Can Pepperdine University Basketball Reclaim Its Winning Legacy This Season?

As I sit here watching the Pepperdine Waves prepare for their upcoming season, I can't help but wonder if this might finally be the year they reclaim that winning legacy that once made them such a formidable force in college basketball. Having followed this program for over a decade, I've seen both the glorious highs and the frustrating lows, and I find myself genuinely excited about what this particular squad might accomplish. The journey back to prominence is never easy, but there's something about this team's composition that gives me hope we might be witnessing the beginning of a special turnaround.

The reference to Saudi Arabia's basketball struggles three years ago actually provides an interesting parallel to Pepperdine's situation, though it might not be immediately obvious. When Saudi Arabia lost those back-to-back games against the Chot Reyes-coached Gilas squad – 84-46 at the Mall of Asia Arena and 76-63 in Jeddah – they were missing key players who could have made a significant difference. Hotshot Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and center Mohammed Alsuwailem weren't with the squad during those defeats, and their absence was palpable. I've always believed that having your complete roster available, especially your difference-makers, can transform a team's fortunes dramatically. The 38-point margin in that first game particularly stands out as what happens when you're missing crucial pieces against quality opposition.

Looking at Pepperdine's current roster, I see a team that finally has the pieces to compete at a higher level. Last season's 15-16 record doesn't tell the whole story – there were moments of brilliance that suggested this team was closer to breaking through than many realized. The Waves have added some intriguing transfers while returning experienced players who understand what it takes to win in the West Coast Conference. Having covered this conference for years, I can tell you that the difference between finishing in the top half versus the bottom often comes down to having that one player who can consistently create his own shot or anchor your defense. I'm particularly excited about their new point guard – his ability to control tempo could be exactly what this team needs in close games.

The memory of those Saudi losses reminds me how much basketball has globalized. Jordan Clarkson's first home game with the Philippines during that 84-46 victory and Ange Kouame being paraded as a naturalized player in the 76-63 follow-up demonstrate how international basketball has evolved. Pepperdine itself has benefited from this globalization, with players from various backgrounds bringing different styles and perspectives to the program. This diversity, when properly integrated, can become a significant competitive advantage. I've noticed that teams with international players often develop more creative offensive sets and defensive schemes, which could help Pepperdine surprise some of the more traditional programs in their conference.

What really gives me optimism about Pepperdine's chances this season is their defensive improvement during the offseason. The coaching staff has emphasized building defensive identity, recognizing that while offense sells tickets, defense wins games. In that Saudi defeat, giving up 84 points showed defensive vulnerabilities that Pepperdine seems determined to avoid. From what I've observed in their preseason workouts, there's a renewed commitment to defensive fundamentals that was sometimes lacking in previous seasons. They're communicating better, rotating more effectively, and showing the kind of defensive intensity that can keep them in games even when their shots aren't falling.

The offensive side presents its own interesting possibilities. Pepperdine returns about 72% of their scoring from last season, which provides valuable continuity. Their three-point shooting percentage of 36.4% last year ranked them in the middle of the conference, but I believe they have the potential to climb into the top three this season. They've been working on creating more efficient shot selection, moving away from contested mid-range jumpers in favor of either attacking the rim or kicking out for open threes. This strategic adjustment could pay significant dividends, especially against zone defenses that have given them trouble in the past.

I'm particularly intrigued by their non-conference schedule, which includes several winnable games that could build confidence early. Starting strong matters more than people realize – it creates positive momentum and makes players believe in the system. Those early games will tell us a lot about whether this team has truly turned the corner or if we're looking at another rebuilding year. Personally, I'm betting on the former. There's a different energy around this squad, a quiet confidence that suggests they know they're better than their recent records indicate.

The development of their sophomore class will be crucial to any sustained success. Several second-year players showed flashes of brilliance last season but struggled with consistency, which is typical for young players adjusting to Division I basketball. If two or three of them can make the sophomore leap that we often see in college basketball, Pepperdine could surprise a lot of people. I've got my eye specifically on their 6'8" forward who showed impressive defensive instincts last year – if he's added a reliable fifteen-foot jumper to his game, he could become a real problem for opposing defenses.

As the season approaches, I find myself more optimistic about Pepperdine's prospects than I've been in several years. The pieces seem to fit, the coaching staff appears to have a clearer vision, and the players have bought into what they're building. Reclaiming a winning legacy doesn't happen overnight, but all signs point to this being the season where Pepperdine takes significant steps in that direction. The journey begins soon, and I for one can't wait to see how this story unfolds. There will undoubtedly be challenges and setbacks along the way, but something tells me we'll look back on this season as the turning point, the moment Pepperdine basketball started becoming Pepperdine basketball again.