A sold‑out coaching clinic at the University of San Diego this week drew a crowd of eager basketball minds, headlined by NBA assistant Jeff Van Gundy and UCLA women’s coach Cori Close.
A Coaching Clinic That Signals a Turning Point
The event coincides with the grand opening of USD’s $35 million Basketball Performance Center, a state‑of‑the‑art facility designed to elevate the Toreros’ program and attract top talent.
First‑year head coach JR Blount, who arrived after six seasons as an assistant at Iowa State, sees the clinic as a catalyst for ending the program’s 19‑year NCAA Tournament drought.
The Toreros’ last tournament appearance came in 2008, a milestone that feels distant now as San Diego State has become a regular March Madness participant, underscoring the competitive landscape Blount aims to navigate.
Adding to the momentum, UCSD is set to join the West Coast Conference in summer 2026 and already secured a berth in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, signaling a growing basketball presence in the region.
Blount points to the supportive local basketball culture, citing the success of San Diego State’s Brian Dutcher and Eric Olen as proof that the market can sustain multiple winning programs.
On the women’s side, coach Blanche Alverson returns after an 11‑22 rookie season but brings a veteran roster, emphasizing the value of in‑person campus recruiting that rebounded post‑pandemic.
The new hilltop facility, visible from Interstates 8 and 5, not only serves as a training hub but also reinforces USD’s identity as a landmark in San Diego’s sports landscape.