The University of San Diego is hosting a star-studded basketball coaching clinic featuring NBA assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy and UCLA's Cori Close at its Basketball Performance Center. This sold-out event is part of USD's efforts to showcase its campus and basketball program as they aim to break a nearly two-decade-long NCAA Tournament drought. With new head coach JR Blount at the helm, the Toreros are looking to build on a veteran squad and revitalize their basketball presence in the competitive West Coast Conference. Coaches are optimistic about attracting more support for their programs amid recent changes in the conference landscape.

By the Numbers
  • USD last made the NCAA Tournament in 2008, ending a 19-year dry spell.
  • The new $35 million Basketball Performance Center exemplifies USD鈥檚 significant investment in its sports facilities.
State of Play
  • USD's women's basketball team finished last season with an overall record of 11-22.
  • Coaches emphasize building a championship culture amid conference shifts, including Gonzaga's exit from the WCC.
What's Next

As the 2026-27 season approaches, USD aims to establish a stronger basketball identity and ignite community support through increased visibility and events like the coaching clinic, prior to beginning competition with new conference rival UCSD.

Bottom Line

With emerging coaching talent and a modernized campus, USD is positioned to revitalize its basketball programs and engage more actively with the San Diego basketball community as they aim for NCAA Tournament success.