I still remember the first time I watched Eastern Washington play basketball—it was one of those late-night ESPN2 games where I expected to see another mid-major team get steamrolled by a power conference opponent. Instead, what I witnessed was something special brewing in Cheney, Washington. Fast forward to today, and the Eagles have transformed from Big Sky Conference afterthoughts into legitimate NCAA Tournament dark horses. Their journey reminds me so much of Alexandra Eala's stunning breakthrough at the 2025 Miami Open, where she catapulted into the WTA Top 100 by defeating established stars like Iga Swiatek and Jelena Ostapenko. Both stories share that magical quality of unexpected contenders rising through sheer determination and smart team-building.
When head coach David Riley took over the program back in 2021, Eastern Washington had only made two NCAA Tournament appearances in their entire history. The program's budget ranked near the bottom of Division I, and their recruiting battles typically involved fighting off other mid-majors rather than power conference schools. Yet Riley, who I've followed since his days as an assistant at Washington, possessed this unique ability to identify undervalued talent. He built his roster not through flashy five-star recruits but through developmental players who fit his system perfectly. The transformation didn't happen overnight—it took three consecutive 20-win seasons before people outside the Pacific Northwest started noticing.
What fascinates me most about Eastern Washington's rise is how it mirrors that Cinderella run we saw from Eala in Miami. Just as Eala stunned the tennis world by taking down three top-20 players in succession, Eastern Washington shocked the college basketball landscape with their November upset over then-No. 12 Gonzaga. The Eagles executed their game plan with such precision that night, holding the Bulldogs to just 38% shooting while connecting on 14 three-pointers. Their offensive system, which emphasizes spacing and player movement, creates driving lanes that bigger, more athletic teams struggle to defend. I've watched nearly every Eagles game this season, and their ball movement is some of the best I've seen at the mid-major level.
The statistical improvements tell only part of the story. Eastern Washington's offensive efficiency rating has jumped from 187th nationally last season to 43rd this year. Their three-point percentage climbed from 34.2% to 39.8%, and perhaps most impressively, they've reduced their turnover rate by nearly 18% despite playing at a faster tempo. But numbers alone can't capture the cultural shift that's occurred within the program. Having spoken with several players during my visit to campus last month, I was struck by their collective belief that they belong on the national stage. There's a quiet confidence that reminds me of those mid-major darlings like Loyola Chicago or Saint Peter's who made deep tournament runs.
What many casual observers miss about Eastern Washington's success is how deliberately this roster was constructed. Senior point guard Steele Venters, the reigning Big Sky Player of the Year, originally had only two Division I offers coming out of high school. Forward Ethan Price, their versatile big man from England, was completely off the radar of major programs. Yet together, they've formed one of the most efficient offensive duos in college basketball, combining for over 35 points per game while shooting better than 48% from the field. Their development under Riley's staff demonstrates why coaching continuity matters so much at the mid-major level.
The parallel to Eala's breakthrough becomes even more apparent when you consider the mental aspect of their rises. Both Eastern Washington and the young tennis phenom share this fearless approach against established powers. The Eagles play with what I'd describe as "respectful disregard"—they study opponents meticulously but step onto the court believing they can beat anyone. This mentality was on full display during their non-conference schedule, where they went 3-1 against Power Six opponents, including that statement win at Gonzaga's McCarthey Athletic Center, a venue where the Bulldogs had lost just four times in the previous eight seasons.
As we approach March Madness, I genuinely believe Eastern Washington has the ingredients to win at least one tournament game, possibly two if the bracket breaks right. Their offensive versatility gives them multiple ways to score, and they've shown they can win both high-paced shootouts and grind-it-out defensive battles. The Eagles rank in the 92nd percentile nationally in half-court offensive efficiency, which becomes increasingly valuable in tournament settings where possessions tighten up. Having watched countless bracket-busting teams over the years, I'd put Eastern Washington's offensive system up against any mid-major since the 2020 Dayton Flyers.
Of course, the skeptics will point to their conference strength and question whether they can handle the athleticism of major conference teams in a single-elimination format. But having studied their performance against high-major opponents this season, I'm convinced their style translates well to tournament basketball. They don't rely on one superstar but instead feature five players averaging between 9 and 18 points per game. That balanced scoring makes them particularly difficult to prepare for on short notice, something tournament opponents will discover the hard way.
Looking at the broader landscape, Eastern Washington's emergence represents what I love most about college basketball—the possibility that any program, regardless of budget or conference affiliation, can build something special. Their rise required identifying the right coach, developing players over multiple seasons, and sticking to a distinct playing identity. As we saw with Eala's rapid ascent in tennis, sometimes the most compelling stories come from unexpected places. When the NCAA Tournament bracket is revealed next month, don't be surprised if Eastern Washington becomes this year's version of that thrilling underdog story—the team that captures the nation's imagination by proving that heart and system can overcome pedigree and budget.
