The University of San Diego has welcomed men's basketball coach JR Blount to campus, with hopes he will lead the Toreros to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2009. The hire was described as "transformational" and potentially "the most important hire we've ever made in this athletic program". The hope is that Blount can immediately win the West Coast Conference, with only three teams in the 2025-26 season with winning records in league play. While at Iowa State, Blount has been responsible for a defense that ranks fifth nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency. Administrators will provide resources for players and the new on-campus Basketball Performance Center.