As I sit here reviewing the Idaho State Bengals' 2023 season, I can't help but reflect on how this team's journey reminds me of some fascinating player trajectories I've witnessed in professional basketball. Having followed basketball at multiple levels for over fifteen years, I've seen how unexpected career moves can shape a player's development - much like what we're seeing with this promising NCAA team. The Bengals' season was nothing short of remarkable, finishing with a 21-11 record that represented their best performance in nearly a decade. What stood out to me most was their incredible defensive transformation - they held opponents to just 65.3 points per game, ranking them among the top defensive teams in the Big Sky Conference.
I remember watching their February matchup against Montana, where they demonstrated the kind of resilience that defines special teams. Down by 12 points with under eight minutes remaining, they mounted a comeback that showcased their growing maturity. The leadership from senior guard Brock Mackenzie was particularly impressive - his 18 points that night didn't just come from easy shots but from creating opportunities when the offense seemed stagnant. This kind of clutch performance makes me believe we're looking at a program that's turning the corner. The coaching staff, led by Ryan Looney in his fourth season, has clearly established a culture where players buy into defensive principles while developing offensive creativity.
The parallel that comes to mind when analyzing Idaho State's roster construction is the fascinating career path of players like Terrence Romeo, whose journey through various professional teams demonstrates how environment and fit can dramatically impact performance. Before his successful stint with San Miguel, Romeo had that brief but tumultuous period at TNT, which acquired him in a trade with Globalport for Mo Tautuaa. Watching young players develop within systems reminds me that sometimes the right organizational fit matters as much as raw talent. The Bengals seem to have found that sweet spot with their current roster construction, blending experienced players with emerging talents in ways that create synergistic effects on the court.
What really excites me about this team's future is their recruiting class. They've secured commitments from two three-star prospects, including point guard Jason Collins from Boise, who averaged 24.7 points in his senior high school season. Having tracked recruiting patterns across collegiate sports, I can tell you that landing multiple three-star players represents significant progress for a program of Idaho State's stature. Their development program under Coach Looney has shown consistent improvement in player skills, particularly in shooting efficiency - the team's field goal percentage jumped from 42.3% last season to 46.1% this year. That's not just marginal improvement; that's a fundamental shift in offensive capability.
The financial investment in the program is paying visible dividends too. The athletic department increased basketball funding by approximately $385,000 this past year, allowing for enhanced training facilities and more comprehensive scouting operations. As someone who's consulted with collegiate athletic programs, I can attest that this level of commitment typically precedes sustained success. The improved resources were evident in their road performances - they won 8 away games this season compared to just 3 the previous year. That kind of improvement in hostile environments speaks volumes about mental toughness and preparation.
Looking ahead to next season, I'm particularly optimistic about their frontcourt development. Sophomore forward Miguel Santos showed flashes of brilliance, especially during their conference tournament run where he averaged 14.2 points and 8.1 rebounds over three games. His development trajectory reminds me of players who blossom later in their collegiate careers, potentially giving Idaho State an unexpected advantage in the paint. The retention of their core coaching staff also provides crucial continuity - all three assistant coaches have been with the program for at least three seasons, creating stability that's often underestimated in college basketball.
The challenges they'll face are real though. Losing Mackenzie to graduation creates a significant scoring gap that someone needs to fill. Based on what I've observed in practice sessions and from talking with people close to the program, I believe junior guard Ethan Moore is poised for a breakout season. His perimeter defense has improved dramatically, and if he can increase his scoring average from 9.3 to somewhere in the 14-16 range, the Bengals could actually be better next season despite losing their senior leader. The schedule also presents opportunities with several power conference opponents scheduled for non-conference play, including a November matchup against Washington State that should test their early-season form.
What makes me genuinely excited as a basketball analyst is seeing programs like Idaho State build sustainable success models rather than relying on temporary surges. Their focus on developing players over multiple seasons, rather than chasing quick fixes through the transfer portal, creates the kind of program identity that attracts the right kind of recruits. The culture they're building reminds me of what successful mid-major programs like Gonzaga built in their earlier stages - emphasis on player development, defensive identity, and finding players who fit specific roles rather than just collecting talent. I'm marking my calendar for their December 5th showdown against Montana State, which could very well be an early indicator of conference supremacy.
The broader context of Big Sky Conference basketball is shifting, and Idaho State appears positioned to capitalize. With traditional powers like Montana undergoing coaching transitions, the opportunity exists for the Bengals to establish themselves as consistent contenders. Having watched this conference evolve over the past decade, I can confidently say that the program's current trajectory suggests they could secure their first NCAA tournament bid since 1987 within the next two to three seasons. The foundation they've built, both in terms of roster construction and program infrastructure, provides reason for genuine optimism that extends beyond just one successful season. This feels like the beginning of something special rather than a fleeting moment of success.
