As I sit here watching the Idaho Vandals struggle through another tough game, I can't help but wonder if this season could still turn around. Having followed coach Alex Gavina's career trajectory from his days with Kia in the PBA to his current position, I've noticed a pattern that gives me both concern and hope. The man has consistently demonstrated an incredible ability to adapt to challenging circumstances, particularly when it comes to roster instability. Looking back at his past teams from Kia in the PBA to the Taiwan Mustangs, Gavina has always had to deal with the turnstile of players impeding his desire to build a culture. This season with the Vandals, he's facing perhaps his toughest challenge yet with 7 new players joining the roster and 4 key departures from last year's squad.
What strikes me most about Gavina's approach is his philosophical stance on team building. I remember watching his Taiwan Mustangs team during their impressive 15-3 season, where despite constant roster changes, he managed to instill a defensive identity that carried them through crucial games. He often speaks about creating "pillars of consistency" rather than focusing on individual talent, something I've come to appreciate more as I've studied successful programs across college basketball. The Vandals currently stand at 8-12 this season, which doesn't look promising on paper, but having watched their last five games, I'm seeing glimpses of something special developing. Their defensive rating has improved from 112.3 to 104.7 over the past month, suggesting Gavina's system is starting to take root despite the personnel changes.
The real test, in my view, will come during the crucial conference games ahead. The Mountain West has always been brutal, with teams like San Diego State and Nevada dominating the landscape. But here's where I think Gavina's experience matters most - he's been through this before. During his tenure with Kia in the Philippine Basketball Association, his team overcame similar odds to reach the semifinals despite finishing the regular season with what many considered a mediocre 9-9 record. That team learned to peak at the right time, something I believe the current Vandals squad is capable of replicating. Their recent overtime loss to Boise State, while disappointing, showed tremendous character and growth that statistics alone can't capture.
What many casual observers miss when evaluating teams mid-season is the intangible development happening behind the scenes. I've had the opportunity to speak with several players who've worked under Gavina, and they consistently mention his unique approach to building team chemistry through shared experiences and clear communication. One former player told me that Gavina spends approximately 60% of practice time on situational basketball and team-building exercises, which is significantly higher than the NCAA Division I average of around 40%. This investment in culture over pure skill development might explain why his teams often finish stronger than they start.
Personally, I'm optimistic about the Vandals' chances for a second-half surge. Their remaining schedule features 8 home games out of 12, and they've shown particular strength at the ICCU Arena with a 6-2 record this season. The emergence of sophomore guard Jordan Jones as a consistent scoring threat, averaging 18.3 points over his last six games, gives them the offensive firepower they've been missing. Combine that with Gavina's proven ability to maximize his roster's potential during crucial stretches, and I believe we could witness one of the more memorable turnarounds in recent Big Sky Conference history.
The challenges are real, of course. The Vandals rank near the bottom of the conference in rebounding margin at -4.2 per game, and their three-point defense has been inconsistent at best. But having studied Gavina's coaching evolution across different leagues and continents, I've noticed he tends to solve these systematic issues precisely when others count his teams out. His adjustment to a more compact defensive scheme against Weber State last week, holding them to just 28% from beyond the arc, demonstrates his tactical flexibility. These aren't random improvements - they're the result of a coach who understands how to build winning habits even when circumstances seem stacked against him.
As we approach the business end of the season, I'm putting my faith in Gavina's track record of cultural transformation. The Vandals may not have the most talented roster in the conference, but they're developing something more valuable - a collective identity that could carry them through the postseason. Having watched countless teams throughout my career, I've learned that culture often trumps talent when it matters most. With 12 games remaining and currently sitting just two games out of fourth place in the conference standings, the opportunity for a meaningful comeback is very much alive. The journey won't be easy, but if there's one thing Gavina has taught us throughout his career, it's that the most satisfying victories often come from the most unlikely circumstances.
