Watching Alex Eala compete at the Birmingham Open this week got me thinking about our own UST Men’s Basketball Team. It’s fascinating how athletes across different sports face similar strategic challenges, regardless of the level they’re playing at. Eala’s match against Linda Fruhvirtova took place in a WTA 125 event—several tiers below a Grand Slam like the French Open—yet the pressure, the mental game, and the need for tactical adaptability were all there. That’s something I’ve observed in our own team’s performances this season. We’ve had flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been elusive. If we want to turn those flashes into sustained success, we need to refine our approach in several key areas.
First, let’s talk about offensive execution. In my view, we’ve been overly reliant on isolation plays and individual scoring bursts. While that can work against weaker opponents, it falls apart under disciplined defensive pressure. I’d estimate that nearly 40% of our possessions in the last five games ended in contested mid-range jumpers early in the shot clock. That’s just not efficient basketball. Instead, we should look to increase ball movement and prioritize high-percentage shots. Implementing more pick-and-roll actions and encouraging drive-and-kick opportunities could boost our assist numbers—which, if memory serves, have hovered around just 12 per game. Compare that to top college teams averaging 18 or more, and the gap becomes obvious. We have the personnel; it’s about refining the system to maximize their strengths.
Defensively, there’s room for growth, too. Our half-court defense has been decent, but our transition defense has let us down more times than I can count. I noticed in our last three losses, we gave up an average of 16 fast-break points. That’s simply too many. Part of the issue is shot selection—when we take low-percentage shots, it leads to long rebounds and run-outs for the other team. But it’s also about effort and communication. I remember one game where we failed to get back on defense three possessions in a row. That kind of lapse can swing momentum entirely. Emphasizing floor balance and having at least two players crash the boards while others sprint back could make a significant difference. It’s not rocket science, but it requires discipline.
Player development is another area where I believe we can make strides. Take our younger players—some of them show incredible potential but lack the consistency to contribute night in and night out. I’d love to see more individualized training focused on their weaknesses. For instance, if one of our guards is shooting just 28% from beyond the arc, dedicating extra sessions to mechanics and game-speed repetitions could pay dividends. And let’s not forget about mental preparation. The pressure in tight games is immense, and I’ve seen talented players freeze up in crucial moments. Incorporating situational drills in practice—like simulating last-minute scenarios—could build the poise needed to close out wins.
Of course, none of this happens without strong leadership, both on and off the court. The coaching staff has done a solid job overall, but I think there’s room for more in-game adjustments. For example, I noticed that in our matchup against our rivals last month, we stuck with the same defensive scheme even when it was clearly not working. Sometimes, you have to trust your instincts and switch things up—maybe throw in a zone defense for a few possessions to disrupt their rhythm. And from the players’ side, having a vocal leader who can rally the team during tough stretches is invaluable. I’ve always believed that chemistry can account for at least 20% of a team’s success, and fostering that should be a priority.
Looking at the bigger picture, it’s clear that small tweaks rather than a complete overhaul are what we need. The foundation is there—athleticism, skill, and a passionate fan base. What’s missing, in my opinion, is that final layer of strategic polish. Just like Alex Eala navigating a WTA 125 event, our team is competing in an environment where every detail matters. The difference between winning and losing often comes down to preparation, adaptability, and execution in key moments. If we can sharpen those areas, I’m confident we’ll see a much stronger finish to the season. After all, basketball, like tennis, is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. And sometimes, the smallest adjustments lead to the biggest wins.