SAN DIEGO-- March, 1999 could easily be called the starting point for SDSU's national success. The program moved to Division I in 1970, and appeared in just three NCAA tournaments in 29 years. Then, in 1999, two factors influenced the program that would change its path for good. Cox Arena (now known as Viejas Arena) became the permanent on-campus home for the Aztecs and the school hired former University of Michigan head coach, Steve Fisher.
Dec 30, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs head coach Steve Fisher looks on from the court during the second half of the game against the Wyoming Cowboys at Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl. The Aztecs defeated the Cowboys 67-55. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Fisher came to SDSU and resurrected a program that had losing seasons 13 of the previous 14 seasons before 1999. He brought with him an impressive resume, with three Final Four appearances, a stint with the Sacramento Kings and a national championship. Most importantly, he brought life to a stagnant program.
The new Aztec program began in 1999. A new arena and a new coach who had been at the pinnacle of the game would clear the path for the Aztec teams we have seen of late. In their first season under Fisher the Aztecs struggled, going 5-23. Rome wasn't built in a day. However, just two years later, the Aztecs were one of the most improved teams in college basketball as they finished 14-14.
Dec 7, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs head coach Steve Fisher reacts to a play against the Washington Huskies during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
The 2002-03 season was SDSU's coming out party. After a slow start to the season, the Aztecs won 8 of their last 10 in March and went on to win the conference title. In the process, the Aztecs won 21 games for the first time since the 1984-85 season. Fisher brought the program back to the NCAA tournament for the first time since the '84-85 season. The Aztecs were relevant again.
Fisher continued to deliver successful teams in the coming years. He won postseason games in the NIT tournament and churned out 20 win season after 20 win season. That being said, the 2010-11 team was the team that changed program history forever. A freshman named Kawhi Leonard led the Aztecs to as high as a No.4 ranking in the regular season. The Aztecs were the No. 2 seed in the West region of the NCAA Tournament, reached the Sweet 16 before falling, and saw their head coach, Fisher, win the Naismith Coach of the Year Award.
Congratulations to #AztecForLife Kawhi Leonard, an NBA Western Conference All-Star team starter!??? pic.twitter.com/sEqGdKWpaW
— Associated Students (@as_sdsu) January 22, 2016
Steve Fisher is a legendary coach for a reason. He coached perhaps the most famous college basketball team in history in the Fab Five, but he also brought a program from its roots to glory at SDSU. He established a community at San Diego State and built Viejas Arena to be one of the toughest road environments. He continues to recruit well even in the late stage of his career. He has set the precedent for future SDSU coaches, and his legacy will live on long after he leaves the hardwood.
Mar 22, 2014; Spokane, WA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs guard Xavier Thames (2) shoots against the North Dakota State Bison in the second half of a men's college basketball game during the third round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at Veterans Memorial Arena.
Aztec News
Hoist the trophy! RT @bemoose: #Champions Congrats @GoAztecs Steve Fisher, #AztecMB program. See you Sat @ Viejas pic.twitter.com/IGcMVI34fo
— San Diego State (@SDSU) February 25, 2016
-Current record: 21-7, 2016 regular-season Mountain West Conference champions
11 straight 20-win seasons! #AztecHoops pic.twitter.com/VkDpjdF605
— AztecHoops (@AztecHoops) February 22, 2016
- Upcoming: Feb. 27th vs. Boise State, Viejas Arena
