SDSU Basketball Program to Retire Kawhi Leonard’s Jersey

The Mountain West Conference has put out a ton of NBA players over the last 15 years, from role players like JaVale McGee (Nevada) and Tony Snell (New Mexico) to superstars Paul George (Fresno State) and Kawhi Leonard (San Diego State). And now Leonard is getting the ultimate honor for a former college star currently balling in the NBA — he’s getting his number retired by his alma mater, the first player in program history to receive the honor.

San Diego State, currently ranked No. 7 nationally, will honor Leonard on February 1st at Viejas Arena against Utah State. According to ESPN, Leonard is supposed to be present for the ceremony.

Leonard played two seasons at SDSU (2009-11), leading the Aztecs to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and a 59-12 record. In 2011, the Aztecs made their first Sweet 16 in school history behind two strong games from Leonard (18.5 ppg, 9.5 rpg), falling to eventual champion UConn in their third game. Leonard averaged a double-double in 70 collegiate games (14.1 points, 10.2 rebounds).

Longtime Aztecs head coach Steve Fisher, also Michigan’s leading man during the “Fab Five” era, is also supposed to be in attendance.

After getting drafted 15th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, Leonard has made three NBA Finals appearances (2013, 2014, 2019), winning two rings (2014, 2019) and two NBA Finals MVP awards.

Photo via SD Dirk [CC BY-SA 2.0], from Flickr