When I read articles that tell the story of Coach Fisher’s struggles to schedule formidable opponents, I reminisce over the Fred Trenkle era and just laugh. What a difference a decade makes; SDSU Basketball, the once basement dweller of the NCAA; the laughing-stock of the Collegiate Basketball Aristocrats, has now grown up and guess what: no buddy wants to play with them. Ask Fisher why he is having difficulties scheduling teams to play his squad, and the response is somewhat incredulous: “They all say: ‘We’re not going to play you, no way,’ ”
I remember going to Cox Arena when it first opened and watching games with about 2000 fans in the Arena. You could purchase a nose-bleed seat and move to a court-side seat by half-time: Ahhh…yes, those were the (infamous) days. Now, the Arena is filled to capacity for most home games; good tickets come at a premium and you better get them early or your going to miss out. But now what seemingly seemed so inconsequential in the past is now an arduous, laborious task: completing the 2010-11 schedule. Coach Fisher struggles to get teams to commit to play. They simply reject the offer on the grounds that SDSU is too good.
For those critics who had questioned Fisher’s ability to take SDSU to the next level; what say you now? It’s humorous when reflecting over the sport critic(s) who got it completely wrong (i.e., ESPN)–about Fisher that is.
Who is Sam Tai? A prototypical defensive end (and good quarterback too) that displays an impressive football resume. A strong and quick player, Sam possesses great lower body strength that matches up well against big offensive tackles. His quickness would afford the desired pressure on a QB that Borges needs to run his defense scheme effectively.
Scout rates Tai as a three star recruit and has him ranked as the 67th top defensive end in the country. At 6′4 and 234 pounds the athletically gifted Tai played quarterback last year as well as earning “All League” honors at defensive end. In 2009 he had four sacks and 32 tackles while playing both ways.
Sam Tai’s list of offerings is impressive (Table below from Scout.com). Although its highly unlikely that SDSU lands this coveted recruit he would surely compliment an emerging defensive strength in SDSU Football; a strength already powered by Perry Jackson (4-Star). Imagine Jackson and Tai up front-wow! We can all only hope…
Bryant Crowder is a big, athletic, high-flying, shot blocking machine. As the video shows he is remarkably agile for a 6-10 profile. He reminds of a a previous player by the name of Jerome Habel. At 6-10, 220lbs, Habel was quick and athletic; dominated the inside with his aggressive play and was always willing to put in a show when given an opportunity. I see similar traits from Crowder. he should provide an added dimension not seen since the arrival of Habel in 2006: a big yet quick presence on the court.
Article has Aztecs picked to win regular season for 2011 (Read more by clicking on the link). However, I’m predicting a sweep: both the Regular season and MWC Championship go to the Aztecs. I’m just not seeing any threat from any team in the MWC. The Aztecs are just too good.
