There’s a Minnesota connection to the San Diego State basketball program that has stirred national attention with a surprising 21-1 record and top 10 national ranking. University of Minnesota alum Brian Dutcher is assistant head coach of the Aztecs who won 20 consecutive games before losing last week to Brigham Young in Provo.
Dutcher, 51, grew up in Bloomington and had a 24 hours, seven days a week college basketball tutor named “Dad.” Jim Dutcher was the Gophers’ head coach from 1975 until 1986 and his achievements included the 1982 Big Ten title.
During a visit to San Diego, a writer asked Brian about Dad’s impact on his career. He could have responded with coach talk about X’s and O’s but said his father taught him to “treat people right.”
The Dutchers are quality folks, and a commitment to coaching with dignity is a characteristic that helped Brian bond with Aztecs head coach Steve Fisher. The two have been together for more than 20 years, first at the University of Michigan and now San Diego State.
When Brian’s father coached the Gophers there weren’t on-court theatrics like berating game officials or players. Jim had a steady approach to his job, not too high or low regardless of the circumstances. Brian used similar words to describe Fisher. “They’re both real gentlemen,” he said.
Brian has father’s demeanor, although in his role as Fisher’s top assistant he plays “good cop, bad cop” with the players. He makes assessments of what the players and Fisher need. “We all react to coach,” Brian said. “He sets the tone.”
A willingness to continue learning from Fisher and others is part of how Dutcher still approaches basketball after all these years that included being around his dad at Minnesota, three years as an assistant at South Dakota State and 10 seasons at Michigan. Looking for input, he regularly sends his father “four or five tapes” of San Diego State games. “You’re always open to suggestions, even from fans,” Dutcher said.
Fans are giving the Aztecs a lot of approval these days. Dutcher said the team will finish its home schedule having sold out all but one of its games. Not surprising since the Aztecs have been rated as high as No. 4 nationally and last year’s team was 25-9 and played in the NCAA tournament.