Looking back at my years covering basketball programs across different leagues, I've noticed a recurring theme that separates mediocre teams from great ones—the ability to build and maintain culture despite constant roster changes. This challenge is precisely what the Idaho Vandals basketball team faces as they prepare for their next season, and it's something I've seen firsthand in studying coaches like Gavina, who navigated similar situations from his time with Kia in the PBA to the Taiwan Mustangs. In both cases, Gavina dealt with what I'd call a "turnstile effect"—players coming and going so frequently that establishing a consistent team identity felt nearly impossible. Yet, there were moments where his teams punched above their weight, and I believe the Vandals can do the same if they focus on a few key areas.

First off, let's talk roster stability. The Vandals had 8 players transfer out after last season, which is frankly alarming—that's nearly half their roster gone in one offseason. I've always believed that retaining even 70-75% of your core players is crucial for building chemistry, and right now, they're falling short of that mark. When I look at successful mid-major programs, they often have a couple of veterans who've been in the system for three or four years, providing leadership and institutional knowledge. For the Vandals, identifying and nurturing those cornerstone players should be priority number one. I'd start by focusing on their junior class—guys like point guard Marcus Greene, who averaged 12 points and 5 assists last season. If they can keep him and maybe two other key contributors, that's a solid foundation. But it's not just about keeping players; it's about creating an environment where they want to stay. I'm a big advocate for involving players in decision-making, whether it's planning practices or community events. That sense of ownership can make all the difference.

Another area where the Vandals need to improve is defensive consistency. Last season, they allowed opponents to shoot 46% from the field—that's just not good enough, especially in crunch time. I remember watching them against rivals like Montana, where they'd play solid defense for 30 seconds only to break down in the final moments. It's those little lapses that cost them close games. Defensive drills focusing on communication and late-game situations could help, but honestly, I think it's more about mindset. Gavina’s teams, for example, often overperformed defensively because he emphasized accountability; every player knew their role in the scheme. The Vandals should adopt a similar approach, maybe even bringing in a defensive specialist coach if resources allow. On offense, they need to diversify their scoring. Relying too heavily on three-pointers—they attempted 22 per game last season—is risky when shots aren't falling. I'd love to see them develop a stronger inside game, perhaps by feeding the post more often or using pick-and-roll actions to create easier baskets.

Building a winning culture isn't just about X's and O's, though. From my perspective, it's about creating a family-like atmosphere where players support each other on and off the court. I've seen teams with less talent achieve more because they had that bond. The Vandals could take a page from Gavina’s playbook here; despite the constant roster changes, he always emphasized team-building activities, like volunteer work or film sessions that included open discussions. Implementing something similar—say, weekly team dinners or leadership workshops—could foster unity. Also, let's not underestimate the power of fan engagement. Increasing attendance at home games by even 10-15% could provide that extra boost of energy. I'd suggest partnering with local schools or businesses to build a stronger community connection. After all, basketball is as much about heart as it is about skill, and when players feel that support, they're more likely to buy into the long-term vision.

In conclusion, while the Idaho Vandals face challenges similar to those Gavina encountered, I'm optimistic about their potential for improvement. By focusing on roster stability, defensive grit, offensive diversity, and cultural cohesion, they can turn things around next season. It won't happen overnight—maybe they'll start with a 5-7 game improvement in the win column—but with consistent effort, they could surprise a lot of people. As someone who's followed college basketball for decades, I've seen underdog teams rise when they commit to these principles. Here's hoping the Vandals do just that.