June 25, 2004
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State men's basketball coach Steve Fisher has announced that assistant coach Gary Grant has resigned his position to purse a similar role with an NBA franchise.
Grant, a collegiate All-American and a 13-year NBA veteran, served as an assistant coach this past season with the Aztecs.
"In his short time as an Aztec, Gary proved to be an extremely valuable member of our basketball staff," Fisher said. "He excelled in skill development and did a great job interacting with our players and the San Diego State community. His dream is to be in the NBA and we wish him great success."
Grant's ties to the NBA go back to his days as a player. The Seattle Sonics selected Grant with the 15th pick in the first round of the 1988 NBA Draft. His rights were traded to the Los Angeles Clippers where Grant played for his first seven NBA seasons. He also played for New York, Miami and Portland. Grant played in 552 games and made 231 career starts compiling 4,368 points, 3,013 assists and 1,283 rebounds in the NBA.
In addition to his extensive playing career, Grant served as an assistant coach for the Portland Trailblazers during the 2002-03 season.
"Right now, having been out of the league just one season, I still have great contacts," Grant said. "I know that if I want to return to the NBA, this is my best opportunity.
"My experience at San Diego State was wonderful. Working for Steve Fisher has made me realize the many facets that go in to being a head coach. He is the most professional coach I have ever been around. I have learned so much, not only from him, but also (assistant coaches) Brian (Dutcher) and Gregg (Gottlieb)."
Grant, a graduate of the University of Michigan, played basketball at the school from the 1984-85 through 1987-88 seasons, while Fisher was an assistant coach.
Grant led the Wolverines to a 100-29 record, four NCAA tournament appearances including the 1988 NCAA Sweet 16 and four 20-win seasons while at Michigan. He etched his name into the school's career record book, ranking second in scoring (2,222) and first in assists (731) when he departed in 1988 after playing in 129 games and making 128 starts. While at Michigan, he was a consensus All-American (1988), a two-time all-Big Ten Conference first-team selection (1987, 88) and a two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (1987, 88).
A national search for an assistant coach will begin immediately.