I remember watching TNT's playoff run last season and being absolutely captivated by Roger Pogoy's performance. There's something special about seeing a player elevate his game when the stakes are highest. During those quarterfinals, Pogoy averaged 24 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists as TNT overcame a twice-to-beat disadvantage against third seed Magnolia to advance in the semis. That kind of clutch performance isn't just about raw talent—it's about building a culture where players thrive under pressure. And honestly, that's exactly what La Salle Basketball is trying to cultivate right now.
When I look at what Coach Fran Dunphy is building at La Salle, I can't help but see parallels with how championship programs develop their identity. It's not just about recruiting five-star prospects—though that certainly helps. The real magic happens when you create an environment where players like Pogoy can emerge and carry the team when it matters most. I've been following college basketball long enough to recognize when a program is building something sustainable versus just having a lucky season. What's happening at La Salle feels different, more intentional. They're not just collecting talent; they're building a system where players develop that killer instinct we saw from Pogoy during TNT's playoff push.
The numbers from Pogoy's performance tell only part of the story. Those 24 points per game didn't come from isolation plays or selfish basketball. They came within the flow of the offense, with 4.5 rebounds showing his commitment to both ends of the floor, and 3.0 assists demonstrating his willingness to make the right play. That balance is exactly what La Salle is instilling in their players. I've watched enough of their practices to see how they emphasize complete player development rather than just focusing on scoring. They want players who can impact the game in multiple ways, much like Pogoy did when his team needed him most.
What really excites me about La Salle's approach is how they're building for long-term success rather than quick fixes. They're investing in player development programs that most mid-major programs would consider extravagant. The strength and conditioning program they've implemented is, in my opinion, among the best in the Atlantic 10. They're using advanced analytics to identify undervalued recruits who fit their system perfectly. And perhaps most importantly, they're creating a culture where players genuinely want to be there. I've spoken with several current players, and the overwhelming sentiment is that they believe in what Coach Dunphy is building. That kind of buy-in is priceless.
Recruiting is where La Salle has really stepped up their game. They're not just competing for local Philadelphia talent anymore—they're casting a wider net and finding players who might have been overlooked by bigger programs. I've seen them identify prospects with specific skill sets that fit their system perfectly, even if those players aren't the highest-rated recruits. It reminds me of how successful programs like Villanova built their foundation—not by chasing every five-star recruit, but by finding players who fit their culture and developing them into stars. La Salle's recent recruiting classes have shown this philosophy in action, with several under-the-radar prospects who I believe will develop into all-conference players.
The offensive system La Salle is implementing emphasizes ball movement, player movement, and smart shot selection. They want players who can make reads rather than just run plays. This approach creates the kind of basketball IQ we saw from Pogoy during his playoff run—the ability to recognize defensive schemes and make the right decision whether that means taking the shot or making the extra pass. I've charted their offensive sets over the past season, and the progression in their decision-making has been remarkable. They're developing players who can think the game at a high level, which is exactly what separates good teams from great ones.
Defensively, La Salle is building an identity around toughness and communication. They want to be the kind of team that grinds out possessions and makes every basket difficult for their opponents. This defensive mindset often gets overlooked when people talk about building winning programs, but in my experience watching college basketball, the teams that sustain success are always built on defensive principles. La Salle's coaching staff understands this, and they're drilling these habits into their players from day one. The results might not show immediately in the win column, but the foundation they're building will pay dividends in crucial moments—like when Pogoy's defensive efforts created transition opportunities for TNT during their playoff run.
Player development might be the most impressive aspect of what La Salle is building. They've implemented individual development plans for each player, focusing on specific skills that will help them contribute to winning basketball. I've seen players make dramatic improvements in their shooting form, ball handling, and defensive footwork from one season to the next. This commitment to development ensures that the program continues to improve even when they don't land the highest-profile recruits. It's the kind of approach that builds sustainable success rather than relying on occasional breakout seasons.
The community engagement aspect of La Salle's program shouldn't be underestimated either. They're actively building relationships with local schools, youth programs, and alumni. This creates a support system that helps during both the highs and lows of building a program. From what I've observed, this community connection gives players an added sense of purpose beyond just winning games. They're playing for something bigger than themselves, which often brings out that extra gear when games get tight in the fourth quarter.
Looking ahead, I'm genuinely optimistic about what La Salle can achieve in the coming seasons. They're building the right way—focusing on culture, player development, and system implementation rather than quick fixes. The foundation they're laying now will serve them well when they face adversity, much like how TNT's system prepared Pogoy for his playoff heroics. It might take another season or two before we see the full results, but the building blocks are there. In my view, La Salle Basketball is positioning itself to become a consistent contender in the Atlantic 10 and potentially make some noise on the national stage. The future looks bright, and I for one can't wait to see how this story unfolds.