Kawhi Leonard is the first Mr. Basketball of California to not end up at either a Pac-10, Big East, ACC, Big 12 school, or the NBA in the case of Tyson Chandler and Amir Johnson.

San Diego State's ability to get a recruit of Leonard's caliber has been one of the most critical factors in how they have leaped to the upper echelon this season.

Leonard was an All-USA Third Team selection in his senior season of high school, along with Daniel Orton and then-junior Brandon Knight. He also was recruited by Pac-10 schools like UCLA, USC, Washington and Arizona.

Ironically, Eric Lawton's commitment to San Diego State was helpful in convincing Leonard to choose the Aztecs. Leonard and Lawton were AAU teammates, but the latter wasn't cleared academically and he is now playing for Mt. San Jacinto College.

• Click here for more information on the California Mr. Basketball award.