USD Magazine, Winter 2004

6:19 p.m. Rhythmic clapping grows louder and faster, filling the Jenny Craig Pavilion as men's basketball practice ends and the players psych themselves up. They gather in an on-court huddle for afinal boost from coach Brad Holland before the next night's big game against the Aztecs, the crosstown rivals from San Diego State. "Everybody needs to be ready to fight this fightl " Holland calls to players who are dripping with sweat after the 2½-hour practice.

"We've got to be ready, we've got to be engaged, and we've got to get the shots we want! You've gotta get that mentality. It doesn't start tomorrow - it starts right now!"