As I look at the box score from UP's recent game where they scored 81 points, I can't help but analyze what this means for McNeese State Cowboys' upcoming season. Having followed college basketball for over a decade, I've seen how teams transform from mediocre to championship contenders, and I believe the Cowboys have that potential this year. The distribution of scoring in that UP game - Nnoruka leading with 19 points, Torres and others contributing significantly - reveals patterns that could inform the Cowboys' strategy moving forward.
What strikes me immediately about that game is how balanced the scoring was across multiple players. When you have four players scoring in double digits like UP did with Nnoruka (19), Torres (12), Alarcon (11), and Yriiguez (11), plus Stevens adding 10, that creates a nightmare for opposing defenses. I've always believed that teams relying too heavily on one or two star players tend to falter in crucial moments, whereas teams with multiple scoring threats maintain consistency throughout the season. The Cowboys should take note - developing at least five reliable scorers who can consistently put up double digits should be priority number one. I remember watching the 2018 Villanova team that won the championship with exactly this approach, and their offensive fluidity was simply beautiful to watch.
Defensively, I'm particularly intrigued by what those numbers suggest about player rotation and energy management. When you see contributions coming from deeper bench players like Felicida and Alter each adding 6 points, it tells me UP had fresh legs throughout the game. This is something many casual fans underestimate - the importance of maintaining defensive intensity for all 40 minutes. The Cowboys need to establish an eight to nine-man rotation where the drop-off between starters and reserves is minimal. I'd recommend they study how the 2014 Connecticut Huskies used their bench during their championship run, constantly applying pressure without sacrificing quality.
The three-point shooting distribution in that UP game - with Bayla contributing 3 points from beyond the arc - highlights another crucial strategy. In today's game, you simply cannot win consistently without reliable three-point shooting. However, what many teams get wrong is relying too heavily on one or two shooters. The Cowboys should develop at least four players who can shoot 35% or better from three-point range. I'd even argue they should dedicate 40% of their practice time to perimeter shooting drills. Having multiple threats from outside opens up driving lanes and creates better opportunities for post players like Gagate, who only managed 1 point in that reference game but could become more effective with proper spacing.
Player development, particularly for role players, stands out as another critical factor. Looking at players like Tan, Andres, Coronel, and Briones who didn't score in that game, I'm reminded that every championship team needs players who contribute beyond scoring. The Cowboys should identify specific skills for each player to master - whether it's defensive positioning, screen setting, or playmaking. I've always been partial to teams that develop their depth throughout the season rather than relying solely on their starting five. The most successful coaches I've observed treat November and December as development months, gradually expanding roles for bench players so they're ready for conference play.
Finally, the distribution of minutes and managing player stamina cannot be overlooked. When I see scoring spread across so many players, it suggests fresh rotations and proper minute management. The Cowboys should aim to have no player averaging more than 32 minutes during the regular season, preserving their stars for postseason play. This approach not only prevents injuries but keeps players mentally fresh during the grind of conference play. I'd recommend they track practice intensity as rigorously as game minutes, something Gregg Popovich has famously done with the Spurs to extend his players' careers.
What excites me most about applying these strategies is how they create a sustainable winning culture rather than just a good season. The Cowboys have the opportunity to build something special that lasts beyond this year. Balanced scoring, deep rotations, multiple three-point threats, developing role players, and managing minutes - these five strategies form a blueprint that could transform the Cowboys from contenders to champions. As someone who's seen many teams rise and fall, I genuinely believe this approach gives them the best chance to hang a championship banner. The foundation is there - now it's about execution and commitment to these principles throughout what promises to be an exciting season.
