Saint Joseph’s Basketball: How a Winning Formula Signals Broader Trends in Collegiate Athletics
Did you know? Saint Joseph’s women’s basketball boasts a remarkable 21-2 record in November over the past three seasons. This isn’t just a hot start; it’s a microcosm of larger shifts happening in college sports – a focus on early-season momentum, strategic roster building, and a growing international presence.
The Rise of the November Powerhouse
The Hawks’ consistent November dominance, highlighted by their recent 66-48 victory over Columbia, isn’t accidental. It reflects a deliberate strategy to build confidence and establish a strong foundation before conference play begins. Across collegiate basketball, we’re seeing teams prioritize early-season scheduling to maximize opportunities for quality wins and refine team chemistry. This is a departure from the past, where November often served as a warm-up period. Now, it’s a crucial component of NCAA Tournament aspirations.
This trend is driven by several factors. The expanded NCAA Tournament field increases the importance of a strong NET ranking, which is heavily influenced by early-season performance. Furthermore, the transfer portal has created more parity, making it harder to rely on traditional powerhouses. Teams like Saint Joseph’s are capitalizing on this by aggressively pursuing wins early on.
The Transfer Portal & Global Recruitment: Reshaping Rosters
Saint Joseph’s roster transformation – welcoming eight newcomers, four via the transfer portal and four freshmen – exemplifies another key trend: strategic roster construction. The transfer portal has become a vital tool for coaches seeking to address immediate needs and elevate their programs quickly. Jill Jekot (Penn State), Cecilia Kay (American), Amar Mansour (Missouri Baptist), and Faith Stinson (IU Indy) all bring valuable experience and skillsets to Hawk Hill.
But the Hawks aren’t just looking domestically. The inclusion of players from Lebanon (Amar Mansour), Australia (Emirson Devenie), Sweden (Meja Jägerskog), and Denmark (Olivia Lutterodt) demonstrates a growing commitment to international recruitment. This isn’t unique to Saint Joseph’s; programs across the country are actively scouting talent globally, recognizing the potential to find undervalued players and diversify their team’s skillsets. This globalization of college basketball is enriching the game and creating more competitive balance.
Expert Insight: “The transfer portal has fundamentally changed the landscape of college basketball,” says ESPN analyst LaChina Robinson. “Coaches are no longer solely reliant on recruiting high school players. They can now address weaknesses and fill gaps in their rosters with experienced college athletes. And the international pipeline is becoming increasingly important as teams seek to gain a competitive edge.”
The Assist Rate Advantage: A Team-First Approach
Saint Joseph’s currently ranks second nationally in assist rate (77.3%), a testament to their unselfish play and emphasis on ball movement. This isn’t just a statistical anomaly; it’s indicative of a broader shift towards team-oriented basketball. Coaches are prioritizing players who can pass, make smart decisions, and elevate their teammates. Individual scoring prowess is still valuable, but it’s increasingly being complemented by a commitment to collective offense.
This team-first approach is particularly effective in today’s game, where defenses are more sophisticated and athletic. Quick ball movement and unselfish passing can create open looks and exploit defensive weaknesses. Saint Joseph’s success highlights the importance of prioritizing assists and fostering a culture of collaboration.
Power Five Upsets: The New Normal?
Saint Joseph’s consistent ability to secure Power Five wins – Vanderbilt, California, Syracuse, and Cincinnati in recent seasons – is another noteworthy trend. Historically, mid-major programs often viewed Power Five matchups as opportunities to gain experience, but not necessarily to win. Now, we’re seeing more and more mid-majors challenging and defeating Power Five opponents, signaling a narrowing gap in talent and resources.
This is partly due to the transfer portal, which allows talented players to move from Power Five programs to mid-major schools in search of more playing time or a better fit. It’s also a reflection of improved coaching and player development at mid-major institutions. Saint Joseph’s success demonstrates that with the right strategy and execution, mid-major programs can compete with – and beat – the best in the country.
Key Takeaway: The lines between Power Five and mid-major programs are becoming increasingly blurred. Strategic roster building, international recruitment, and a commitment to team-first basketball are leveling the playing field.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Collegiate Athletics?
The trends exemplified by Saint Joseph’s – early-season focus, transfer portal utilization, global recruitment, and competitive parity – are likely to continue shaping the landscape of collegiate athletics. We can expect to see more teams prioritizing November wins, actively pursuing transfers, and expanding their international scouting networks. The emphasis on team-first basketball and player development will also continue to grow.
However, these trends also present challenges. The transfer portal can create roster instability, and the pursuit of international recruits requires significant investment in scouting and communication. Maintaining competitive balance will require ongoing efforts to address inequities in resources and opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How will the transfer portal continue to evolve?
A: Expect continued debate around transfer rules, potentially leading to more standardized windows and clearer eligibility guidelines. The portal is likely to remain a central component of roster management for the foreseeable future.
Q: What impact will NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) have on recruiting?
A: NIL will undoubtedly play a larger role in recruiting, particularly for high-profile players. Programs with strong NIL collectives will have a significant advantage in attracting and retaining talent.
Q: Will international recruitment become even more prevalent?
A: Absolutely. As the global talent pool continues to grow, more and more college programs will look overseas for potential recruits. This will lead to increased diversity and competition in collegiate athletics.
Q: How can smaller programs compete with larger schools in the transfer portal?
A: Smaller programs need to focus on identifying undervalued players, building strong relationships with coaches and agents, and creating a positive team culture that attracts transfers seeking a better fit.
What are your predictions for the future of college basketball? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
