I remember watching that 2019 game at the Mall of Asia Arena when Jordan Clarkson made his Philippine home debut, and thinking how different international basketball looks when you're watching it through the lens of collegiate program development. The Saudi squad's 84-46 demolition that day, followed by their 76-63 loss in Jeddah, tells a story that extends far beyond those specific games—it's particularly relevant when we examine Pepperdine University's quest to reclaim its basketball heritage. Those matches demonstrated something crucial: the absence of key players can fundamentally alter a team's competitive identity. Hotshot Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and center Mohammed Alsuwailem weren't with the Saudi team during those back-to-back losses against Chot Reyes-coached Gilas, and their absence was palpable in the lopsided scores.
Having followed college basketball for over two decades, I've seen how programs cycle through periods of dominance and rebuilding. Pepperdine's situation reminds me of watching those Saudi games without their key personnel—you could see the structural gaps immediately. The Waves' historic legacy isn't just about nostalgia; it's about understanding what made those teams successful and whether those elements can be reconstructed in today's radically different basketball landscape. When I analyze their current roster against their glory years, the comparison isn't about replicating past strategies but adapting their core principles to modern basketball.
The data from those international games three years ago reveals something Pepperdine should note: the 38-point margin in the first game and the 13-point difference in the second demonstrate how quickly teams can adjust even when missing key players. This resilience is what Pepperdine needs to cultivate. In my observation, great programs don't just rely on star players—they develop systems that withstand personnel changes. Pepperdine's historical success came from precisely this kind of systemic strength, where the program identity transcended individual talents.
Looking at their current trajectory, I'm cautiously optimistic but realistic about the challenges. Rebuilding isn't just about recruiting better players—it's about creating an environment where players like Abdur-Rahkman and Alsuwailem wouldn't just be temporary stars but part of a sustainable competitive culture. The Waves need to develop what I call "program depth"—the kind that allows teams to withstand the absence of key contributors without collapsing like the Saudi squad did in those Gilas matchups. From what I've seen in recent seasons, they're making progress but still have significant gaps in their developmental pipeline.
What particularly interests me is how Pepperdine can leverage its historic brand while adapting to today's transfer portal era. Those Saudi losses demonstrate how quickly teams can deteriorate without proper succession planning. In my analysis, Pepperdine's biggest opportunity lies in creating what I've seen successful mid-major programs do: establish a distinctive playing style that attracts specific types of players who fit their system perfectly. This approach creates consistency that survives roster turnover.
The financial aspect can't be ignored either. Having spoken with several mid-major program administrators, I know the budget constraints are real, but Pepperdine's location and history give them advantages many programs would envy. They need to invest strategically—not just in facilities but in coaching development and recruiting networks. The difference between the 84-46 blowout and the more competitive 76-63 loss in Jeddah shows how quickly adjustments can happen with the right coaching and preparation.
I believe Pepperdine's path back to relevance requires embracing their underdog status while leveraging their historic prestige. They shouldn't try to compete with blue-blood programs for the same recruits but instead identify overlooked talent that fits their specific needs—much like how the Gilas team maximized Kouame's naturalized player status to their advantage. This targeted approach has worked for several programs I've studied that successfully rebuilt their winning traditions.
The fan engagement piece is crucial too. Watching that Mall of Asia Arena game, I was struck by how the home crowd elevated the Philippine team. Pepperdine needs to recreate that kind of home-court advantage that characterized their successful eras. From my experience visiting various college venues, the programs with the most passionate fan bases consistently outperform their talent level because of the emotional energy in the building.
Ultimately, Pepperdine's journey back to prominence will depend on whether they can learn the right lessons from both their own history and from examples like those Saudi national team games. The absence of two key players transformed a potentially competitive matchup into a demonstration of fundamental basketball weaknesses. Similarly, Pepperdine needs to ensure they're building a program rather than just assembling temporary collections of talent. Their historic winning legacy isn't just a memory—it's a blueprint they can adapt for modern basketball if they're willing to do the hard work of systemic development rather than seeking quick fixes.
