I remember sitting in Tom Gola Arena back in 2016, watching La Salle struggle through another disappointing season where they finished 10-21 overall and 4-14 in conference play. The program felt light years away from competing with Atlantic 10 powerhouses like VCU and Dayton. Fast forward to today, and the transformation has been nothing short of remarkable - this season we're looking at a team that's gone 22-8 with a 14-4 conference record, positioning themselves as genuine contenders for the A-10 championship. What's fascinating about La Salle's rise is how it mirrors the development philosophy we're seeing in other sports contexts, particularly the volleyball scene in the Philippines that Palou described. His comments about creating platforms to support regional development and provide more opportunities for players to shine perfectly encapsulate what La Salle has been building over these past seven years.
When I first started covering La Salle basketball regularly in 2018, the program was investing in what seemed like unproven talent - local Philadelphia players who other major programs had overlooked. Coach Ashley Howard, who took over in 2018, made it his mission to build what he called "a pipeline of development rather than a revolving door of transfers." This approach reminded me exactly of what Palou was talking about with the V-League Visayas supporting CESAFI tournaments - creating ecosystems where talent can grow organically rather than just importing finished products. La Salle began focusing on player development in a way I hadn't seen since the John Giannini era, implementing what insiders called the "Explorer Development Program" that included specialized coaching staff, nutrition plans, and mental performance training.
The real turning point came in 2021 when La Salle landed what I consider their program-changing recruiting class. They secured commitments from three-star prospects Jhamir Brickus and Khalil Brantley, who've since developed into all-conference caliber players. What impressed me most wasn't just their talent but how the coaching staff created what they called "position-specific development tracks" for each player. Brickus, for instance, increased his scoring average from 8.7 points per game as a freshman to 16.3 as a junior while improving his three-point percentage from 31% to 42% - remarkable development that speaks to the quality of coaching he's received. This kind of tailored development reminds me of how specialized volleyball training in Cebu has produced so many national team players despite coming from a relatively small region.
I've had the opportunity to speak with several La Salle players over the years, and what strikes me is how they describe the program's culture. Senior forward Mamadou Doucoure told me last month, "Here, it's not about quick fixes. The coaches invest in us as people first, basketball players second." This philosophy has created remarkable continuity - while other A-10 programs might have 6-7 transfers each offseason, La Salle has averaged just 2.3 transfers per year since 2020, creating stability that's been crucial for their rise. Their offensive efficiency rating has improved from 98.7 in 2019 to 112.4 this season, while defensive efficiency jumped from 104.5 to 96.2 over the same period. These aren't accidental improvements - they're the result of systematic development and cultural building.
The financial commitment from the university has been substantial too. From what I've gathered through sources, La Salle increased their basketball operating budget by approximately 42% between 2018 and 2023, allowing for facility upgrades, additional staff positions, and better recruiting resources. They've invested particularly heavily in analytics - hiring two full-time data analysts who provide players with customized reports on their performance. When I visited their practice facility last fall, I was impressed by the technology integration, from wearable tracking devices to video analysis systems that would make some NBA teams envious. This infrastructure investment creates the kind of platform Palou described - one that supports growth and provides opportunities for players to develop beyond what traditional programs offer.
What I find most compelling about La Salle's approach is how they've balanced modern analytics with old-school relationship building. Director of Basketball Operations Donnie Carr explained to me, "We use data to inform our decisions, but we never forget that we're developing young men, not just basketball assets." This human-centered approach has created remarkable buy-in from players, who consistently speak about the family atmosphere within the program. I've noticed during games how connected the players are on the court - their assist percentage of 58.7% leads the A-10, indicating unselfish play that stems from genuine camaraderie.
Looking at their trajectory, I'm convinced La Salle has built something sustainable rather than just enjoying a flash-in-the-pan season. Their recruiting classes have steadily improved from ranking 12th in the A-10 in 2019 to 4th this year, according to 247Sports' composite rankings. More importantly, they're developing players at a rate that suggests their success isn't dependent on landing five-star prospects. Take sophomore Anwar Gill, for instance - he's increased his scoring average from 4.2 to 11.8 points per game while dramatically improving his decision-making, cutting his turnover rate from 25.3% to 16.1%. This development trajectory reminds me of how Cebu's volleyball system consistently produces national team players not because they start as superstars, but because the development environment maximizes their potential.
As La Salle heads into the A-10 tournament as the #2 seed, I believe they've established a blueprint for how mid-major programs can build sustainably. Their focus on development over quick fixes, investment in infrastructure, and culture-first approach has created the foundation for lasting success. Having watched this program transform from conference afterthought to legitimate contender, I'm excited to see how their model influences other programs looking to build rather than buy success. The truth is, in modern college basketball, too many programs chase instant gratification through the transfer portal, but La Salle's patience and process-oriented approach demonstrates there's another path to contention - one that might just lead them to their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2013.