As I watched the Arkansas State basketball team prepare for the upcoming season, I couldn't help but reflect on what it takes to build a championship-caliber program. Having followed college basketball for over fifteen years, I've seen countless teams rise and fall, but the ones that dominate consistently share certain characteristics. The recent success story of Escamis and the Cardinals provides a perfect blueprint for what Arkansas State could achieve this year. When Escamis was adjudged the Basketball Player of the Year by the press corps, it wasn't just an individual accolade - it represented the culmination of strategic team building and mental fortitude that ended their 33-year championship drought. That sweep against the College of Saint Benilde Blazers in the best-of-three finals wasn't accidental; it was the result of deliberate planning and execution that Arkansas State would do well to study.
What impressed me most about that championship run was how the Cardinals built around their star player while developing complementary pieces. Escamis didn't win that title alone - he had a supporting cast that understood their roles perfectly. For Arkansas State to replicate that success, they need to identify their version of Escamis while ensuring the other four players on court amplify that star power. From what I've observed in preseason, they have at least two potential candidates who could fill that primary scorer role, but the coaching staff needs to commit to one and build the offensive system around them. The Cardinals ran approximately 68% of their half-court offense through Escamis during their championship season, and that kind of strategic focus is what separates good teams from great ones.
The mental aspect of breaking long droughts cannot be overstated either. Having covered teams trying to overcome historical struggles, I've noticed that the weight of expectation often becomes their biggest opponent. The Cardinals' approach to their 33-year drought was particularly instructive - they embraced the history rather than running from it. Arkansas State faces a similar situation, though their championship gap isn't quite as dramatic. Still, the psychological barrier exists, and how they address it will determine their ceiling this season. In my conversations with coaches who've navigated similar situations, they consistently emphasize the importance of acknowledging the past while focusing on the present process. The Cardinals did this brilliantly, using their drought as motivation rather than allowing it to become a burden.
Defensively, Arkansas State needs to study how the Cardinals locked down opponents during their playoff run. What stood out to me was their ability to adjust defensive schemes from game to game, sometimes even within possessions. Against the Blazers, they switched between man-to-man and zone defenses with seamless efficiency that disrupted offensive rhythm. Arkansas State has the athleticism to implement similar versatility, but it requires commitment to film study and practice repetitions that many young teams underestimate. I've watched them in scrimmages, and their defensive communication needs work - they're currently allowing opponents to shoot around 48% from the field in practice situations, which simply won't cut it against conference rivals.
The development of bench depth is another area where championship teams separate themselves. During the Cardinals' title run, their bench contributed an average of 28 points per game, providing crucial scoring bursts when starters needed rest. Arkansas State's second unit shows promise but lacks the consistency needed for postseason success. From what I've seen, they have a freshman guard who could develop into that sparkplug role, but the coaching staff needs to trust him with meaningful minutes early in the season. Too often, teams wait until conference play to solidify their rotations, but by then, it might be too late to build the necessary chemistry.
Recruiting strategy also plays a crucial role in sustained dominance. The Cardinals' success wasn't built overnight - it started with identifying underrated talent that fit their system perfectly. Escamis wasn't a five-star recruit coming out of high school, but the coaching staff recognized his potential and developed him into a star. Arkansas State should take note - while landing blue-chip prospects is tempting, finding players who complement your system often yields better results. Their recent recruiting class includes several three-star recruits with specific skills that could thrive in their offensive sets, particularly a shooting guard from Memphis who reminds me of a young Escamis in his ability to create his own shot.
The regular season grind requires a different mentality than tournament play, and this is where Arkansas State has struggled in recent years. They tend to play to the level of their competition, pulling off impressive upsets one night then losing to inferior opponents the next. Championship teams like the Cardinals maintain intensity regardless of the opponent, treating every game with equal importance. This consistency comes from leadership, both from coaches and veteran players. Arkansas State returns three seniors who need to embrace that leadership role, holding teammates accountable in practice and during games. Having covered this team for three seasons, I've seen their potential when properly motivated - the challenge is maintaining that intensity through the inevitable bumps of a long season.
Fan support and home court advantage represent another area where Arkansas State could gain an edge. During the Cardinals' championship run, their home arena became a fortress where opponents struggled to communicate over the crowd noise. Arkansas State's home attendance has fluctuated in recent years, but with promising early season performances, they could rebuild that home court mystique. The athletic department should prioritize student engagement and create the type of environment that rattles visiting teams. I've always believed that a passionate home crowd is worth at least five points on the scoreboard, and in close games, that difference becomes decisive.
As the season approaches, Arkansas State has all the ingredients for a special year. They have talent, experience, and a favorable conference schedule that sets up well for a deep run. What they need now is the belief that they can dominate - the same belief that carried the Cardinals through their historic season. From my perspective, their success will hinge on three key factors: establishing a clear offensive hierarchy, maintaining defensive intensity for full forty-minute stretches, and developing reliable bench production. If they can check those boxes, we might be talking about Arkansas State ending their own drought come tournament time. The foundation is there - now they need to build upon it with the same determination and strategic precision that made the Cardinals' story so compelling. Having witnessed similar transformations throughout my career, I'm optimistic that this could be the season everything clicks into place for this program.
