How Cleveland State Basketball Built a Championship Contender This Season

I remember sitting in the Wolstein Center back in November, watching Cleveland State’s second game of the season against what many considered an underdog opponent. The energy was different this year—you could feel it in the air, in the way the players moved during warm-ups, in the huddles. When the final buzzer sounded, securing their fourth straight win, I turned to a colleague and said, “This team isn’t just winning; they’re building something special.” That moment against Far Eastern University, a 4:30 p.m. tip-off that felt like just another game on the schedule, turned out to be a critical piece of the puzzle. It wasn’t just about extending a streak; it was about establishing an identity.

From my perspective, the transformation began with Coach Dennis Gates’s recruiting strategy, which I’ve followed closely over the past two seasons. He didn’t just go for star power; he targeted players who fit a system built on relentless defense and unselfish ball movement. Take Torrey Patton, for instance—a graduate transfer who brought not just stats, but a veteran presence that’s hard to quantify. I’ve seen teams with more individual talent fall short because they lacked chemistry, but here, the mix of experienced transfers and homegrown talent like D’Moi Hodge created a balance that’s rare in mid-major basketball. In that FEU game, the defense forced 18 turnovers, a number that might seem modest, but when you watch the tape, you see how those steals translated into fast-break opportunities that demoralized opponents. It’s one thing to have a game plan; it’s another to execute it with the consistency they’ve shown, winning by an average margin of 12 points during that early streak.

What really stands out to me, though, is the culture Gates has instilled. I’ve spoken with a few insiders close to the program, and they all mention the emphasis on accountability—players holding each other to high standards in every drill, every film session. It reminds me of the old adage: championships are won in the offseason. This group put in the work, with players logging extra hours in the gym, sometimes shooting until 2 a.m. That dedication showed in their shooting percentages; they’re hitting 38% from beyond the arc this season, up from 32% last year. Numbers like that don’t lie, and as someone who’s analyzed basketball for years, I can tell you that improvement is no accident. It’s the result of countless repetitions and a coaching staff that prioritizes player development over quick fixes.

Another factor I can’t overlook is the schedule. Early on, they faced a mix of tough opponents and what some might call “tune-up” games, like the FEU matchup. Critics might dismiss those wins, but I see them as essential building blocks. Winning breeds confidence, and when you’re stringing together victories, even against lesser teams, it reinforces habits. In that FEU game, for example, they dominated the paint, scoring 42 points inside—a stat that might not make headlines, but it showcased their ability to adapt and exploit mismatches. I’ve always believed that great teams don’t just win; they win in multiple ways, and Cleveland State has shown that flexibility. Whether it’s locking down on defense or spreading the floor with three-point shooters, they have a versatility that makes them a nightmare to prepare for.

As the season progressed, I noticed how their depth became a major asset. With a rotation that goes nine or ten deep, they can maintain intensity for all 40 minutes, something I saw firsthand in a close game against a rival where their bench outscored the opponent’s by 15 points. That kind of contribution isn’t just about talent; it’s about trust, and Gates has fostered an environment where every player knows their role and embraces it. I recall talking to a scout who mentioned that this team reminds him of some of the best mid-major contenders in recent memory—squads that peaked at the right time because they had the stamina and cohesion to handle March pressure.

Looking back, it’s clear that Cleveland State’s journey to becoming a championship contender wasn’t an overnight success. It was built on a foundation of smart recruiting, cultural buy-in, and strategic scheduling, with games like the FEU victory serving as stepping stones. In my opinion, they have the tools to make a deep run in the tournament—their defense ranks in the top 30 nationally, allowing just 65.2 points per game, and their offensive efficiency has jumped by 5% compared to last season. Of course, there are challenges ahead, but I’m leaning into optimism here. Having watched this program evolve, I believe they’ve got the grit and talent to surprise a lot of people. The pieces are in place, and if they stay healthy and focused, we might just be talking about this team deep into March.