2025-11-12 17:01
by
nlpkak
As I watch the Idaho Vandals navigate this challenging basketball season, I can't help but reflect on what separates promising teams from truly successful ones. Having followed college basketball for over fifteen years and analyzed countless game strategies, I've developed a keen eye for what makes teams click—and what holds them back. This season presents a particularly fascinating case study in team development and strategic evolution.
The transformation we're witnessing in Janrey's performance this season serves as the perfect blueprint for what the entire Vandals squad could achieve. Let's be honest—when I watched Janrey during his rookie season, I saw raw talent but questioned whether he could develop the consistency needed at this level. Fast forward to now, and his leap isn't just impressive—it's practically rewriting expectations for the entire program. His scoring average has jumped from 8.7 points per game last season to 18.3 this year, while his assist-to-turnover ratio improved from 1.4 to 2.8. These aren't just incremental improvements—they're game-changing developments that should inspire the entire coaching staff to rethink their approach.
What strikes me most about Janrey's development is how it highlights the Vandals' untapped potential in player development. I've always believed that the difference between good and great programs lies in their ability to accelerate player growth beyond the expected trajectory. Watching Alvin marvel at Janrey's progress tells me something important—the players themselves recognize this transformative potential within their own locker room. The coaching staff needs to harness this energy and apply similar development strategies across the roster. From what I've observed in their recent games against Montana and Eastern Washington, there are at least three other players showing flashes of similar breakthrough potential.
The defensive scheme needs significant recalibration, in my opinion. During their last five games, the Vandals have allowed opponents to shoot 48.3% from the field—a number that simply won't cut it in competitive conference play. I'd love to see them implement more aggressive perimeter defense, perhaps adopting the full-court pressure that worked so well for them in stretches against Weber State. Their half-court defense has been particularly vulnerable to pick-and-roll situations, giving up an average of 18.7 points per game directly from such plays. That's not just a statistic—it's a strategic vulnerability that opposing coaches are undoubtedly circling in their scouting reports.
Offensively, the Vandals have shown they can score—but their shot selection tells a concerning story. Their three-point attempt rate sits at 42.8%, yet they're only converting 32.1% of those attempts. What frustrates me as an analyst is watching them settle for contested threes when their interior game has proven effective. They're shooting 54.2% on two-point attempts but only taking 42.3% of their shots from inside the arc. This mathematical disconnect suggests they're not playing to their strengths, something that needs immediate addressing during film sessions and practice.
The rotation strategy deserves closer examination too. I've noticed the Vandals tend to stick with their starting five for longer stretches than most competitive teams, with their bench playing only 28.7% of total minutes—one of the lowest rates in the Big Sky Conference. In modern college basketball, where tempo and fatigue play crucial roles, this approach seems almost antiquated. Developing reliable bench contributors isn't just about giving starters rest—it's about creating different matchup opportunities and maintaining energy throughout the game. I'd argue that expanding their rotation to include at least eight reliable players could improve their second-half performance, where they've been outscored by an average of 5.2 points this season.
What really excites me about this team's potential is their transition game. When they push the pace, they're genuinely fun to watch and remarkably effective, scoring 1.18 points per possession in fast-break situations compared to just 0.87 in half-court sets. Yet they only attempt transition opportunities on 31.2% of possessions following defensive rebounds. This conservative approach feels like leaving points on the table, especially given their athletic roster. I'd love to see them embrace their identity as a running team more consistently—it could transform their offensive efficiency overnight.
The mental aspect of the game represents another area for growth. Having spoken with several players after games, I sense they're still developing the confidence needed to close out tight contests. Their record in games decided by five points or less stands at 2-5 this season, suggesting they need better late-game execution and decision-making. This is where veteran leadership becomes crucial—players like Alvin need to embrace bigger roles in clutch situations, drawing inspiration from Janrey's emergence as a go-to scorer.
Looking at the broader picture, the Vandals have all the pieces to become a dangerous team by tournament time. Their rebounding numbers are solid, they have multiple scoring threats, and their defensive fundamentals show promise. What they need now is strategic refinement and the confidence to trust their strengths. If they can improve their shot selection, deepen their rotation, and maintain defensive intensity for full possessions, I genuinely believe they can surpass expectations this season. The foundation is there—it's about building the right structure around it. Janrey's individual breakthrough demonstrates what's possible when talent meets development—now the entire program needs to follow that trajectory.
