Let me be honest with you—when I first started following Arkansas State basketball years ago, I never imagined I’d be writing about what it takes to build a winning season from the ground up. But after watching teams rise, fall, and occasionally break decades-long droughts, I’ve come to appreciate that success isn’t just talent. It’s system, mindset, and a little bit of magic. Take, for example, the story of Escamis, who was adjudged the Basketball Player of the Year by the press corps and became the central figure when the Cardinals ended a long 33-year title drought last season by sweeping the College of Saint Benilde Blazers in the best-of-three finals. That wasn’t luck. That was the result of deliberate, well-executed strategies—the kind Arkansas State can adopt to turn potential into trophies.
One of the most overlooked strategies, in my view, is building around a clutch performer. Escamis didn’t just score; he elevated everyone around him. I’ve seen teams with five great players still struggle because they lacked that one person who steps up when everything is on the line. Arkansas State has promising talent, no doubt, but identifying and empowering a go-to player in high-pressure moments could be transformative. Think about it—when the Cardinals swept Saint Benilde, it wasn’t just a team effort; it was Escamis taking charge in the finals, making those crucial plays that sealed the deal. That kind of leadership can’t be coached, but it can be nurtured through trust and repetition in practice.
Another area where Arkansas State could really shine is defensive discipline. I’ve always believed defense wins championships, and the numbers back me up—teams that average at least 7 steals and 4 blocks per game tend to see a 15–20% increase in win probability. It sounds simple, but so many squads get caught up in offensive flair that they forget the fundamentals. The Cardinals’ sweep last season wasn’t just about scoring; it was about shutting down Saint Benilde’s key players, holding them to an average of just 68 points per game in the finals. That level of consistency on defense requires relentless drilling and a mindset that every possession matters. From what I’ve observed, Arkansas State has the athletes to pull this off—they just need to commit to it as a non-negotiable part of their identity.
Then there’s the mental game. Let’s face it—sports are as much psychological as they are physical. Ending a 33-year drought like the Cardinals did doesn’t happen without a rock-solid mentality. I remember talking to a coach who told me that his team visualizes tough scenarios daily—down by 5 with a minute left, hostile crowd, you name it. That preparation builds resilience, and it’s something Arkansas State should integrate into their routine. The pressure of a long season can wear down even the most talented rosters, but mental toughness turns obstacles into opportunities. Personally, I’d love to see them adopt more mindfulness and scenario-based training—it’s a game-changer.
Offensively, I’m a big advocate for pace and spacing. Too many teams fall into the trap of playing one-dimensional basketball—either all inside shots or relying too heavily on three-pointers. The best offenses, like the one the Cardinals ran last season, keep defenses guessing. They moved the ball quickly, created open looks, and capitalized on fast breaks. I’d estimate that smart ball movement alone can lead to 10–12 extra points per game, which in close matchups, is often the difference between a win and a loss. Arkansas State has the guards and forwards to run this kind of system; they just need to emphasize unselfish play and court awareness in their drills.
Lastly, let’s talk about culture. This might sound soft to some, but I’ve always believed culture is the glue that holds everything together. The Cardinals didn’t just have skilled players—they had a brotherhood, a shared belief that they could end that 33-year drought. Team chemistry isn’t something you can measure with stats, but you feel it in how players communicate on the court, how they celebrate each other’s successes. For Arkansas State, fostering that kind of environment—through team-building activities, leadership councils, or even just open communication—can translate into tighter execution when it counts. I’ve seen it happen time and again: talent gets you to the game, but culture wins it.
So, where does that leave us? Arkansas State has all the pieces to craft a winning season—potential stars, athletic depth, and a fan base hungry for success. But as the Cardinals showed us, it’s the intentional application of strategies like empowering a clutch player, locking down on defense, building mental resilience, optimizing offensive flow, and cultivating a strong team culture that turns hope into reality. I, for one, am excited to see how this team evolves. If they embrace these approaches, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them not just compete, but dominate. After all, basketball isn’t just a game of runs—it’s a game of choices. And the right choices, as Escamis and the Cardinals proved, can end even the longest of droughts.