When Steve Fisher took over as the head coach at San Diego State in 1999, to say that he was faced with a difficult rebuilding project would be an understatement. Prior to Fisher’s arrival the program produced just two 20-win seasons, with Smokey Gaines responsible for both in 1981-82 and 1984-85. To go from those lean years to now, with the Aztecs expected to not only be a perennial NCAA tournament team but win once there, speaks to what Fisher and his staff have managed to do.
Thursday afternoon the school honored Fisher for his achievements, naming the court at Viejas Arena “Steve Fisher Court.” A fitting honor for the head coach who has done so much of the school since he arrived on campus. And he’ll have another good team this season, as the Mountain West coaches picked San Diego State to win the conference in their preseason poll earlier this month.
San Diego State has made six consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, winning at least one game in each of their last five trips.
Video credit: San Diego State Athletics