The earliest recorded bobbleheads originate from the mid-1700s and consist of plaster nodding-head dolls brought from China to England and mainland Europe.
They gained prominence in the sports arena in 1960 when Major League Baseball released papier-mâché and ceramic bobbleheads featuring renowned players such as Mickey Mantle, Roberto Clemente, Roger Maris, and Willie Mays.
Last year, the Los Angeles Dodgers hosted a giveaway event that included 19 bobbleheads representing various current and former athletes.
The San Diego State University basketball program is set to celebrate its inaugural Saturday at Viejas Arena, and all attendees of the 5 p.m. match will be gifted a complimentary bobblehead of coach Brian Dutcher.
“I’ve been told that my hair appears grayer than it truly is, but I am gray,” he remarked. “I possess quite a bit of gray hair. However, they make me look slimmer, so I appreciate that.”
The bobblehead depicts Dutcher donning all black attire and sneakers in his signature sideline stance with his hands placed on his hips. (An alternative pose would have involved responding to a staff member’s call with his hands raised above his head.)
He is regarded as the fifth athlete from the school and the inaugural coach to receive his unique Aztec bobblehead, following in the footsteps of Tony Gwynn, Marshall Faulk, Stephen Strasburg, and Donnell Pumphrey. An eBay seller has already started taking pre-orders for $53.99 plus shipping.
Dutcher was inquired if he planned to showcase it prominently in his residence.
“I’m sure I’ll become the target of many jokes,” he stated. “I know that for a certainty. If it’s placed somewhere noticeable, it’s because they want to mock me, not to honor it.”
ALS game
Saturday’s match has been designated as the annual ALS Awareness Game. Spectators will hold up signs during intermissions to honor, remember, and advocate for individuals affected by ALS. Former coach Steve Fisher’s son, Mark Fisher, who continues as a special assistant, will also participate. Last year’s game served as a significant fundraiser for the ALS Association Greater San Diego Chapter.
next opponent is
UNLV began the week with a 9-0 record against teams ranked outside the top 100 in critical metrics and 0-7 against those within the top 100. This all shifted on Wednesday with a 65-62 victory at home and the first conference defeat against Utah State, which stands at 16-2.
“They accomplished what they needed to do,” Dutcher commented regarding the Runnin’ Rebels, who had lost their previous two matches on the road by 22 points. “They were at a pivotal moment. They suffered a 22-point defeat in two challenging situations, yet they returned, drew a line in the sand, displayed resilience and determination, and emerged victorious.”
Due to this, along with New Mexico State’s 71-70 loss at San Jose State the day before, no player remained undefeated in conference play, allowing SDSU to take the top spot in the loss column by a game.
“People often believe it won’t happen, but it occurs frequently in this league,” Dutcher expressed. “Maintaining a presence on the road is difficult. New Mexico State and Utah State clarified this reality this week. Life on the road is tough. The coaches are aware of it. The fan base may not acknowledge it, but the coaches are well aware. We understand how challenging every game in this league is.
“That’s why a 20-game conference schedule is more demanding than ever.”
Alumni report
Rookie Jadon Reedy achieved his best two performances this week with the G League’s Iowa Wolves, scoring 16 points and snagging six rebounds against the Rip City Remix and earning 19 points and eight rebounds against the Greensboro Swarm.
• Keshad Johnson is currently secured with a complete NBA contract and has played in seven matches for the Miami Heat. Most of his appearances have been brief, yet he managed to score five points in 12 minutes against the Indiana Pacers and seven points in 20 minutes versus the Utah Jazz earlier this month.
• Matt Mitchell delivered his finest performance against Lithuanian team Zalgiris, netting 13 points in 27 minutes during an 88-86 victory over Nevezis.
• Jalen McDaniels, aiming for a return to the NBA, played for the G League’s Capital City Go-Go in Monday’s contest against the Maine Celtics and recorded 21 points, 16 rebounds, and four assists. He also contributed 15 points in Thursday’s triumph over the San Diego Clippers.