Conceptual representation of the Aztec Mount Rushmore honoring legendary SDSU athletes.
The legacy of athletics at San Diego State University is being celebrated through the proposal of an Aztec Mount Rushmore, honoring influential athletes like Michael Cage and Kawhi Leonard. Key figures in this discussion include basketball stars and other sports legends who have made significant impacts on the university. This initiative has sparked conversations about the lasting legacy of these athletes and their contributions to SDSU’s sports history.
The conversation surrounding the legacy of athletics at San Diego State University (SDSU) has taken on a new dimension with the concept of creating an Aztec Mount Rushmore. This idea mirrors the famous American monument that honors notable figures, signifying the exceptional impact of specific athletes who have transcended their sports while representing the university.
Key candidates for this tribute include Michael Cage, Kawhi Leonard, Jaedon LeDee, and Brandon Heath, each of whom has made a significant mark on SDSU athletics.
Michael Cage, who played for the Aztecs from 1980 to 1984, stands out as a formidable presence on the court at 6’9″. He earned accolades such as being named a second-team All-American in 1984 and the WAC Player of the Year in both 1983 and 1984. Cage scored 1,846 points during his SDSU career, averaging 16.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per game, establishing him as the second-leading scorer in the school’s history. His contributions went beyond college, as he helped the U.S. national team secure a gold medal at the 1983 Pan American Games. SDSU retired his number, 44, in 1993. Post-college, Cage had a successful career in the NBA playing for teams such as the Los Angeles Clippers and Seattle SuperSonics.
Kawhi Leonard is another notable candidate, who made his mark at SDSU between 2009 and 2011. Leonard was a respected leader and a consensus second-team All-American, finishing his college career with impressive stats that included 716 rebounds and an average of 14.1 points per game. Since leaving college, he has had an illustrious NBA career playing for franchises such as the San Antonio Spurs and LA Clippers, winning multiple NBA championships and receiving numerous accolades like the Defensive Player of the Year award. SDSU also retired his jersey number, 15, highlighting his influence on the program.
Jaedon LeDee had a standout season in 2023-2024 where he started all 36 games, averaging 21.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, and scoring a remarkable 772 points, the most in SDSU history for a single season. His efforts earned him the honor of second-team All-American and first-team MWC recognition, in addition to being named Player of the Year. Despite going undrafted, he currently plays in the NBA Development League.
Brandon Heath takes the title of all-time leading scorer at SDSU, boasting a total of 2,189 career points, alongside 394 assists and 217 steals. His accomplishments place him as the second-leading scorer in the history of the Mountain West Conference. Though he was undrafted, Heath has had a noteworthy career in the European League, further cementing his legacy as one of the university’s all-time greats.
While the basketball program has produced legendary talents, other sports have also seen remarkable athletes who might be considered for the Mount Rushmore. Tony Gwynn, renowned for his success in both basketball and baseball, is often referred to as the greatest athlete in Aztec history. In football, Marshall Faulk is recognized as a candidate for the Mount Rushmore. He set numerous records while at SDSU, including a single-game rushing record and finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting. Faulk has also seen significant success in the NFL, amassing over 12,000 rushing yards.
Donnel Pumphrey holds the record as the Aztecs’ all-time rushing leader with 6,405 yards and is celebrated as the most prolific rusher in NCAA history. Following his college career, he was drafted by the NFL, yet has ventured into coaching. Quarterback Ryan Lindley also left a mark with 12,690 passing yards and 90 touchdowns, being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals and later transitioning into a coaching role at SDSU.
Defensive back Damontae Kazee, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, made a significant contribution during his time at SDSU, with 17 career interceptions. Currently, he plays for the Cleveland Browns after previous stints in the NFL.
The ongoing discussion around these athletes highlights their lasting impact on SDSU’s sports legacy and spurs debate about additional candidates who could join the ranks of the Aztec Mount Rushmore, ensuring that the university’s sports history is both celebrated and remembered.
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