Looking back at Gavina’s coaching journey—from his time with Kia in the PBA to leading the Taiwan Mustangs—it strikes me how often he’s had to navigate the revolving door of player turnover. That constant reshuffling, in my view, is one of the toughest challenges a coach can face when trying to build something lasting. Now, as I analyze the Idaho Vandals men’s basketball team, I can’t help but see parallels. This season, they’re at a crossroads. With a current record that hovers around 40% in conference play, there’s clear room for growth—but the path forward isn’t just about X’s and O’s. It’s about building a system that withstands roster changes and fosters genuine team identity.
From my perspective, the Vandals should prioritize three core areas: defensive consistency, offensive versatility, and—most importantly—culture development. Let’s start with defense. Last season, they allowed an average of 74.2 points per game, which placed them in the bottom third of the Big Sky Conference. That’s not a number you can ignore. I’ve always believed that defense is less about individual talent and more about communication and trust. If the Vandals can implement more switching schemes and improve their help-side rotations, they’ll disrupt opponents’ rhythm far more effectively. It’s not just about blocking shots or stealing the ball—it’s about making every possession a grind for the other team.
Offensively, I’d love to see them embrace more motion-based sets. Right now, their offense relies heavily on isolation plays and pick-and-roll actions, which can be effective but also predictable. When I watch teams that move the ball well—like some of Gavina’s earlier squads that averaged around 18 assists per game—it’s clear how ball movement opens up driving lanes and creates higher-percentage shots. The Vandals shot just 42% from the field last season. If they can increase ball reversals and incorporate more off-ball screens, I’m confident they’ll see that number climb. And let’s not forget the three-point line: improving from their current 33% to somewhere near 38% could easily translate into two or three extra wins over the course of the season.
But here’s the thing—strategy alone won’t cut it. What Gavina’s experience teaches us is that culture is the glue. Player turnover isn’t just a logistical headache; it fractures chemistry. I remember one season where a team I followed closely had six new players join after the first month. They struggled early, but the coaching staff focused on building relationships—weekly film sessions that doubled as team dinners, leadership workshops, even community events. That team ended up making a surprising playoff run. The Vandals could take a page from that playbook. Whether it’s through mentorship programs or making sure every player—from starters to reserves—feels valued, investing in culture pays off when the game is on the line.
Another area where I think the Vandals could improve is player development, especially for their bench unit. Last season, their bench contributed only about 18 points per game. That’s not enough. In today’s game, depth isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. I’d advocate for giving younger players meaningful minutes early in the season, even if it costs a game or two. The long-term payoff—building confidence and experience—far outweighs short-term losses. Plus, it sends a message: everyone has a role. That kind of trust can reduce the urge for players to transfer, something that has plagued programs at this level.
Let’s talk about in-game adjustments. One stat that stood out to me was the Vandals’ performance in the second half: they were outscored by an average of 5 points after halftime. That tells me there’s a need for better situational coaching. Timeouts, substitution patterns, even the way they manage foul trouble—all of it matters. I’ve always been a fan of coaches who aren’t afraid to switch defenses mid-game or experiment with small-ball lineups when traditional setups aren’t working. Basketball is a game of runs, and how you respond to momentum shifts often decides the outcome.
At the end of the day, improving the Vandals’ winning strategy isn’t just about drawing up new plays. It’s about creating an environment where players buy in, where they trust each other and the system. Gavina’s career reminds us that even amid constant change, a clear vision and relentless focus on culture can turn things around. For the Vandals, this season is an opportunity. If they commit to defensive discipline, offensive creativity, and above all, building a brotherhood, I believe they can exceed expectations. It won’t happen overnight—but with the right approach, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them make noise come tournament time.