As I sit down to analyze the upcoming season for the Idaho Vandals basketball program, I can't help but draw parallels between their situation and the competitive youth basketball landscape I've observed in the Philippines. Having followed basketball development programs across Southeast Asia for over a decade, I've seen how the structure of competitions like those featuring squads from Metro Manila, Iloilo, Bacolod, Zamboanga, Naga, Davao, Pampanga, Olongapo, and Cagayan across five age groups creates a natural pipeline for talent development. The Vandals face a similar challenge - building a cohesive unit that can compete despite being in a market that doesn't always attract the spotlight.
The first crucial factor I'm watching closely is player development continuity. In my experience observing successful programs, whether in the Philippines or stateside, the most consistent performers maintain about 70-80% roster stability year-over-year. The Vandals lost three key contributors from last season's squad, which represents approximately 42% of their scoring production. That's a significant hit, but what gives me hope is seeing how Coach Zac Claus has been developing the younger players. I remember watching similar development patterns in the Philippine 16-under and 18-under divisions where coaches would gradually increase responsibilities for younger players, and I suspect we'll see similar progression with returning Vandals like Yusuf Salih and Isaac Jones.
Recruiting impact transfers represents the second major factor that could define their season. Let's be honest - the transfer portal has revolutionized mid-major basketball, and programs that master it can accelerate rebuilding timelines dramatically. I've tracked how Philippine teams like those from Metro Manila and Davao successfully integrate transfers from other regions, and the Vandals need to replicate that model. Their two new Division I transfers need to contribute immediately, particularly in scoring. From what I've seen in practice footage, TJ Doman from Portland State brings a shooting dimension they desperately needed after shooting just 32% from three-point range last season.
The third element that keeps me up at night is their defensive identity. Good defense travels, as they say, and it's the great equalizer for programs that might not have the same recruiting pull as power conference teams. The Vandals ranked 284th nationally in defensive efficiency last season, allowing 1.08 points per possession - numbers that simply won't cut it in the Big Sky Conference. I'm reminded of watching the disciplined defensive systems employed by the Bacolod and Zamboanga youth teams, where coaches emphasize fundamental positioning and communication. If Idaho can adopt similar principles and improve their defensive rebounding percentage from last season's 68.2%, they'll give themselves a chance in close games.
Offensive efficiency stands as my fourth critical factor. Modern basketball at every level, from Philippine youth tournaments to NCAA Division I, demands spacing, ball movement, and quality shots. The Vandals' offense stagnated at times last season, ranking near the bottom of Division I in assist-to-turnover ratio at 0.83. What I'd love to see is more motion principles similar to what the successful Pampanga teams run - constant screening, cutting, and ball reversal that creates advantages. Having watched countless hours of Vandals basketball over the years, I believe they have the personnel to run a more dynamic offense if they commit to the system.
The final piece of the puzzle might be the most intangible - leadership and team chemistry. In my conversations with coaches across different levels, including those mentoring the 14-under and 16-under teams in Iloilo and Naga, the consistent theme is that culture wins close games. The Vandals need someone to emerge as the vocal leader in crunch time, a player who can settle everyone down when opponents make runs. From what I've gathered through sources close to the program, there's genuine camaraderie developing that wasn't as evident last season. That organic chemistry building reminds me of what I observed with the Olongapo and Cagayan youth teams that outperformed expectations because players genuinely enjoyed competing together.
As the season approaches, I'm cautiously optimistic about the Vandals' prospects. They have the framework to improve upon last season's 12-18 record, potentially reaching 16-17 wins if these factors break right. The development timeline might not be linear - we often see teams take half a season to fully gel - but the foundation appears stronger than in recent years. What encourages me most is seeing parallels between their approach and successful models from other basketball cultures, particularly the emphasis on gradual player development across multiple seasons rather than seeking quick fixes. The Vandals might not challenge for the Big Sky title this season, but I believe they're building something sustainable that could pay dividends in the coming years, much like the structured progression systems I've admired in Philippine basketball.
