Courtside with Coach Eric Olen

I think it has the potential to really bring significant attention and focus to the university as a whole. In the landscape of higher education, UC San Diego is relatively new, and I think that across the country, and maybe even the world, people don't realize some of the amazing things that are happening here from a research standpoint and from an academic standpoint. If our basketball program can help shine a spotlight on some of those achievements, then we've done our job. That’s part of why we moved to Division 1, to raise the profile of the entire university. There’s also a huge impact on campus, helping to foster a deeper connection with the students and instilling a greater sense of pride among alumni. We’re seeing that firsthand with the growing crowds and the energy at our games, and we love being part of that.

What do you admire most about your players? Is there something you feel sets this team apart from their competitors?

They work really hard. They're unselfish. They're competitive, and they're just great people who are a lot of fun to be around every day. I think our team is really smart and self-aware. They know what they're great at, and they understand what they don't do as well—and they understand that not only for themselves but for their teammates. I think that’s kind of our secret sauce. It's simple, but it's actually a big thing.

What do you want your players to know heading into the Big West Championship?

I want them to know—and I think they do know—that their best basketball is good enough to win every night, and we just have to do the things that we do all the time. We don't have to do anything extra. We just have to be ourselves.

More people are tuning into and showing up to games. Do you have a message for campus and community supporters?

The fan support has been amazing. It really helps when these guys come in and there's a couple thousand people in the building. It helps them play at a high level, and we love that people are engaged. We love that they want to come watch this team. And honestly we're just scratching the surface of what’s possible. I believe this campus and the San Diego community will absolutely support a great basketball team here. Our job is to put a good product on the floor, and we're seeing what can happen if we continue to do that.

What do you hope the players will carry with them from their experience on this team into their futures? 

I really hope that every player, coach and anyone who's part of our program walks away having learned something valuable that will help them moving forward in their lives. And that anyone who touches our program is better for it one way or another. One of the biggest lessons they can take with them is how to handle success—to enjoy it, but not become complacent. Human nature makes it easy to relax when things are going well, but great teams and great players fight against that instinct. These guys have done an incredible job of staying hungry and continuing to push for more.

Any pointers for newbies who want to follow along with the NCAA Division I tournament this year?

It’s exciting and it’s fun. It’s supposed to be a big celebration with competition, so you want to be engaged in it. For Triton fans—especially if we’re in the mix—immerse yourself in the experience. It's a unique tournament, and if we get the opportunity to be part of it, don’t take it for granted.

What’s kept you at UC San Diego so long?

It’s the kind of guys we have in the program. I think this place is special in that we get really well-rounded guys. You don't come here if you don't care about academics, your education and your future outside of sport, so we get these guys who have ambition in multiple areas. They're smart. They're funny. They work hard. They sort of overachieve in everything they do, and it shows up on the basketball court. It really just starts with who you get in the locker room. I think this place is unique in who you can attract, and I gravitate toward that. That’s been a big part of why it's so much fun to be and stay here.

Lastly, what are some of the best parts of being a coach?

My favorite part is just being part of a team. Being part of something that's bigger than yourself is, in my opinion, the best way to go through this life and gives you a lot of purpose every day. Helping others achieve what they set out to accomplish is something I really enjoy. Seeing the way these guys are playing, some of the things they're accomplishing and the recognition they're getting is super rewarding. That's my favorite part of all of this.