Cal State San Marcos and San Diego State University men’s basketball teams play the same game, but experience distinctly different levels of scrutiny.

As long as CSUSM remains an NCAA Division II school they will likely never encounter the media hailstorm that is currently bearing down on SDSU. A Sept. 15 CBS Sports report by Gary Parrish cited unnamed sources claiming the SDSU basketball program was under an NCAA investigation — an allegation the university immediately denied.

Within minutes of CBS breaking the story, ESPN, Bleacher Report and other media outlets jumped on the bandwagon.

Jeff Eisenberg, Yahoo Sports reporter, tweeted an official statement released by San Diego State on Sept. 15. According to the statement, the basketball program was told by the NCAA that no formal investigation has been launched.

This media response is not surprising for SDSU as they have become an NCAA Division I power under the guidance of Head Coach Jeff Fisher. In contrast, this media attention is unlike anything most CSUSM athletes have experienced.

Since last Tuesday alone, Matt Ziegler, San Diego Union Tribune sports writer, has written three article about the rumors surrounding Aztecs basketball. A Google search on the topic results in more than 80 articles.

CSUSM Head Coach Jim Saia declined to comment on the story directly saying that it’s all speculation.

But Saia did speak to the impact that this story has on public sentiment and a school’s recruiting.

“Anytime someone is falsely accused of anything and it gets out in the media, sometimes it’s all public perception. Schools can use that against you…San Diego State Men’s Basketball has to do damage control,” said Saia.

Coaches who are competing with SDSU for a player are likely to spin the rumors of an investigation into something that turns recruits against becoming an Aztec.

Assistant Coach B.J. Foster added that “they’re on a much higher scale” when it comes to recruiting. Coaches who are recruiting the same kids as CSUSM may use the fact that San Marcos will not have a post-season this year to turn our recruits said Foster.

These tactics make sense when taking into account that recruiting at the Division I level is cut throat. “There’s a lot of money at stake and it’s an arms race,” said Saia speaking, from his 14 years of experience coaching Division I basketball.

However, this type of threat is on a small-school level in comparison to the manipulation that SDSU basketball may encounter in the upcoming weeks.

The difference in media attention between Aztec basketball and Cougar basketball is obvious. SDSU is covered like a professional NBA team, whereas CSUSM athletes receive the freedom to operate without such a bright spotlight.

The benefit of being the lesser known program is that CSUSM athletes are able to grow without the extra media scrutiny.

“…At this level you can really invest in your kids academically and athletically, and off the court. I think it’s much healthier” said Saia.