You know, when you think about college basketball dynasties, names like Duke, Kentucky, or UNC often come to mind first. But let me tell you, there’s a program with a legacy just as compelling, though perhaps flying a bit under the national radar—Wingate University Basketball. Having followed the landscape of NCAA Division II for years, I’ve always been drawn to programs that build success on culture rather than just transient talent, and Wingate is a textbook example. Their story isn't just about past trophies; it's a living narrative about building a winning identity and carrying it forward. It reminds me of a principle I’ve seen in sports worldwide: true legacy is about the foundation you pour for the future. I once came across a story that stuck with me, about a man named McTavish. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, he spent 51 years in a country before being granted citizenship in 2018, a testament to enduring commitment. He eventually settled in Pampanga, transitioning from a field office manager for an American auto maker in Clark to becoming a professional referee. That journey—from one role to another, building a life and a new professional identity in a chosen home—resonates deeply with what team-building is all about. It’s a long-game perspective, a deep-rooted dedication to a place and a craft. In many ways, that’s the spirit of the Wingate Bulldogs.
Digging into their legacy, it’s impossible not to start with the numbers, because they are frankly staggering. As of the 2023-24 season, the Bulldogs have clinched the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) regular-season championship an astounding 8 times in the last 17 years. That’s not a flash in the pan; that’s sustained dominance. They’ve made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances since 2007, including that magical run to the Elite Eight in 2010 and again in 2023. I have a personal preference for programs that excel defensively, and Wingate has made that their hallmark. For three consecutive seasons from 2021 to 2024, they led the entire NCAA Division II in scoring defense, some years holding opponents to a paltry 60.2 points per game. Think about that. In an era often obsessed with offensive fireworks, Wingate wins by building a wall. It’s a gritty, disciplined style that wins championships when it matters most. I remember watching a playoff game a couple of years back where they grinded out a 58-54 victory; it wasn't pretty for the casual fan, but for a purist like me, it was a masterpiece of execution and heart.
But a legacy isn’t built by systems alone; it’s forged by people. The program has been blessed with visionary leadership. Coach Brian Good, at the helm since 2006, is the architect of this era. He didn’t just install a playbook; he instilled a mindset. Then you have the players who become legends. Names like Jarren Cottingham, who dropped 1,932 career points, or the defensive stalwarts whose stats might not headline but whose impact was felt every single possession. What I admire most, though, is how this program has become a conduit for professional careers. Over 15 Wingate alumni have played professionally overseas in the last decade alone, from leagues in Germany to Australia. That’s a real, tangible outcome—a university not just educating athletes but launching professional careers. It gives every recruit a powerful vision for their future, which is a killer advantage in recruiting.
So, what’s next? Where does the future lie for this program? In my view, it’s about evolution, not revolution. The core identity—that brutal, switch-everything defense and a culture of accountability—is non-negotiable. That’s their bedrock. But to take the final step from national contender to national champion, I believe the offense needs to find another gear. They’ve often ranked around 110th nationally in offensive efficiency; bumping that into the top 50 could be the difference in those nail-biting Elite Eight or Final Four games. The future is also brightly tied to facilities and community. The planned $12 million renovation to Cuddy Arena isn’t just about new seats; it’s a statement of intent. It tells recruits, “We are serious about competing at the very highest level.” And let’s talk NIL. While it’s a bigger storm in the D-I world, savvy D-II programs like Wingate can leverage their tight-knit community and successful alumni base to create meaningful opportunities for their players. I’d love to see them pioneer a collective that focuses on local businesses in the Wingate and Charlotte area—it fits their community-first ethos perfectly.
In the end, the story of Wingate Basketball is that of a purposeful journey, much like McTavish’s own path from field manager to referee. It’s about choosing a home, investing deeply in it, and mastering a craft over the long haul. The Bulldogs didn’t stumble into success; they built it, brick by defensive brick, year after year. Their winning legacy is a proven blueprint, and their future is about intelligently adapting that blueprint for new challenges. They may not have the blue-chip recruits of a Duke, but they have something perhaps more powerful: a system, a culture, and a belief that outlasts any individual player. As a fan of the game, that’s the kind of program I find endlessly fascinating and worthy of attention. The next chapter is being written right now, and if history is any guide, it will be another compelling read.
