Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Steve Fisher's legacy preserved at SDSU

On a Sunday night San Diego State sent out a release asking news teams to assemble the following afternoon on the mezzanine level of Viejas Arena. There would be a "major" announcement concerning the program. There were no other details given in the release, leading many to wonder about Steve Fisher.

Was the 66-year-old national coach of the year doing OK?

In fact Fisher is doing better than OK after San Diego State not only gave him a four-year contract extension, but also named Fisher's longtime assistant coach, Brian Dutcher, the program's coach-in-waiting. Dutcher is set to take over upon Fisher's retirement. Though after last season's Sweet 16 run with the Aztecs Fisher's not even sure this will be his final contract extension.

"I don't know that that means that I'm here for four more years even," Fisher told reporters, wondering aloud about a longer stay. "So we'll see. Who knows? Maybe this is the one that leads to the next one. I don't know if Brian wants to hear that, but that might be the case.

"I'm not looking to be pushed out the door or run out the door anytime soon."

Fisher smiled. Unlike at Michigan, where he left a national championship legacy yet was eventually fired amidst scandal, it appears he'll be able to finish his career on his own terms while leaving the program to his right-hand man.

Dutcher has not only served alongside Fisher during 12 seasons at San Diego State, but also 10 seasons at Michigan while the Wolverines won the 1989 national title and compiled one of college basketball's most famous recruiting classes: the Fab Five.

Recruiting was a major factor in putting into writing the succession plan for Dutcher, as it allows Fisher to ultimately retire with the idea that San Diego State will continue to be successful. That's because current recruits considering the Aztecs are now able to choose San Diego with confidence.

"Everybody seems to want to operate in the shades of gray, and anything you could use for a recruiting advantage is used," Fisher said. "So we've heard and been asked questions from parents ... 'How long are you going to be there? Will you be there to coach my son?'

"We have told recruits not only will I be there, but you'll also know that when I'm not there who the head coach will be, and that's probably better than 99.9 percent of the schools in the country can say."

Even before Fisher's future had been officially clarified, the school sent out another release. This one announced that less than 800 season ticket packages remained for the general public. The rest had been sold after the best season in the program's history.

"Never have I enjoyed a season more than last year -- for so many reasons," Fisher said. "Obviously 34-3, but so many other reasons. To look at the arena, the atmosphere and the feeling you had."

Fisher wants that all to be experienced at San Diego State long after he's gone.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/34747/steve-fishers-legacy-preserved-at-sdsu

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