Walking into the Wolstein Center on a crisp November evening, you can feel it—that electric hum of anticipation mixed with a little bit of Cleveland grit. As someone who’s followed Cleveland State basketball for more than a decade, both as a fan and an analyst, I’ve seen teams with raw talent fizzle out by mid-season, and I’ve seen less flashy squads grind their way to March Madness. What separates them isn’t just skill; it’s strategy. With the Vikings aiming for a winning season and sustainable success, I believe there are five core strategies that can turn potential into results—and frankly, some of these are overlooked, even by seasoned coaches.

Let’s start with something I feel strongly about: defensive discipline. It’s not the most glamorous topic, but in my view, it’s the bedrock of every great Cleveland State team I’ve watched. We’re not just talking about effort here—though that’s part of it—but intelligent positioning, communication, and forcing opponents into low-percentage shots. Last season, the Vikings held rivals to under 42% shooting in games they won, a stat that jumps off the page when you compare it to their losses. If they can consistently apply ball pressure and limit second-chance points, they’ll control the tempo even when the offense isn’t firing. I’ve always believed defense travels well, and in those tough road games, it’s what keeps you in contention.

Now, shifting gears to offense, ball movement is non-negotiable. Watching stagnant offensive sets is frustrating, almost painful. When the ball sticks, the defense settles, and scoring becomes a chore. But when the Vikings move it side to side, drive and kick, and find the open man? That’s when they’re dangerous. In their recent outings, they averaged around 16 assists per game in wins, compared to just 9 in losses. That’s not a coincidence. Personally, I love unselfish basketball—it’s beautiful to watch and brutally effective. And speaking of effectiveness, let’s talk three-point shooting. It’s a weapon, but it has to be smart. Launching contested threes early in the shot clock? I hate that. But when they’re generated from inside-out play or ball rotation, the Vikings have shooters who can bury teams. Last year, they shot 36% from beyond the arc in victories. If they can maintain or improve that, while taking quality attempts, it stretches defenses thin.

Player development is another area close to my heart. I’ve seen too many programs focus only on their starters, but depth wins seasons. Giving rotation players meaningful minutes, especially early in the schedule, builds confidence and adaptability. Take a page from teams like the Fighting Maroons, who I noticed are eyeing a fourth straight win when they take on Far Eastern University later today. Sustained success like that doesn’t happen by accident—it comes from developing the entire roster, so when injuries or foul trouble hit, the next man up is ready. For Cleveland State, investing in younger players during non-conference games could pay huge dividends later. I’d even argue that bench contribution is one of the most underrated factors in mid-major basketball.

Then there’s the mental game. Resilience isn’t just a buzzword; it’s what separates good teams from great ones. How do you bounce back from a tough loss or maintain focus during a winning streak? I’ve spoken with players and coaches over the years, and the ones who succeed often mention routine, leadership, and short memories. Cleveland State has shown flashes—like coming from 12 down to win on the road last season—but making that consistency is the challenge. And let’s not forget game planning. Scouting opponents matters, but so does adjusting in real time. I prefer coaches who aren’t afraid to switch defenses or go small ball to exploit mismatches. In their upcoming matchups, like those against Horizon League rivals, in-game adjustments could be the difference between a comfortable win and a nail-biter.

Wrapping this up, I’m optimistic about Cleveland State’s direction. These strategies—defensive discipline, unselfish offense, player development, mental toughness, and flexible game planning—aren’t revolutionary, but executing them with consistency is. From where I stand, the Vikings have the pieces; it’s about putting them together with purpose. As the season unfolds, I’ll be watching closely, especially how they handle streaks and slumps. Because in the end, winning isn’t just about talent—it’s about the smart, gritty choices that define a team’s identity. And if they embrace that, I think they’ll not only have a winning season but build something lasting.