Collegehoopsnet - San Diego State Update

Within about 24 hours, the Aztecs got a dose of bad news followed by an even better injection of good news. First, the medicine. Gary Grant, 13-year NBA veteran, resigned his post as assistant coach for San Diego State after just one season on Coach Fisher’s staff. Grant is leaving to pursue a similar coaching spot on an NBA team. The players will no doubt miss his defensive intensity that he displayed while in the NBA and on the practice court with the Aztecs young players.

Grant had this to say on his departure. "My experience at San Diego State was wonderful. Working for Steve Fisher has made me realize the many facets that go in to being a head coach. He is the most professional coach I have ever been around. I have learned so much, not only from him, but also (assistant coaches) Brian (Dutcher) and Gregg (Gottlieb)."

OK, OK. Now the sweet stuff. The Aztecs secured a verbal commitment for the 2005-06 season from 3 star, Super Prospect Kyle Spain out of Newark Memorial High in the Bay Area. Prep West Hoops lists Spain as the No. 4 small forward on the West Coast. In choosing the Aztecs, Spain passed up on offers from Washington, California and Nevada. Not a bad get for team struggling to post year over year winning seasons.

As a junior, Spain averaged 19.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists in the Mission Valley Athletic League. He is 6’ 7”, 220 lbs. and can already bench 305 lbs.

Credit the recruiting success to the hard work and integrity of Steve Fisher and his staff. Fisher could have taken the low road with McDonald’s All-American Evan Burns a year ago who had failing grades in his spring semester. Instead, Fisher cut loose the most prized recruit in Aztec basketball history and has been reaping the benefits of that decision ever since with student-athletes and their parents.

Prognosis is looking up in the off-season as the Aztecs continue to build for the future.

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