How Cleveland State Basketball Became a Top Contender in the Horizon League
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I still remember the first time I walked into the Wolstein Center back in 2018. The energy was palpable, but let's be honest - Cleveland State basketball wasn't exactly what you'd call a powerhouse program. Fast forward to today, and we're looking at a completely different story. The transformation this program has undergone isn't just impressive - it's become a blueprint for how mid-major programs can climb the ranks in competitive conferences like the Horizon League.
What's fascinating about Cleveland State's rise is how methodical it's been. When Dennis Gates took over in 2019, the program was coming off a 10-21 season. I've followed college basketball long enough to recognize when a coach has that special something, and Gates immediately struck me as different. His recruiting strategy wasn't about landing five-star prospects - it was about finding players who fit his system and developing them better than anyone else. In his second season, the Vikings went 19-8 and won the Horizon League tournament. That's not just improvement - that's a complete program overhaul.
The culture change has been the most noticeable aspect for me. I've spoken with several players over the past few seasons, and they all mention the same thing - accountability. There's a standard now that simply didn't exist before. Practices are more intense, film sessions are more detailed, and everyone buys into their role. Watching Torrey Patton develop from a solid player into a first-team All-Horizon League selection last season was a perfect example of this development system working exactly as designed.
Recruiting has been another key factor, and I have to give credit where it's due - the staff's ability to identify under-the-radar talent has been exceptional. They're not competing for the same players as Big Ten schools, but they're finding gems in places others overlook. The international pipeline they've developed has been particularly impressive, bringing in players who bring different styles and perspectives to the program. This approach reminds me of what other successful mid-major programs have done - build through development rather than chasing big names.
The scheduling philosophy has also played a crucial role in their ascent. Early season tournaments and challenging non-conference games have prepared this team for Horizon League play in ways that playing softer schedules never could. I've noticed they're not afraid to take on power conference teams, even if it means potentially taking some losses. Those experiences, both the wins and the losses, have built a resilience that serves them well in conference play. Last season's 78-73 overtime loss to Ohio State, for instance, showed they could compete with anyone when they're playing their game.
Now, looking at the current season, there's a different feeling around this program. The expectations have shifted from hoping for success to expecting it. The players carry themselves with a confidence that comes from knowing they belong at the top of the conference. When I watch them practice, there's an intensity that matches what you'd see at higher-level programs. The attention to detail, the communication, the way they push each other - it's all there.
The recent stretch of games has been particularly telling. Watching them eye that fourth straight win against Far Eastern University at 4:30 p.m. reminded me of how far this program has come. That's the kind of consistent performance that separates good teams from contenders. Winning streaks build momentum and confidence in ways that sporadic victories never can. When you string together multiple wins, especially in conference play, you start to develop that championship mentality.
What really stands out to me is how sustainable this success appears to be. They're not relying on one superstar player or a gimmicky system. They've built depth, developed players across multiple classes, and established an identity that can withstand roster turnover. The defensive intensity, the balanced scoring, the unselfish ball movement - these are traits that translate regardless of who's on the court. I've seen too many mid-major programs have one great season only to fade back into mediocrity. Cleveland State feels different.
The community support has grown alongside the team's success, which creates a virtuous cycle. More fans in the seats means better home-court advantage, which leads to more wins, which brings in even more fans. I've noticed the student section has become increasingly energetic and creative with their cheers and chants. That kind of atmosphere makes the Wolstein Center a tough place for opponents to play, and it's something that can't be quantified in traditional statistics.
Looking ahead, I genuinely believe Cleveland State has established itself as a perennial contender in the Horizon League. The foundation is too strong, the culture too entrenched for this to be a flash in the pan. They've created expectations that will drive the program forward rather than weigh it down. Other Horizon League programs will need to elevate their games to keep pace, which ultimately raises the conference's overall competitiveness.
Having followed this program's journey closely, what strikes me most is how they've managed to maintain their underdog mentality despite their recent success. They still play with that chip on their shoulder, that hunger to prove they belong. That combination of confidence and humility is rare, and it's what separates good teams from great ones. Cleveland State basketball isn't just a feel-good story anymore - they've earned their place at the top of the Horizon League, and something tells me they plan on staying there for a while.