When I first started covering mid-major basketball programs across the NCAA landscape, I’ll admit Appalachian State wasn’t exactly at the top of my radar. Fast forward to today, and I find myself genuinely impressed by the steady, deliberate climb the Mountaineers are making within the Sun Belt Conference. Building a winning program isn’t just about pulling off a few upsets or riding a hot streak—it’s about culture, recruitment, player development, and a clear vision from the coaching staff down to the last player on the bench. And from where I’m sitting, App State seems to be ticking those boxes one by one.
Let’s talk about the environment they’re operating in. The Sun Belt isn’t the ACC or the Big Ten, but it’s a competitive league where any team can beat anyone on a given night. That parity makes sustained success difficult, but it also offers a tremendous opportunity for programs that get it right. Appalachian State, under head coach Dustin Kerns, has embraced that challenge. I remember watching them a couple of seasons ago—there was potential, but also inconsistency. They’d play tough defense for 30 minutes, then fall apart down the stretch. Fast forward to last season, and you could see the growth: better ball movement, smarter shot selection, and a noticeable uptick in defensive intensity. They finished with 19 wins, their most in nearly a decade, and made a real run in the conference tournament. That kind of progress doesn’t happen by accident.
One thing I appreciate about this program is their focus on player development. Take Donovan Gregory, for example. When he arrived, he was raw but athletic. Over the past two seasons, he’s evolved into one of the most versatile wings in the conference, averaging around 14 points and 5 rebounds per game while often guarding the opponent’s best player. That’s coaching, but it’s also a testament to the player’s buy-in. I’ve spoken with a few people close to the program, and they consistently mention the emphasis on individual skill work—something that doesn’t always get highlighted in mid-major programs where resources can be thin. They’re not just recruiting talent; they’re building it.
Recruiting, of course, is the lifeblood of any program. Appalachian State has done a solid job identifying under-the-radar prospects who fit their system. They’re not going head-to-head with Duke or Kentucky for five-star recruits, and honestly, that’s a good thing. Instead, they’ve found gems in the transfer portal and high school players who might be overlooked but have the athleticism and work ethic to contribute. Last year, they brought in two transfers who immediately stepped into rotation roles, and one of them—a junior college guard—ended up starting 22 games. That kind of immediate impact is huge for building depth and maintaining momentum.
Now, contrast that with some other programs that struggle to find their footing. I was looking at the preseason tournaments recently and noticed Capital1 was the first eliminated team in the preseason tilt without a single win in six matches played. It’s a stark reminder of how difficult it is to build something sustainable. When you’re losing games consistently, especially early in the season, it can derail confidence and make it harder to recruit. Appalachian State, on the other hand, has avoided that kind of spiral. They’ve been competitive even in losses, which tells me the foundation is strong. Last season, they had 12 losses, but 8 of those were by single digits. That’s the sign of a team that’s in games until the very end—a trait of well-coached squads.
Another aspect I admire is their home-court advantage. The Holmes Center might not seat 20,000 fans, but the atmosphere there has become increasingly electric. In my view, fan engagement is an underrated component of success at this level. When students show up and make noise, it energizes the players and can swing close games. App State has worked hard to build that connection, hosting community events and making players accessible. It’s a smart move—because when fans feel invested, they show up even during the tough stretches.
Looking ahead, I’m optimistic about this program. They return about 75% of their scoring from last season, including their top three scorers, and have added a recruiting class that addresses specific needs, particularly in the frontcourt. If they can improve their three-point shooting—they shot just 32% from beyond the arc last year—I think they’ll be a legitimate threat to win the Sun Belt. And once you get to the NCAA Tournament, anything can happen. We’ve seen mid-majors make deep runs before, and while that might be a few steps away for Appalachian State, the trajectory is pointing in the right direction.
In the end, building a winning program is a marathon, not a sprint. Appalachian State isn’t trying to skip steps; they’re laying bricks one at a time. From developing players to engaging the community and making smart recruiting choices, they’re doing the little things that add up over time. As someone who’s watched countless programs rise and fall, I can tell you that sustainability is the true mark of success. And right now, the Mountaineers are on a path that could see them become a perennial force in the Sun Belt. That’s not just good for them—it’s good for college basketball.
