**2001–02 San Diego State Aztecs Men’s Basketball Team**
**Definition:**
The 2001–02 San Diego State Aztecs men’s basketball team represented San Diego State University during the 2001–02 NCAA Division I men’s basketball season. Competing in the Mountain West Conference, the team was led by head coach Steve Fisher and played their home games at Cox Arena.
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# 2001–02 San Diego State Aztecs Men’s Basketball Team
The 2001–02 San Diego State Aztecs men’s basketball team participated in the NCAA Division I men’s basketball season as a member of the Mountain West Conference (MWC). Under the guidance of veteran head coach Steve Fisher, the Aztecs aimed to build upon their previous seasons and establish themselves as a competitive program within the conference and nationally. The team played their home games at Cox Arena, located on the university’s campus in San Diego, California.
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## Season Overview
The 2001–02 season marked a period of transition and development for the San Diego State Aztecs. Coming off a challenging previous season, the team sought to improve their overall record and conference standing. The Aztecs faced a demanding schedule that included both non-conference and Mountain West Conference opponents.
Throughout the season, the team demonstrated resilience and competitiveness, with several standout performances from key players. Despite facing tough competition, the Aztecs managed to secure important victories that highlighted their potential and growth under Coach Fisher’s leadership.
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## Coaching Staff
– **Head Coach:** Steve Fisher (3rd year)
– **Assistant Coaches:** Brian Dutcher, Tony Bland, and others
Steve Fisher, known for his previous success at the University of Michigan, was in his third year coaching the Aztecs. His experience and coaching philosophy emphasized disciplined defense and efficient offense, which he worked to instill in the team during the 2001–02 season.
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## Roster
The team roster featured a mix of experienced upperclassmen and promising underclassmen. Key players contributed both offensively and defensively, providing the Aztecs with a balanced attack.
### Notable Players
– **Brian Dutcher (Assistant Coach)** – While not a player, Dutcher’s role as assistant coach was significant in player development and game strategy.
– **[Player names and positions would be listed here if available]**
*Note: Specific player statistics and biographies are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the team’s composition but are not detailed here due to limited data.*
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## Schedule and Results
The Aztecs’ 2001–02 schedule included a combination of non-conference games and Mountain West Conference matchups. The team aimed to perform strongly in conference play to qualify for postseason tournaments.
### Non-Conference Games
The non-conference schedule featured a variety of opponents, providing the Aztecs with opportunities to test their skills against diverse playing styles. These games were crucial for building team chemistry and gaining experience.
### Mountain West Conference Play
In conference play, the Aztecs faced established Mountain West teams such as UNLV, New Mexico, and BYU. The competitive nature of the conference required consistent effort and strategic execution.
### Postseason
The team’s performance in the Mountain West Conference tournament and any potential invitations to postseason tournaments such as the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) or NCAA Tournament would have been a key focus. However, detailed postseason results for the 2001–02 season are not specified here.
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## Statistical Leaders
While comprehensive statistics for the 2001–02 Aztecs are limited, typical categories of interest include:
– **Points per game (PPG)**
– **Rebounds per game (RPG)**
– **Assists per game (APG)**
– **Field goal percentage (FG%)**
– **Free throw percentage (FT%)**
These metrics help evaluate individual and team performance throughout the season.
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## Team Performance and Legacy
The 2001–02 season contributed to the ongoing development of the San Diego State basketball program. Under Steve Fisher’s leadership, the Aztecs laid the groundwork for future success, emphasizing strong defense and team-oriented play. The experiences gained during this season helped shape the team’s identity and competitiveness in subsequent years.
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## Facilities
– **Home Venue:** Cox Arena (now known as Viejas Arena)
The Aztecs played their home games at Cox Arena, a modern facility that provided a supportive environment for both players and fans. The arena’s atmosphere was an important factor in the team’s home-court advantage.
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## Mountain West Conference Context
The Mountain West Conference, established in 1999, was still relatively new during the 2001–02 season. The conference featured competitive programs that challenged the Aztecs to elevate their level of play. Success within the MWC was critical for postseason aspirations and program recognition.
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## Conclusion
The 2001–02 San Diego State Aztecs men’s basketball team experienced a season of growth and competitive play within the Mountain West Conference. Guided by experienced coaching and a dedicated roster, the team worked to establish a foundation for future achievements. While not marked by major postseason success, the season was an important chapter in the program’s history.
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**Meta Description:**
The 2001–02 San Diego State Aztecs men’s basketball team competed in the Mountain West Conference under head coach Steve Fisher, playing home games at Cox Arena and striving to build a competitive program during the NCAA Division I season.