When San Diego State boosters created a collective to provide name, image and likeness opportunities to basketball players, coach Brian Dutcher made it clear he didn’t want they just hand out tons of money.
“I want there to be a community aspect to this, to have a positive impact on lives,” Dutcher said. “Whether it’s a national message about the dangers of fentanyl, a blood drive, camps for underprivileged children or Big Brother experiences, I think people feel good about the idea of ‘invest in something that helps the San Diego community.
“They can feel good about supporting this kind of cause. »
One of those causes is happening Monday and Tuesday, when the MESA Foundation sponsors a mobile blood drive on campus along Aztec Walk, in partnership with the San Diego Blood Bank.
However, beyond your usual blood drive, September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. SDSU typically has one or two players on each roster with sickle cell trait, a mix of normal and sickle-shaped red blood cells, but not the wasting disease.
John Spinosa, a noted local physician, former college basketball player and longtime season ticket holder, gave the players a tutorial on the importance of blood donation from the black community as it relates to sickle cell disease. The majority of those affected are of African ancestry, but only a small percentage of blood donors are, making it difficult to find ideal transfusions for sickle cell patients.
Better donor compatibility prevents the development of a specific immune reaction which, as studies in sickle cell patients have shown, can reduce life expectancy by seven years. The problem: only two percent of the blood donor population is of African origin.
“Blood from donors sharing the same blood type AND ethnicity of the recipient provides the best care for patients who need it,” a press release regarding the blood drive states.
“The amount of blood we donate is disproportionate, and it’s important that we get out there and donate more,” sophomore guard Miles Byrd said. “I did not know. It was a good little hour that we spent with Dr. Spinosa. We learned something new and something that can help the community.
USC transfer Reese Waters added, “The level of sickle cell disease in our community is quite high, and it’s important to donate more blood to help someone else, whether it’s life-threatening or No. »
The blood drive takes place every day from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Players will be there to encourage participation from all ethnicities, working in teams of two for 30 minutes at different times of the day. Byrd and Waters will be there Monday at 11 a.m.
People can make an appointment or walk in. For more information, visit SanDiegoBloodBank.org/donate or call (619) 400-8251.
Seiko, Bradley in Germany
Adam Seiko has signed with PS Karslruhe Lions in Germany, making him the latest starting member of last season’s Aztecs squad to find a home. PS Karlsruhe, located in the southwest of the country along the French border, plays in Germany’s second division with matches in the 1,500-seat Lina-Radke-Halle.
“I already love the city,” Seiko said in a club video. “I think coming to Germany for my first year outside the United States is the best thing for me. It’s very modern, nice people, they also speak English. Once I learn German, I will be a little more acclimated.
Also in Germany, although on the other side of the country in its top league, is his compatriot Matt Bradley. He signed with the Rostock Seawolves last month as an injury replacement after American goalkeeper Jordan Roland was ruled out for two months. Baltic Sea port city Rostock was promoted to the top-flight Bundesliga two seasons ago.
Here’s where all the other NCAA finalists from last season landed:
Nathan Mensah: Training camp roster with the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets.
Agüek Arop: Hired as SDSU’s director of player development, replacing JD Pollock.
Keshad Johnson: transferred to Arizona for his final season.
Jared Barnett: The guard is on scholarship for his final year of eligibility at Cal State Northridge.
Triston and Tyler Broughton: the walk-in twins are at NAIA La Sierra University in Riverside.
