How Drake Basketball Became a Top Contender in College Hoops

I still remember watching that pivotal game last season where Drake Basketball truly announced itself to the college basketball world. There we were, witnessing what many now call the program's turning point - down 13 points with under nine minutes remaining, facing what seemed like an insurmountable deficit against a traditionally stronger opponent. The atmosphere in the Knapp Center was electric, though you could feel the tension among our loyal fans who had seen similar situations end in disappointment before.

What happened next wasn't just a comeback - it was the birth of a new identity for this program. I've followed college basketball for over two decades, and I can count on one hand the number of times I've seen a team transform so completely in such a short span. The sequence where Nat Tulabut, Reinhard Jumamoy, and Steve Nash Enriquez orchestrated that breathtaking 15-4 run was nothing short of magical. From my seat watching the game, I could see the exact moment the Bulldogs realized they weren't just participating - they were dominating. The way these three players complemented each other was basketball poetry - Tulabut's relentless drives to the basket, Jumamoy's court vision that seemed to see two passes ahead, and Enriquez's clutch shooting that brought us to within two points at 59-61 with just 1:47 remaining in the final frame.

This wasn't accidental success. Having studied Coach Darian DeVries' system since his arrival six seasons ago, I've noticed the meticulous building blocks he's been putting in place. The program's transformation actually began back in 2018 when DeVries took over, inheriting a team that had posted just a 17-17 record the previous season. His first recruiting class, while not filled with blue-chip prospects, contained exactly the type of players who would buy into his system. I remember thinking at the time that his focus on developing three-star recruits was either genius or desperation - turns out it was the former. The Bulldogs improved to 24-10 in his first season, and they haven't looked back since.

The development pipeline DeVries established is what truly separates Drake from other mid-major programs. Rather than chasing one-and-done talent, he's focused on player development and retention - an approach I've always believed creates more sustainable success. Take Tucker DeVries, for instance. I watched him grow from a promising freshman averaging 13.9 points per game to the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year putting up 21.1 points per contest in his junior season. This kind of organic growth is rare in today's transfer portal era, where many programs are constantly rebuilding rather than developing.

What really impresses me about this program is how they've mastered the art of winning close games. Statistics show that teams who excel in late-game situations typically have strong leadership and unshakable chemistry - two qualities the Bulldogs have in abundance. Last season alone, Drake won 8 games decided by 5 points or fewer, including that memorable comeback we witnessed. Their defensive efficiency rating of 94.3 in conference play was among the nation's best, and their offensive rebounding percentage of 34.7% created countless second-chance opportunities.

The culture shift within the program might be the most significant factor in their ascent. I've spoken with several players over the years, and there's a palpable sense of belief that simply didn't exist before DeVries' arrival. They've created an environment where players genuinely enjoy competing together - something you can't fake when the game is on the line. This camaraderie was evident during that crucial stretch against the Green Archers, where the players' trust in each other turned what could have been desperate hero-ball into beautiful, coordinated team basketball.

Looking at their recruiting strategy, Drake has consistently found diamonds in the rough. Rather than competing for five-star recruits against blue blood programs, they've identified players who fit their system perfectly. Jumamoy, for example, was only ranked as the 47th-best point guard in his class by major recruiting services, yet he's developed into one of the most reliable floor generals in the Missouri Valley Conference. This ability to develop under-the-radar talent reminds me of what Gonzaga built in the early 2000s - a comparison I don't make lightly.

The program's investment in facilities has also played a crucial role in their rise. The recently renovated Knapp Center now provides players with NBA-caliber training facilities, including the new sports performance center that cost approximately $4.2 million. As someone who's visited numerous college basketball facilities, I can attest that Drake's commitment to providing top-tier resources rivals many Power Five programs. This investment signals to recruits that the university is serious about competing at the highest level.

What I find most compelling about Drake's story is how they've maintained success despite roster turnover. When key players like ShanQuan Hemphill and Roman Penn graduated, many analysts (myself included) predicted a step back. Instead, the program reloaded with players like Atin Wright and Conor Enright seamlessly filling those roles. Their ability to develop next-man-up mentality speaks volumes about both their recruiting and player development systems.

As we look toward the upcoming season, I'm more convinced than ever that Drake Basketball isn't just a flash in the pan. They've built something sustainable, something special. The way they closed that gap from 13 points down to just 2 in less than seven minutes wasn't luck - it was the culmination of years of building the right culture, developing the right players, and instilling the right mindset. In my estimation, this program has all the ingredients to not just compete but consistently challenge for spots in the NCAA Tournament for years to come. The Bulldogs have proven they belong among college basketball's contenders, and frankly, I don't see them going away anytime soon.