Cage | 118 | |||
1991–93 | Joe McNaull | 114 | |||
2015–18 | Malik Pope | 113 | |||
2000–04 | Aerick Sanders | 105 | |||
2007–11 | Billy White | 102 | |||
1997-01 | Marcelo Correa | 100 |
Career Wins Leaders | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seasons | Player | Wins | |||
2018–23 | Adam Seiko | 120 | |||
2018–23 | Nathan Mensah | 112 | |||
2012–16 | Skylar Spencer | 109 | |||
2007–11 | D.J. Gay | 105 | |||
2012-16 | Winston Shepard | 104 | |||
2009–13 | Chase Tapley | 103 | |||
2018-23 | Aguek Arop | 102 | |||
2007–11 | Billy White | 101 | |||
2013–17 | Dakarai Allen | 99 | |||
2017–21 | Matt Mitchell | 96 |
(*) Lead conference
Season Scoring Leaders | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Season | Player | Points | PPG | ||
1983–84 | Michael Cage | 686 | 24.5 | ||
2006–07 | Brandon Heath | 637 | 19.3 | ||
2013–14 | Xavier Thames | 633 | 17.5 | ||
1985–86 | Anthony Watson | 630* | 22.5 | ||
2005–06 | Brandon Heath | 607* | 18.4 | ||
2019–20 | Malachi Flynn | 564 | 17.6 | ||
2012–13 | Jamaal Franklin | 560 | 17.0 | ||
2001–02 | Randy Holcomb | 558 | 16.9 | ||
2011–12 | Jamaal Franklin | 557 | 17.4 | ||
2010–11 | Kawhi Leonard | 557 | 15.5 |
Season Rebound Leaders | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Season | Player | Rebounds | RPG | ||
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 | ||
1971–72 | Chris McMurray | 350 | 12.5 | ||
2013–14 | Josh Davis | 342 | 10 | ||
2009–10 | Kawhi Leonard | 336* | 9.9 | ||
2005–06 | Marcus Slaughter | 329* | 11 | ||
2012–13 | Jamaal Franklin | 312 | 9.4 | ||
2010–11 | Malcom Thomas | 301 | 8.1 |
Season Assists Leaders | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Season | Player | Assists | APG | ||
1979–80 | Tony Gwynn | 221* | 8.2 | ||
1981–82 | Keith Smith | 212* | 7.3 | ||
1977–78 | Dean Decker | 176 | 6.3 | ||
2003–04 | Wesley Stokes | 175 | 5.8 | ||
1984–85 | Creon Dorsey | 171* | 5.5 | ||
1980–81 | Tony Gwynn | 164 | 6.3 | ||
1975–76 | Ray Leary | 163 | 5.6 | ||
2019–20 | Malachi Flynn | 163 | 5.1 | ||
1978–79 | Tony Gwynn | 153* | 5.7 | ||
2006–07 | Richie Williams | 151 | 4.6 |
Season Steals Leaders | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Season | Player | Steals | SPG | ||
2008–09 | Richie Williams | 77* | 2.1 | ||
1984–85 | Anthony Watson | 74 | 2.4 | ||
2006–07 | Richie Williams | 69* | 2.1 | ||
1998–99 | Matt Watts | 65* | 2.6 | ||
1989–90 | Michael Best | 65 | 2.2 | ||
2006–07 | Brandon Heath | 64 | 1.9 | ||
2004–05 | Brandon Heath | 63* | 2.2 | ||
1995–96 | Raymond King | 63 | 2.2 | ||
1984–85 | Creon Dorsey | 63 | 2.0 | ||
2006–07 | Lorrenzo Wade | 62 | 1.9 |
Season Blocks Leaders | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Season | Player | Blocks | |||
2014–15 | Skylar Spencer | 91 | |||
2013–14 | Skylar Spencer | 89 | |||
1984–85 | Leonard Allen | 82 | |||
2010–11 | Malcolm Thomas | 75 | |||
2015–16 | Skylar Spencer | 72 | |||
2021-22 | Nathan Mensah | 71 | |||
2022-23 | Nathan Mensah | 64 | |||
2016–17 | Valentine Izundu | 53 | |||
2009–10 | Malcolm Thomas | 52* | |||
2012–13 | Skylar Spencer | 51 |
Most Points in a game | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date | Player | Points | Opponent | ||
February 20, 1986 | Anthony Watson | 54 | USIU | ||
March 3, 1979 | Kim Goetz | 44 | Utah | ||
February 9, 1979 | Kim Goetz | 42 | Colorado State | ||
February 5, 1980 | Eddie Morris | 41 | UNLV | ||
February 6, 1984 | Michael Cage | 40 | Wyoming |
Most Rebounds in a game | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date | Player | Rebounds | Opponent | ||
December 29, 1980 | Michael Cage | 26 | LaSalle | ||
February 24, 1979 | Steve Malovic | 23 | New Mexico State | ||
December 21, 1971 | Chris McMurray | 23 | Chapman University | ||
March 13, 2010 | Kawhi Leonard | 21 | UNLV | ||
February 6, 1984 | Michael Cage | 21 | Wyoming |
Most Assists in a game | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date | Player | Assists | Opponent | ||
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, 1976 | Dean Decker | 14 | UNLV | ||
February 12, 1985 | Creon Doresy | 13 | LBSU |
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) | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Player | Position | NBA Debut | Team (s) | ||
Joel Kramer | SF | 1979 | Phoenix Suns | ||
Steve Malovic | PF | 1980 | Washington Bullets, San Diego Clippers, Detroit Pistons | ||
Rock Lee | C | 1982 | San Diego Clippers | ||
Michael Cage | PF/C | 1985 | Los Angeles Clippers, Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets | ||
Steffond Johnson | PF | 1987 | Los Angeles Clippers | ||
Randy Holcomb | SF | 2006 | Chicago Bulls | ||
Kawhi Leonard | SF | 2012 | San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers | ||
Malcolm Thomas | PF | 2012 | San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers | ||
Jamaal Franklin | SG | 2014 | Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets | ||
J. J. O'Brien | SF | 2016 | Utah Jazz | ||
Zylan Cheatham | PF | 2019 | New Orleans Pelicans | ||
Jalen McDaniels | SF | 2019 | Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors | ||
Malachi Flynn | PG | 2020 | Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons | ||
Jordan Schakel | SG/SF | 2021 | Washington Wizards | ||
Nathan Mensah | C | 2023 | Charlotte Hornets |
Overseas Professional Leagues | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Player | Position | League | Team (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 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Player | Known for | Team (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 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Player | Known for | Appearances | |||
Art Linkletter | Television personality | Host of House Party Host of People are Funny |
Viejas Arena is an indoor arena in San Diego, California, located on the campus of San Diego State University (SDSU). Opened in 1997 on the site of the historic Aztec Bowl, 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).
Stephen Louis Fisher is an American former basketball coach. Fisher served as the head coach of 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 the head coach of the San Diego State Aztecs.
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 Aztec nickname was chosen by students in 1925; team colors are scarlet (red) and black. The university currently fields 17 varsity teams.
Peterson Gymnasium is an indoor arena in San Diego, California, located on the campus of San Diego State University (SDSU). Opened in 1961, 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 Peterson Gym building also contains classrooms for lectures.
The Show is the student section of the San Diego State Aztecs teams that represent San Diego State University (SDSU). 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."
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.
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.
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.
The 2012–13 San Diego State men's basketball team represented San Diego State University in the 2012–13 college basketball season. They were members in the Mountain West Conference. This was head coach Steve Fisher's fourteenth season at San Diego State. The Aztecs played 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.
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.
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.
The San Diego State Aztecs women's basketball team is the women's college basketball program that represents San Diego State University (SDSU). 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. The San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team drew an average home attendance of 12,370 in 15 games in 2023-24.
The 2023–24 San Diego State Aztecs women's basketball team represented 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, played their home games at Viejas Arena in San Diego, California, as members of the Mountain West Conference.
The 2024–25 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team represents 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.
The 2024–25 San Diego State Aztecs women's basketball team represents San Diego State University during the 2024–25 NCAA Division I women's basketball season. The Aztecs, led by 12th-year head coach Stacie Terry-Hutson, play their home games at Viejas Arena in San Diego, California, as members of the Mountain West Conference.