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In the San Diego State men's basketball press conference this week, head coach Steve Fisher pointed out that guard Aqeel Quinn is now on scholarship this fall. Aqeel had been on full scholarship at Cal State Northridge during his first two years as a college-athlete. A year ago, he transferred to San Diego State and paid his own way as a walk-on.
"He can do a thing that will get you on the floor. He can make shots," Fisher said of Quinn. "He's done a good job for us and did a good job last year when he couldn't play. I know he's excited to have an opportunity also, so we're excited to have him."
During the 2012-13 season, Quinn was able to practice with the team and get used to the coaching staff and teammates. In his sophomore season with Cal State Northridge, he started 10 games and played in 23 games. He averaged 6.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in 21 minutes of action. Quinn shot an impressive 83 percent from the free-throw line and made 20 three-pointers. In the match-up against Pepperdine, he scored a career-high 17 points.
On an Aztecs team that is known more for its athletes than its shooters, Quinn brings a highly valued skill set to the table. Should other teammates under-perform or miss action due to injuries, Quinn could be a key scorer to bring off the bench.
Fisher said that 11 players will suit up for the team's first and only exhibition game on November 1, and he expects everyone to play. The Aztecs will face Cal State San Marcos for the third straight year. They haven't had the athletes to overtake the Aztecs in prior years, but they have played hard and been competitive each time out. The Aztecs did have a closed-door scrimmage earlier this year against Stanford. They opted for that scrimmage instead of a second public exhibition game.
