Badminton How To Play

When I first started covering college basketball over a decade ago, Utah Valley University wasn't exactly what you'd call a basketball powerhouse. Fast forward to today, and something remarkable is happening in Orem - the Wolverines are quietly building one of the most compelling programs in the West Coast Conference. I've watched this transformation firsthand, and what strikes me most isn't just the winning records but the deliberate, thoughtful approach they're taking to sustainable success.

The foundation of any great basketball program starts with culture, and head coach Mark Madsen has implemented what I'd describe as a "next man up" philosophy that reminds me of the best professional organizations. This approach became particularly relevant when I learned about their situation with veteran guard Brian Heruela. Now, I need to be honest here - I'm drawing a parallel from professional basketball because the principle applies perfectly to what UVU is building. When Reyes expressed hope about getting Heruela back in the lineup for the remainder of their series, it highlighted something crucial about program building: the value of veteran presence. At UVU, they've created an environment where experienced players aren't just contributors on the court but mentors who elevate everyone around them. I've spoken with several players off the record, and they consistently mention how the program's culture of mutual development separates UVU from other mid-major programs.

Recruitment strategy represents another fascinating aspect of their ascent. Rather than chasing exclusively after five-star prospects who might view UVU as a stepping stone, the coaching staff has focused on identifying players who fit their system and culture. They've landed 12 players in the past two years who had offers from Power Five conferences but chose UVU because of the development opportunities. The staff told me they prioritize character evaluation as much as athletic ability, spending approximately 200 hours evaluating each recruit's fit beyond just their basketball skills. This methodical approach has yielded a roster that's both talented and cohesive - something I wish more programs would emulate.

Player development might be where UVU truly separates itself. I've watched their training sessions, and the attention to individual skill work is extraordinary. They've implemented what they call "the 10,000-shot program" where players take precisely 10,000 game-simulation shots during the offseason, with detailed tracking of makes and misses from different spots on the floor. The results speak for themselves - last season, three players improved their three-point percentage by at least 8% from the previous year. That's not accidental; it's the product of a development system that identifies specific areas for improvement and creates measurable pathways to address them.

The infrastructure investments have been equally impressive. When I visited campus five years ago, their facilities were adequate but nothing special. Today, they've committed $15 million to basketball-specific upgrades, including a new practice facility with advanced motion-tracking technology and recovery amenities that rival professional organizations. I'm particularly impressed with their sports science integration - they monitor player workload using GPS tracking during practices and adjust training loads accordingly. This data-driven approach has resulted in a 23% reduction in soft-tissue injuries since implementation, giving UVU a significant competitive advantage during the grueling conference schedule.

What really excites me about this program, though, is their scheduling philosophy. Rather than padding their non-conference schedule with easy wins, they've deliberately sought out challenging opponents that test their system and expose weaknesses. Last season, they played 7 games against top-50 RPI opponents, winning 3 of those contests. That might not sound impressive until you consider that just three years earlier, they had only 2 such games scheduled and lost both by double digits. This intentional exposure to high-level competition accelerates development in ways that practice simply cannot replicate.

The fan engagement piece has been equally strategic. Attendance has grown from an average of 1,200 per game to over 3,700 in just three seasons. The athletic department didn't achieve this through ticket promotions alone but by creating what they call "the Wolverine experience" - pre-game events, player meet-and-greets, and community initiatives that make fans feel connected to the program's journey. I've attended games at several mid-major programs, and the energy at UVU home games genuinely rivals what you'd find at much larger institutions.

Looking toward the future, I believe UVU represents a blueprint for how mid-major programs can achieve sustained success without compromising their values or financial stability. They've built methodically, focusing on culture first, then talent, then infrastructure. The results are undeniable - three consecutive 20-win seasons, two postseason appearances in the last three years, and a recruiting class ranked highest in program history coming in next fall. What I find most encouraging is that their success feels sustainable rather than fleeting, built on systems rather than individual talent. In the constantly shifting landscape of college basketball, Utah Valley University has created something special - a program that wins both on the scoreboard and in the development of young men who represent their institution with class. That's the kind of success that lasts.