Watching Nic Cabanero’s electrifying run to the Final Four with UST, and then his immediate, passionate commitment to run it back, I was struck by something far bigger than a single player’s loyalty. It felt like a blueprint. Here at USF, where I’ve followed the program’s ups and downs for over a decade, we’re not just chasing fleeting success; we’re meticulously building something meant to last. Cabanero’s story isn’t just a feel-good piece from a rival school—it’s a masterclass in the foundational element we’re trying to cement in Tampa: a culture so compelling that top talent can’t imagine being anywhere else. That’s the heart of how USF Basketball is constructing a winning program for the future. It’s a multi-year project, less about a flashy one-off tournament run and more about installing the right pillars—recruiting, player development, systemic identity, and fan engagement—deep into the program’s bedrock.
Let’s start with culture, because frankly, without it, everything else crumbles. You can have all the five-star recruits in the world, but if they’re looking at your program as a mere pit stop, you’re building on sand. Cabanero shunning outside talks after UST’s best season in years is the ultimate testament to a culture that values relationship and shared mission over individual spotlight. At USF, under this current staff, I’m seeing that philosophy take root. It’s in the way the team celebrates each other’s successes on the bench, the way veterans like Corey Walker Jr. are visibly mentoring the freshmen, and the palpable sense of collective buy-in. We’re developing a USF identity that’s about gritty defense, unselfish ball movement, and a never-out-of-a-fight mentality. This isn’t accidental; it’s coached, nurtured, and rewarded. When prospective recruits visit, they’re not just seeing the gorgeous Yuengling Center facilities—which, by the way, give us a massive advantage—they’re feeling a brotherhood. They’re seeing a staff that communicates a clear, long-term vision for their growth, both on the court and off it. This is how you win recruiting battles you’re not "supposed" to win. Last year’s class, ranked in the top 45 nationally by some services, wasn’t a fluke; it was a direct result of selling a project, not just a promise.
And speaking of recruiting, our strategy has gotten smarter. We’re no longer just casting a wide net; we’re spear fishing for specific fits. The staff has done a brilliant job identifying players who are perhaps undervalued by the traditional blue-blood radar but whose skill sets and, more importantly, competitive character, align perfectly with our system. We’re mixing high-ceiling transfers who bring immediate experience—guys who’ve played in big conferences and NCAA tournament games—with foundational high school talent we can develop over three or four years. This balance is crucial. The transfers raise the floor and the competitive intensity in practice immediately, while the homegrown talent ensures continuity and institutional knowledge for the future. Player development is where I think this staff truly excels. Look at the transformation of a player like Kasean Pryor. He came in with tools, but through focused coaching, his decision-making, defensive positioning, and offensive efficiency have skyrocketed. The staff’s use of advanced analytics—tracking everything from defensive deflection rates to shot quality—provides players with a clear, objective roadmap for improvement. It’s not just "work harder"; it’s "work smarter on these three specific things." This data-driven approach builds tremendous trust. A player knows that if he buys into the program’s development plan, his game, and his prospects, will genuinely improve. That’s a powerful retention tool, as potent as any NIL deal.
Now, let’s talk about the ecosystem around the team, because a program isn’t built in a vacuum. The administration’s commitment is finally matching the fan base’s long-held passion. The investment in resources—from nutrition and sports science to charter travel for key conference games—sends a message that basketball is a priority. And the fans? The Sun Dome has started to regain its reputation as a tough place to play. Average attendance jumped by nearly 2,000 fans per game last season, a 22% increase that created a real home-court advantage. That energy feeds the players, and winning feeds the energy—it’s a virtuous cycle. Our move to the AAC was a game-changer, providing a consistent, high-level competition platform that recruits respect. Competing against the likes of Memphis, FAU, and Charlotte night-in and night-out prepares you for March in a way our old conference simply couldn’t. We’re not just building a team; we’re building a brand within a prestigious basketball league.
So, where does this all lead? The goal isn’t a one-year wonder. The blueprint is for sustained, annual competitiveness. We’re building to be a perennial top-4 team in the AAC, which should translate to regular NCAA Tournament bids—think making the dance three out of every five years, with the depth and experience to advance once we’re there. Within the next five years, I genuinely believe we can target a second-weekend appearance. It’s ambitious, but the pieces are being laid methodically. The future of USF Basketball is bright not because of hope, but because of a discernible, intelligent process. It’s a process that understands the profound lesson from Nic Cabanero and UST: that the most powerful force in sports isn’t just talent, but talented players who are all-in on the journey together. That’s the culture we’re building. That’s the foundation for a winner, not just for a season, but for the long haul. The climb is steady, but the view from the top will be worth every step.
