San Diego State senior guard Darrion Trammell was a key figure in two of the biggest moments from the Aztecs' Elite Eight win over Creighton.
The first was a controversial foul by the Bluejays' Ryan Nembhard in the game's final moments. The call sent Trammell to the foul line with 1.2 seconds remaining in the game, where he missed his first attempt to keep the game tied at 56-56.
He hit the second of his two free throw attempts, however, giving the Aztecs a 57-56 lead and — following a lengthy review after Creighton's inbound attempt — win.
It's happening! San Diego St, with Marin City native, @StIgnatius alum, @PlayMarin alum Darrion Trammell are headed to its first Final Four. 57-56 winners of the South Region over Creighton. @SDSU @Aztec_MBB @jocelynamoran pic.twitter.com/DFTKUbqx3f
— vernkpix (@vernKPIX) March 26, 2023
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Following the game, CBS sideline reporter Evan Washburn interviewed Trammell and SDSU coach Brian Dutcher. That led to an emotional moment as he shed tears talking about what this moment meant for him:
San Diego State heads to the line in a tie game with 1.2 remaining 😮#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/zRP3Hc2KGu
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 26, 2023
“It’s all about believing in yourself. I put in the work and I had nothing to be nervous about,” Trammell told Washburn. “I’m doing this for my family and for the people back home. My grandpa, my brother who I lost. I’m just doing it for them."
MORE: Creighton foul controversy marks end of Elite Eight game with San Diego State
Washburn then asked Trammell to explain where his emotions were coming from following the historic victory for the Aztecs.
“It’s just a blessing to be here and to have the opportunity to knock down those free throws for my brothers so we can celebrate,” he said. “I’ve been dreaming of this my whole life.”
Trammell, who finished with 12 points and an assist in the game, is in his first season playing for the Aztecs after spending the last two seasons at Seattle. He did not have a Division I offer when he graduated from St. Ignatius (San Francisco) in 2018.
His collegiate basketball career has been a winding one, as he spent one post-graduate year at Golden State Prep (Oakland, Calif.) in 2019 before starting his career in junior college at the City College of San Francisco. He then spent two years playing for Seattle before ultimately transferring to SDSU ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Considering his road to San Diego State, where he has led the Aztecs on a historic Final Four run in his first season, it's no wonder Trammell was emotional.