San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball

The San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team is the college basketball program that represents San Diego State University, located in San Diego, California. The team currently competes in the Mountain West Conference (MW) and plays its home games at Viejas Arena. The Aztecs began play in 1921 and have been to fifteen NCAA Division I tournaments and six NIT tournaments since joining NCAA Division I in 1969. The team previously reached three NCAA Division II tournaments and six NAIA tournaments, winning the latter in 1941. Since joining the Mountain West Conference, the Aztecs have won seven tournament championships and nine regular season titles. Former players who went on to achieve notable success in the NBA include Michael Cage and Kawhi Leonard. Other former players have gone on to achieve their most notable successes in other areas, such as Art Linkletter and Tony Gwynn.

"San Diego State Aztecs basketball" redirects here. For the women's program, see San Diego State Aztecs women's basketball.

San Diego State Aztecs
men's basketball
2022–23 San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team
UniversitySan Diego State University
First season1921–22
All-time record1,485–1,125 (.569)
Head coachBrian Dutcher (6th season)
ConferenceMountain West
LocationSan Diego, California
ArenaViejas Arena
(Capacity: 12,414)
NicknameAztecs
Student sectionThe Show
ColorsScarlet and black[1]
   
Uniforms
Home jersey
Team colours
Home
Away jersey
Team colours
Away
Alternate jersey
Team colours
Alternate
NCAA tournament runner-up
2023
NCAA tournament Final Four
2023
NCAA tournament Elite Eight
2023
NCAA tournament Sweet Sixteen
2011, 2014, 2023
NCAA tournament round of 32
1975, 1976, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2023
NCAA tournament appearances
1975, 1976, 1985, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023
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

Team history
See also: List of San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball seasons

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. They became the first team of the Mountain West Conference to reach the Final Four. On April 1, they became the first team of the Mountain West Conference to reach the National Championship after defeating FAU 72-71.

Rivalries

The Aztecs have three major rivalries, the UNLV Rebels, the USD Toreros, and the BYU Cougars. Their primary rival is the UNLV Rebels, especially in recent years with some memorable showdowns. 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.

Facilities
Cox Arena at Aztec Bowl
Cox Arena at Aztec Bowl
Aztecs inside Viejas Arena

Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl

The Aztecs play their home games at Viejas Arena (formerly Cox Arena), which is located on the west side of campus on the footprint of the former Aztec Bowl, where SDSU football played its home games from 1935 to 1966. Viejas Arena opened in 1997 as Cox Arena and seats 12,414 for basketball games.[7] In 2009, the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians purchased the naming rights for ten years.[8] The arena features an octagonal scoreboard with video-replay system, that includes up-to-the-minute statistical information on individual players.[8] The facility is also equipped with seven locker rooms, two of which are complete with team rooms, equipment rooms, and a shared training room.[8]

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.[9][10][11]

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.[12]

Head coaches

As of the 2022 Media Guide

Name Seasons Record Percentage
C.E. Peterson1921–192670–30.700
Tom McMullen1926–192923–17.575
Morris Gross1929–1942190–85.690
Don DeLauer1942–194314–9.609
Alex Alexander1943–194517–26.395
Charlie Smith1945–194845–36.563
George Ziegenfuss1948–1969316–229.580
Dick Davis1969–197465–67.492
Tim Vezie1974–197977–62.554
Smokey Gaines1979–1987112–117.489
Jim Brandenburg1987–199152–87.356
Jim Harrick Jr. (Interim coach)19920–7.000
Tony Fuller1992–199420–37.351
Fred Trenkle1994–199955–83.399
*Steve Fisher1999–2017386–209.648
Brian Dutcher2017–Present151–46.766
Through April 2nd 2023.

Postseason

NCAA Division I tournament results

The Aztecs have appeared in the NCAA Division I tournament 15 times, with a combined record of 11–15. They have reached the Sweet Sixteen three times, in 2011, 2014, and 2023; in the latter year 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
1975N/ARound of 32UNLVL 80–90
1976N/ARound of 32UCLAL 64–74
198513Round of 64(4) UNLVL 80–85
200213First Round(4) IllinoisL 64–93
200611First Round(6) IndianaL 83–87
201011First Round(6) TennesseeL 59–62
20112First Round
Round of 32
Sweet Sixteen		(15) Northern Colorado
(7) Temple
(3) Connecticut		W 68–50
W 71–64 2OT
L 67–74
20126First Round(11) NC StateL 65–79
20137First Round
Round of 32		(10) Oklahoma
(15) Florida Gulf Coast		W 70–55
L 71–81
20144First 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
20158First Round
Round of 32		(9) St. John's
(1) Duke		W 76–64
L 49–68
201811First Round(6) HoustonL 65–67
20216First Round(11) SyracuseL 62–78
20228First Round(9) CreightonL 69–72 OT
20235First 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

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 → 13 13 11 11 2 6 7 4 8 11 6 8 5

NIT results

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

Year Round Opponent Result
1982First roundUC IrvineL 69–70
2003First round
Second Round		UC Santa Barbara
Texas Tech		W 67–62
L 57–48
2007First round
Second Round		Missouri State
Syracuse		W 74–70
L 64–80
2008First roundFloridaL 49–73
2009First 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
2016First 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.

Year Round Opponent Result
1957Regional semifinals
Regional Finals
Elite Eight		Chapman
Regis
Cal State Los Angeles		W 75–56
W 81–78
L 55–57
1967Regional semifinals
Regional Finals
Elite Eight		Portland State
Nevada Southern
Illinois State		W 101–73
W 88–71
L 76–77 3OT
1968Regional 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.

Year Round Opponent Result
1939First 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
1940First 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
1941First 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
1942First round
Second Round		Chadron State
Bemidji State		W 36–29
L 32–41
1956First round
Second Round		Alderson Broaddus
Gustavus Adolphus		W 77–64
L 60–69

Retired jerseys
Main article: List of NCAA men's basketball retired numbers

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.[13] As of 2023, Leonard's jersey is the only one that has been hung in the rafters of Viejas Arena.[14]

San Diego State Aztecs retired numbers
No. Player Pos. Career Year ret. Ref.
15Kawhi LeonardSF2009–20112020[13][14]
44* Michael Cage C/PF 1980–1984 1984 [15]

*disputed

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:

Opponent Games Played Won Lost Percentage Streak First Meeting
Air Force886424.727Won 81973–74
Boise State291811.621Lost 11976–77
Colorado State945143.543Won 41961–62
Fresno State1267056.556Won 81939–40
Nevada32257.781Lost 11956–57
New Mexico934449.473Won 11975–76
San Jose State824735.573Won 111936–37
UNLV804337.538Won 61965–66
Utah State26189.692Won 41962–63
Wyoming915041.549Won 101978–79
Totals 741 430 311 .580
Through March 14th, 2023.

[16] [17] [18]

Career Leaders (DI Era)
See also: San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball statistical leaders

As of the 2022-23 Media Guide

Career Scoring Leaders
Seasons Player Points
2004–07Brandon Heath2,189
1981–84Michael Cage1,846
1983–86Anthony Watson1,735
2009–13Chase Tapley1,526
2017-21Matt Mitchell1,471
2015–18Trey Kell1,403
2012–16Winston Shepard1,403
2016–19Jeremy Hemsley1,392
1973–76Steve Copp1,307
2008–11Billy White1,294
Career Rebound Leaders
Seasons Player Rebounds
1981–84Michael Cage1317
2018-23Nathan Mensah899
2004–06Marcus Slaughter775
1973–76Steve Copp737
1982–85Leonard Allen724
2009–11Kawhi Leonard716
1974, 1976–79Joel Kramer711
2012–16Winston Shepard708
2000–04Aerick Sanders686
2013–16Skylar Spencer652
Career Assist Leaders
Seasons Player Assists
1978–81Tony Gwynn590
2006–09Richie Williams479
1994–97Chad Nelson412
2004–07Brandon Heath394
1974–77Mark Delsman376
1983–86Anthony Watson356
1982–83Keith Smith349
2008–11D.J. Gay344
2001–03Deandre Moore339
2015–18Trey Kell320
Career Steals Leaders
Seasons Player Steals
2006–09Richie Williams246
2004–07Brandon Heath217
1983–86Anthony Watson192
2009–13Chase Tapley197
1994–97Chad Nelson175
2007–11Billy White149
1978–81Tony Gwynn141
2006–09Kyle Spain137
1980–83Eddie Morris131
2017–21Matt Mitchell129
Career Games played Leaders
Seasons Player Games
2018-23 Adam Seiko 154
2018-23 Nathan Mensah 146
2012–16Skylar Spencer144
2007–11D.J. Gay140
2012–16Winston Shepard139
2018-23 Aguek Arop 135
2016–19Jeremy Hemsley134
2015–18Trey Kell134
2009–13Chase Tapley134
2007–11Billy White134
Career Minutes played Leaders
Seasons Player Minutes
2004–07Brandon Heath4,275
1981–84Michael Cage4,262
2007–11D.J. Gay4,222
2009–13Chase Tapley3,813
2006–09Richie Williams3,780
1994–97Chad Nelson3,692
2015–18Trey Kell3,640
2016–19Jeremy Hemsley3,632
2012–16Winston Shepard3,583
2007–11Billy White3,532
Career Blocks Leaders
Seasons Player Blocks
2012–16Skylar Spencer303
2018–23Nathan Mensah235
1982–85Leonard Allen214
2009–11Malcolm Thomas127
1981–84Michael Cage118
1991–93Joe McNaull114
2015–18Malik Pope113
2000–04Aerick Sanders105
2007–11Billy White102
1997-01Marcelo Correa100
Career Wins Leaders
Seasons Player Wins
2018–23Adam Seiko120
2018–23 Nathan Mensah 112
2012–16Skylar Spencer109
2007–11D.J. Gay105
2012-16Winston Shepard104
2009–13Chase Tapley103
2018-23 Aguek Arop 102
2007–11Billy White101
2013–17Dakarai Allen99
2017–21Matt Mitchell96

Single Season Leaders (DI Era)

(*) Lead conference

Season Scoring Leaders
Season Player Points PPG
1983–84Michael Cage68624.5
2006–07Brandon Heath63719.3
2013–14Xavier Thames63317.5
1985–86Anthony Watson630*22.5
2005–06Brandon Heath607*18.4
2019–20Malachi Flynn56417.6
2012–13Jamaal Franklin56017.0
2001–02Randy Holcomb55816.9
2011–12Jamaal Franklin55717.4
2010–11Kawhi Leonard55715.5
Season Rebound Leaders
Season Player Rebounds RPG
2010–11Kawhi Leonard380*10.6
1980–81Michael Cage355*13.1
1982–83Michael Cage354*12.6
1983–84Michael Cage352*12.6
1971–72Chris McMurray35012.5
2013–14Josh Davis34210
2009–10Kawhi Leonard336*9.9
2005–06Marcus Slaughter329*11
2012–13Jamaal Franklin3129.4
2010–11Malcom Thomas3018.1
Season Assists Leaders
Season Player Assists APG
1979–80Tony Gwynn221*8.2
1981–82Keith Smith212*7.3
1977–78Dean Decker1766.3
2003–04Wesley Stokes1755.8
1984–85Creon Dorsey171*5.5
1980–81Tony Gwynn1646.3
1975–76Ray Leary1635.6
2019–20Malachi Flynn1635.1
1978–79Tony Gwynn153*5.7
2006–07Richie Williams1514.6
Season Steals Leaders
Season Player Steals SPG
2008–09Richie Williams77*2.1
1984–85Anthony Watson742.4
2006–07Richie Williams69*2.1
1998–99Matt Watts65*2.6
1989–90Michael Best652.2
2006–07Brandon Heath641.9
2004–05Brandon Heath63*2.2
1995–96Raymond King632.2
1984–85Creon Dorsey632.0
2006–07Lorrenzo Wade621.9
Season Blocks Leaders
Season Player Blocks
2014–15Skylar Spencer91
2013–14Skylar Spencer89
1984–85Leonard Allen82
2010–11Malcolm Thomas75
2015–16Skylar Spencer72
2021-22Nathan Mensah71
2022-23Nathan Mensah64
2016–17Valentine Izundu53
2009–10Malcolm Thomas52*
2012–13Skylar Spencer51

Single Game Leaders (DI Era)
Most Points in a game
Date Player Points Opponent
February 20, 1986Anthony Watson54USIU
March 3, 1979Kim Goetz44Utah
February 9, 1979Kim Goetz42Colorado State
February 5, 1980Eddie Morris41UNLV
February 6, 1984Michael Cage40Wyoming
Most Rebounds in a game
Date Player Rebounds Opponent
December 29, 1980Michael Cage26LaSalle
February 24, 1979Steve Malovic23New Mexico State
December 21, 1971Chris McMurray23Chapman University
March 13, 2010Kawhi Leonard21UNLV
February 6, 1984Michael Cage21Wyoming
Most Assists in a game
Date Player Assists Opponent
February 5, 1980Tony Gwynn18UNLV
March 7, 1981Tony Gwynn16New Mexico State
February 14, 1980Tony Gwynn14New Mexico State
December 11, 1976Dean Decker14UNLV
February 12, 1985Creon Doresy13LBSU
  • All stats are from the and are updated through the 2022–2023 basketball season.

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)
Player Position NBA Debut Team (s)
Joel KramerSF1979Phoenix Suns
Steve MalovicPF1980Washington Bullets, San Diego Clippers, Detroit Pistons
Rock LeeC1982San Diego Clippers
Michael CagePF/C1985Los Angeles Clippers, Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets
Steffond JohnsonPF1987Los Angeles Clippers
Randy HolcombSF2006Chicago Bulls
Kawhi LeonardSF2012San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers
Malcolm ThomasPF2012San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers
Jamaal FranklinSG2014Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets
J. J. O'BrienSF2016Utah Jazz
Zylan CheathamPF2019New Orleans Pelicans
Jalen McDanielsSF2019Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers
Malachi Flynn PG 2020 Toronto Raptors
Jordan SchakelSG/SF2021Washington Wizards
Overseas Professional Leagues
Player Position League Team (s)
Brandon HeathGNBL (Bulgaria)BC Levski Sofia
Hubert RobertsCLigat HaAl (Israel)Hapoel Haifa, Hapoel Jerusalem, Maccabi Haifa, Rishon LeZion
Marcus SlaughterC/PFLiga ACB (Spain)Real Madrid Baloncesto
Jamaal FranklinSGCBA (China)Zhejiang Lions
Yanni WetzellPF/CNBL (Australia)South East Melbourne Phoenix, New Zealand Breakers
Billy WhitePF NBL (Canada)Halifax Hurricanes, Moncton Magic, Windsor Express
Xavier ThamesGLKL (Lithuania)BC Jonava
Other sports
Player Known for Team (s)
Tony GwynnBaseball Hall of Fame outfielderSan 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 LinkletterTelevision personalityHost of House Party
Host of People are Funny

See also

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
  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 days Long Beach Press-Telegram Wednesday, December 21, 2011
  5. "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. "Cox Arena Getting Name Change – CBS News 8 – San Diego, CA News Station – KFMB Channel 8". Cbs8.com. March 17, 2009. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  8. "San Diego State Official Athletic Site – Facilities". Goaztecs.cstv.com. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  9. 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.
  10. "The Reno Report: Sdsu Basketball Re-Enters The Arena". East County Magazine. June 13, 2010. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  11. "San Diego State Official Athletic Site – Men's Basketball". Goaztecs.cstv.com. March 26, 1999. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  12. "SDSU spent $4.7 million on JAM Center". San Diego Union-Tribune. November 6, 2015. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
  13. "San Diego State to Retire Kawhi's Jersey". Sports Illustrated. Associated Press. Retrieved January 17, 2020.
  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.
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