Update: UC San Diego secured an automatic NCAA Tournament spot by defeating UC Irvine 75-61 in the Big West tournament final.
From Humble Beginnings to Tournament Contenders
In the 1980s, Greg Kamansky experienced modest resources as a player at UC San Diego, where the team received minimal support, including just a jock strap for preseason and a meager $3 daily allowance while traveling. The Tritons had to make do with purchasing packs of hot dogs, consuming them uncooked.
Transitioning Through Divisions
After spending four decades in NCAA Division III, UC San Diego moved to Division II in 2000, where the athletic department struggled to adapt to the higher demands. In their inaugural Division I season five years post-transition, the Tritons now stand as Big West champions, positioning themselves strongly for a spot in the NCAA Tournament, regardless of whether they secure the conference’s automatic bid—an extraordinary feat for a mid-major in a league that hasn’t sent two teams to the tournament in two decades.
Uncommon Success for a Mid-Major
Current season statistics reveal the Tritons standing at 28-4 overall, with their No. 35 NET ranking being the highest among true mid-majors in Division I. This ranking surpasses that of other schools transitioning from Division II, illustrating UC San Diego’s exceptional performance during a challenging period where newcomers must sit out postseason play for their initial four seasons. Northern Kentucky remains the last Division I newcomer to qualify for the tournament in its first year, achieving it in 2017.
The Coaching Legacy of Eric Olen
Kamansky, who now coaches at D-II Cal Poly Pomona, observes UC San Diego’s progress with pride and recognition, acknowledging the significant progress under head coach Eric Olen, who implemented a successful matchup zone defense inspired by Kamansky’s championship-winning strategy in 2010. Olen’s methods have demonstrated an inventive success for a program operating with limited resources.
A Unique Approach to Recruitment and Development
Despite UC San Diego being among America’s top public universities (ranked No. 6 by US News and World Report), high academic standards often limited recruitment. When Olen ascended to the head coach role in 2013, he faced challenges due to minimal scholarship allotments which meant players received only about $500 annually. However, despite starting with limited resources, Olen steered the team to unprecedented success, including reaching the D-II Sweet 16 during the 2015-16 season and capturing back-to-back conference titles
Innovative Defensive Strategies
As UC San Diego transitioned to Division I, Olen adapted by studying competitors like UC Irvine, understanding the need for a distinct approach. By focusing on defensive turnover rates and recruiting players adept at shooting 3s, his strategies led the Tritons to rank second nationally in forcing turnovers, allowing for increased scoring opportunities.
Building An Unmatched Team Dynamic
The Tritons’ lineup includes crucial transfers who have significantly improved the team’s competitive edge. Star players such as Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones, Tyler McGhie, and Hayden Gray have flourished under Olen’s direction, with Tait-Jones leading in scoring and free throw attempts, showcasing the team’s depth and resilience. As they move forward in March Madness, they possess a unique blend of talent and motivation to prove their capabilities at a higher level.
