San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
Dutch’s seat is not hot, nor should it be
Sez Me … Dutch is in Dutch?
No, but forgetful Aztecs fans overdosing on addictive basketball diuretics are wetting Unsocial Media's unmade bed. Since San Diego State's men coughed up an olive at the end of what seemed to be a certain win over Creighton in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, I'm getting emails (and of course seeing tweets) insisting Brian Dutcher, once the head coach-in-waiting, should be the head-coach-who's-leaving.
Once again, the uncareful are throwing bad coins in their personal wishing wells.
Dutch is 119-40 as State's head coach. The problem is, he's 0-3 in the NCAAS. And some of the AAVS — Angry Aztecs Villagers — are sticking their torches under Dutch's seat.
It is not hot. It should not be hot.
Between 1969 (when State went Division I) and 2000, they twice won 20 games. Since 2001, first under Steve Fisher, then Dutcher, they've won at least 20 18 times, 30 twice. In Dutcher's five seasons, they've won 20 four times, 30 (30-2) once.
Not many people realize how difficult things are in the Mountain West — especially a sea level team going to altitude. In 2020, Dutcher's Aztecs went unbeaten in conference play. Not impossible, but leaning at the tape.
And some people forget what State's basketball program was prior to Fisher's (and Dutcher's) arrival. When Steve took over in 1999, the program might have been the worst in America.
Jim Brandenburg could coach, reaching the Sweet 16 with Wyoming. Hired here the next year, Jim couldn't beat an old rug.
Aztecs fans always have wanted more — only recently in basketball.
While I spent my undistinguished academic career at State, Don Coryell was at his peak, and Aztecs followers wanted to see their footballers playing the big boys. When it happened, football suffered for beyond a generation, with minimal success.
Nobody expected anything out of basketball. And when Fisher and Dutcher (who had a big hand in it, and with Steve at Michigan) arrived, they developed a national program and turned this into a basketball town — which I never dreamed possible.
If you believe Fisher recommended Dutch simply because of their friendship, you don't know Steve.
Good programs don't always win national championships. Many don't win any. If the Aztecs are in a cul-de-sac, they can get out of it.
Dutch needs shooters, some inside beef, and a point guard, a distributor, a “Guy.” The best Aztecs teams always have a “Guy.” This team was hard to watch, but it won 23 times.
They will be better next year. Betcha. With the transfer portal, it's wide open now, as we've seen.
The ACC stunk. Look now. San Diego has enough losers to go around without whining about a winner.
Why the hell do I have to write this stupidity? …
What of Gonzaga? How many titles? None. Too Few, Few . Is Mark getting canned? … Another Zag Gag. …
It's Lent. Kentucky, Murray State and Purdue went to the NCAA'S Pearly Gates and got Saint Peter's three denials. …
The NFL plans to begin charging fans for its more exciting offseasons. …
The Browns say they went through a “comprehensive evaluation process” on Deshaun Watson. True. They didn't interview one of the 22 alleged sexual assault victims. …
What Cleveland had to do was get Roger Goodell to tell them how long Watson's suspension may be. So it won't be dramatic. …
Seems Deshaun's baggage got lost on his way to Cleveland. …
I'm not judge or jury, but there's an awful lot of smoke for there to be no flames. …
Browns GM Andrew Berry says he knows how this decision weighs on the Cleveland community, “particularly women.” No, he does not, or he doesn't make it. Just win at all costs, baby. …
Watson says he wants “to show people who I really am.” That may not be good. …
Deshaun: “I don't have a problem.” OK, the Browns do. …
Paul Tagliabue says he doesn't think gambling is good for the NFL. Hypocrite to the end, even though TV revenue, spiked by wagering, helped pay his salary. …
Falcons owner and Home Depot founder Arthur Blank sings hosannas to Matt Ryan. What he didn't say: “We loved Matt so much we gave him away for a third-round choice and a circular saw.” …
Kenny Pickett had his hands expanded in a few weeks. From 8½ inches at the Combine to 85⁄8 at his pro day. He promises that, by the draft, they'll measure up to Kawhi Leonard's 11.25. …
Think football is a business? Check the film of David Ojabo tearing his Achilles and writhing in pain during Michigan's pro day, and no one coming to his aid. It was almost like, “Well, you were a No. 1, but not anymore.” Embarrassing. …
Baker Mayfield will love being unrecognized doing commercials the remainder of his career. …
Tyreek Hill may be my leastfavorite player (check his rap sheet), but he made the Chiefs go, and they can't be as dangerous without him. OK by me. …
Prediction: If Tom Brady goes to Miami, the next ring he'll see will be when he rides shotgun with Jeff Bezos to Saturn. …
Congratulations to Ernie Zampese and the late Sid Brooks, who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame under its new “Award of Excellence” program. …
When I see clips of an NBA player diving for the ball, I'm thinking: a), He's far too young to realize he's playing for money, or 2), He had good teachers. …
If you leave your feet with the basketball and come down with it, you're traveling. There still are thousands of chances for you to see officials not call it, along with other forms of travel. …
Third base coach Matt Williams shocked the Padres and their fans when he showed up at camp needing hip surgery. …
Ham & Eggers: Check out Kettner Blvd. at Vine. It has sore eyes. …
San Diego losing the Flying Leatherneck Museum to Irvine is a damn shame. We are the womb of military aviation — and of losing things that should be near and dear to us. …
Italy is out of the World Cup after losing to North Macedonia, which last won a soccer match in 323 B.C., when its king gave up war to become Alexander The Great Striker. …
Stink O' The Week Sezment: I love the Masters, but without
Phil, gallons of pimento cheese have fallen off the Hogan Bridge. …
Can't wait until NFL opening day, when CBS starts pushing the Masters. …
Al Michaels will be fine with
Kirk Herbstreit in the Amazon booth, but then Al would be great with Harpo Marx and
Teller .…
Dave Scott retires today. I will miss him. Talented man. …
The old California Theater, once a cinema showcase and abandoned for 30 years, is a disgrace, a city dump without portfolio. …
No matter your political bent, be it in the left or right ventricle of your heart, you have to believe some politicians have yet to crawl out of the swamp. …
A 96-year-old man who survived four Nazi concentration camps has been killed in Ukraine. …
Half of Ukraine's children have been displaced. …
I have nothing left to say.
sezme.godfather@gmail.com twitter: @sdutcanepa