Even though the San Diego State Aztecs fell short of accomplishing their mission to win it all in the 2023 NCAA tournament, star Matt Bradley will forever cherish his time with the team. Following the loss of San Diego State basketball to the UConn Huskies in Monday's national championship game, Bradley emotionally talked about the impact Brian Dutcher and the Aztecs have made on his life.

Before he went to San Diego State basketball, Bradley played three years with the California Golden Bears. His experience with California was seemingly a tough one, but transferring to San Diego State in 2021 gave him the desire to continue playing just when he was about to quit and walk away from college basketball.

“When I entered the portal and came here , during that time with COVID and stuff, I was really ready to stop playing,” Matt Bradley said while speaking to the media after the game against the Huskies. “I told myself, `You know what Matt, it’s been tough. Let’s go home and get a job. Call it a day. You’ll be all right.'”

Related NewsArticle continues below
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts talks to media before the NCAA Woman’s Final Four at Amalie Arena.
UCLA’s Lauren Betts, NCAAW players trade rebounds for rhinestones on RuPaul’s Drag Race: All-Stars
Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) controls the ball against the Houston Cougars during the second half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.
Duke basketball gives potential top 10 pick ‘best shooter’ shoutout
Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl in the middle, Tahaad Pettiford on one side and UCF player Keyshawn Hall on the other side.
Predicting Auburn basketball’s 2026 National Title chances after Final Four loss

In two seasons with San Diego State basketball, Bradley averaged 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while becoming one of the team's most important players. In the 2023 NCAA tournament, Bradley had a slow start, but he finally showed out in the Final Four round where he scored 21 points to help San Diego State get past the pesky Florida Atlantic Owls.

“Coach Dutch (Brian Dutcher) he’s one of the most genuine guys I’ve ever met. The way he just took me in, the brotherhood with these guys, actually had real leadership I could follow, it changed the (trajectory) of my life, for sure,” Bradley added.