The Tritons Going to the Big Dance!
For the first time in school history, UC San Diego has a chance to become a Cinderella story during March Madness. In 2020, the UC San Diego Tritons became a member of the Big West, but it took a few years to complete the transition from Division II status to Division I. With the transition restrictions lifted before this season, they have made the absolute most of their inaugural year. The Tritons are currently an 11th seed according to the latest bracketology and will participate in their first March Madness tournament in school history.
Under the guidance of head coach Eric Olen, they’ve had back-to-back seasons of 21 wins or more. Their first three years in the Big West were pretty rough to say the least. During those seasons the Tritons went a combined 30-46 (.395) Everything changed in 2023 when the team posted their first winning Division I season, going 21-12 overall including a stellar 15-5 conference record. This season they’re seeing all-time success with a 22-4 record with a dominant 12-2 conference record.
In an interview earlier this year, Olen was asked about his thoughts on the team’s success and growth throughout the last few seasons. “It’s quite the progression from where we started as a non-scholarship division two school to now competing for the top of the Big West and playing high-level Division I games,” adding that the tournament is the ultimate goal.
His players seem to be completely bought in as well, with high praise coming from junior guard Chris Howell. “It’s an amazing place. I think coach Olen and his entire coaching staff has prepared us for big games and prepared us for all that can be thrown at us,” he said which is very encouraging to hear from players heading into March Madness.
What Happened to UC San Diego In 2023?
The addition of Tyler McGhie and Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones rapidly changed the trajectory of the UC San Diego Tritons when they transferred over. Tyler McGhie is a sharpshooter who’s one of the best three-point snipers in the league. He’s averaging 16.8 points per game and leads the Big West in 3-pointers made with 87 on the season which is tied for ninth in the NCAA. His shooting prowess is a big reason why the Tritons are one of the top shooting teams in the nation and are 8th in 3-point attempts per game.
Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones on the other hand is perhaps the best scorer in the Big West and one of the top scorers in the nation. He can pull up from anywhere on the floor with ease, shooting over fifty percent from the field and posting an overall average of 19.8 points per game. His game is very similar to a faster and small Luca Doncic in that he makes drawing fouls, making tough shots, and outmaneuvering opponents look effortless. His confidence to constantly attack the rim then drive and pull up for a mid-range shot never wavers, as is shown in his multiple 30-plus point games this season.
How Far Can the Tritons Go?
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In the latest released ESPN bracketology, they are seeded 11th with a first-round game against SEC powerhouse Ole Miss. While Ole Miss isn’t ranked, they do boast a 19-7 overall record with an 8-5 conference record in the top conference. UC San Diego will need to heavily rely on their two star players and their starting unit as a whole if they hope to advance.
Should they win the first few rounds, they’ll most likely have to face Auburn to advance to the Final Four. They’re the only team that has played their starters in every game for two seasons straight, and the results speak for themselves. With that strong core group leading them to the two most memorable seasons in school history, it’s very likely that they could become immortalized in March Madness history.
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