I remember watching Colorado State basketball during their rebuilding phase a few years back, thinking they were at least three seasons away from being competitive. Well, here we are watching them assemble what looks like a legitimate championship contender, and I've got to say - their recruitment strategy has been absolutely brilliant. Just this week, when I saw the news about Collins Akowe moving to University of Santo Tomas after being named UAAP Season 86 boys MVP and Season 87 Best Foreign Student-Athlete, it struck me how Colorado State has been employing similar international recruitment tactics, though arguably with even greater success.
The transformation really began when head coach Niko Medved decided to build through both domestic talent and strategic international acquisitions. Last season, they finished with a 25-9 record, which represented a 42% improvement from their 17-16 campaign just two years prior. What's fascinating to me is how they've managed to blend experienced transfers with homegrown players - something many programs attempt but few execute well. Their point guard Isaiah Stevens decided to use his COVID year, giving them one of the most experienced floor generals in college basketball with 128 career games under his belt.
I've been particularly impressed with their international scouting network. While other programs focus heavily on the American high school circuit, Colorado State has been mining talent from Europe and Australia with remarkable success. Their freshman from Serbia, Niko Kapan, has shown flashes of being a future star, averaging 12.3 points in limited minutes last season. What makes their approach different, in my view, is how they integrate these international players rather than just collecting talent. They've created a system where skills from different basketball backgrounds complement each other rather than clash.
The defensive improvements have been nothing short of remarkable. Last season, they held opponents to just 65.2 points per game, which ranked them 38th nationally. But what the numbers don't show is how their defensive scheme has evolved. They're switching more effectively than any Rams team I've seen in recent memory, and their help defense rotations are crisp. Assistant coach Ali Farokhmanesh deserves significant credit here - his work with the perimeter defenders has transformed what was once a defensive liability into a genuine strength.
Offensively, they're running what I consider one of the most creative systems in the Mountain West. Rather than relying on isolation plays, they use constant motion and spacing that reminds me of European professional teams. Their assist-to-field-goal ratio of 62.4% last season ranked in the top 25 nationally, which speaks to their commitment to team basketball. Watching them dissect defenses with precision passing and intelligent cuts is genuinely beautiful basketball.
What really excites me about this team is their depth. They return 78% of their scoring from last season while adding what looks like their best recruiting class in program history. The freshman class, ranked 35th nationally by 247Sports, includes two four-star prospects who could contribute immediately. More importantly, they've built a roster where the talent distribution allows them to withstand injuries without significant drop-off - something that doomed their 2022 tournament run.
The culture Medved has established is palpable when you watch them play. There's genuine joy in their success, and players celebrate each other's achievements in a way that feels authentic rather than performative. Having covered college basketball for over fifteen years, I can tell you that this sort of chemistry doesn't happen by accident. It's cultivated through intentional team-building and recruiting players who fit specific character profiles, not just talent metrics.
Their non-conference schedule sets them up perfectly for March success. Games against Creighton, Washington, and Saint Mary's will test them early while providing opportunities for quality wins that the selection committee values. I particularly like the balance - they're not overloading with impossible matchups that could shatter confidence, but they're not padding the schedule with easy wins either.
The Mountain West conference itself has become increasingly competitive, which should prepare them well for tournament pressure. With San Diego State's continued excellence and programs like Utah State and Nevada improving, Colorado State will be battle-tested by March. Last season, the conference sent four teams to the NCAA tournament, and I wouldn't be surprised to see five make it this year.
Looking at their roster construction, what stands out to me is the blend of youth and experience. They have seniors who provide leadership and freshmen who bring energy and new perspectives. This balance often proves crucial during the pressure of conference play and tournament scenarios. Teams that are too young often falter in big moments, while teams that are too experienced sometimes lack the hunger needed for a deep run.
From a pure talent perspective, they might not have the five-star recruits that programs like Kentucky or Duke routinely land, but their player development has been exceptional. Several players who arrived as three-star prospects have developed into all-conference caliber players under Medved's staff. This ability to maximize potential gives me confidence that their current success isn't a flash in the pan but rather sustainable excellence.
As we look toward March, I genuinely believe this Colorado State team has the pieces to make a deep tournament run. Their style of play travels well, they have multiple scoring options, and their defensive intensity can disrupt even the most polished offenses. While they might not be getting the national attention of some blue-blood programs right now, I suspect that will change by tournament time. Having watched countless teams build toward championship contention over the years, this Colorado State team checks all the right boxes - talent, coaching, chemistry, and timing. They're not just hoping to make the tournament; they're building something that could very well cut down the nets in April.
