How Colorado State Basketball Is Building a Championship Contender This Season

You know, I’ve been following college basketball long enough to recognize when a program is quietly building something special. And right now, I can’t help but feel that Colorado State is putting together the kind of roster that could make a serious run this season. It’s not just about adding talent—it’s about finding the right pieces, the ones that fit both culturally and strategically. And honestly, the way they’re going about it reminds me of how other mid-major programs have broken through in recent years. Take the University of Santo Tomas, for example. Earlier this week, they landed Collins Akowe, the UAAP Season 86 boys MVP and Season 87 Best Foreign Student-Athlete. That’s the kind of targeted, high-impact acquisition that can change the trajectory of a team overnight. And while Akowe isn’t coming to Colorado State, his move underscores a broader trend: programs are getting smarter about identifying and securing talent that might otherwise fly under the radar.

I remember watching Loyola Chicago’s Final Four run a few years back. They didn’t have a roster full of five-star recruits, but they had guys who knew their roles and played with a shared sense of purpose. That’s the vibe I’m getting from Colorado State this year. They’ve been methodical in the transfer portal, picking up players who bring not just skill, but maturity and experience. Last season, they finished with a solid 22-9 record, but it felt like they were just one or two pieces away from really breaking through. This offseason, they’ve added a grad transfer from a Power 5 school—a 6’8” forward who averaged 12 points and 7 rebounds—and a sharpshooting guard from a mid-major program who hit 41% from beyond the arc. Those aren’t just numbers; they’re solutions to specific problems. The forward adds much-needed physicality in the paint, and the guard spaces the floor in a way that opens up driving lanes for everyone else.

What really excites me, though, is how they’re building around their core. They’ve got a returning point guard who dished out 5.8 assists per game last year, and he’s the kind of floor general who makes everyone better. I’ve seen him play in person, and his decision-making under pressure is something else. He doesn’t force shots; he finds the open man, and that unselfishness is contagious. When you pair that with the new additions, it creates a balanced attack that’s hard to defend. Think about it: if the defense collapses on the drive, they kick it out to a shooter. If they overplay the perimeter, the bigs can score inside. It’s simple in theory, but it requires the right personnel to execute. And from where I’m sitting, Colorado State is checking all the boxes.

Let’s talk about defense for a second because, let’s be real, that’s where championships are often won. Last season, the Rams allowed an average of 67 points per game, which was decent but not elite. This year, with the addition of that Power 5 forward and a couple of long, athletic wings, I expect them to be much more disruptive. They’ve been working on switching defenses—sometimes man-to-man, sometimes a 2-3 zone—and that versatility can throw opponents off rhythm. I saw them in a preseason scrimmage, and the communication on defense was noticeably better. Players were talking, helping each other, and closing out on shooters with purpose. It’s those little things that separate good teams from great ones.

Of course, none of this happens in a vacuum. The coaching staff deserves a ton of credit for identifying players who fit their system. They’re not just chasing stars; they’re looking for guys who buy into the culture. And culture might sound like a buzzword, but it’s real. I’ve spoken to a few players off the record, and they all mention the same thing: there’s a genuine sense of brotherhood on this team. They hang out together off the court, they hold each other accountable, and they play for something bigger than themselves. That kind of chemistry doesn’t show up in the box score, but you can feel it when you watch them play.

Now, I know some people might be skeptical. Colorado State isn’t a blue-blood program, and they play in a conference that doesn’t always get the respect it deserves. But that’s exactly why I think they’re poised to surprise people. They’ve flown under the radar for most of the offseason, but once the games start, I believe they’ll turn heads. Their non-conference schedule includes matchups against a couple of ranked teams, and if they can steal one or two of those games, it’ll build momentum heading into conference play. I’m predicting they’ll win at least 25 games this season and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Maybe even reach the Sweet Sixteen. Bold? Maybe. But I’ve seen enough to believe it’s possible.

At the end of the day, building a championship contender isn’t just about assembling talent; it’s about crafting an identity. Colorado State is doing both. They’ve got the pieces, the coaching, and the intangibles. And as someone who loves the game, I can’t wait to watch it all come together. So mark my words: keep an eye on the Rams this season. They might just be the story nobody saw coming.