San Diego State received its first national ranking in the Associated Press poll, debuting at No. 25 yesterday after 41 years as a Division I program.

The Aztecs came in one spot behind rival BYU despite Mountain West media picking them to win the conference, but that didn't take away from an accomplishment that had coach Steve Fisher overjoyed.

"This is a testament to the program we have established," Fisher said in a statement. "This is not only about what we were able to accomplish last season, but the success that we have been able to sustain over a period of years. I think people now look at this program as one that is not only good regionally, but one that can compete on a national level."

San Diego State returns all five starters from a team that went to the NCAA tournament and was the only team in California to earn a ranking. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, season ticket sales so far have already surpassed last season's numbers.

"I am very happy for our student body and fan base," Fisher said. "The students have created an atmosphere that helped us be successful and have a home-court advantage. This program has grown not just because of the players we have now, but because of the players that have been with us the previous 11 seasons. Every player and every student at San Diego State can take pride in their contribution toward the success of our basketball program."