As I look at Drexel’s basketball roster this season, I can’t help but feel a genuine sense of anticipation. The program has been quietly assembling a group that could genuinely turn heads in the coming months. With the recent addition of another Knight—Converge’s latest acquisition—plus the presence of Pao Javillonar, Kobe Monje, King Caralipio, and Kevin Racal already confirmed, there’s a tangible feeling that this could be the year Drexel builds something special. I’ve followed college basketball long enough to know when a team is on the verge of breaking through, and this lineup has the kind of balance and depth that often precedes a winning season.
Let’s start with the newcomers. Pao Javillonar, for instance, brings a level of defensive intensity that’s hard to come by. I’ve watched clips of his play overseas, and his shot-blocking instincts are just outstanding—he averaged something like 2.3 blocks per game in his last full season, which would immediately shore up Drexel’s interior defense. Pair that with Kobe Monje’s scoring versatility—Monje can create his own shot from mid-range and has improved his three-point accuracy to around 38%—and you’ve got two players who can impact the game on both ends. King Caralipio, meanwhile, is the kind of playmaker who makes everyone around him better. His assist-to-turnover ratio last year was roughly 2.5, and in my view, that kind of steady ball-handling is exactly what Drexel needs to close out tight games.
Then there’s Kevin Racal, a veteran presence who’s been through the battles. Racal’s experience—I’d estimate he’s played over 150 professional games—brings a calmness and leadership that younger squads often lack. I’ve always believed that a successful program isn’t just about stacking talent; it’s about blending youth with experience, and Racal fits that role perfectly. And with the new Knight from Converge—though we don’t have all the stats yet—early reports suggest he’s an explosive wing who can guard multiple positions. If I had to guess, I’d say his addition alone could boost Drexel’s defensive efficiency by at least 5-7%, which is no small margin in college basketball.
But talent alone doesn’t build a winning program—it’s how you put it all together. From what I’ve seen, Drexel’s coaching staff seems focused on creating a system that emphasizes ball movement and defensive communication. Last season, the team averaged around 14 assists per game, but with Caralipio and Monje in the backcourt, I wouldn’t be surprised if that number jumps to 18 or more. And defensively, with Javillonar protecting the rim and Racal’s high-IQ rotations, this group could hold opponents under 70 points per game, something Drexel hasn’t done consistently in years.
Of course, there are challenges. Chemistry takes time, and integrating so many new pieces—especially with the Converge Knight joining late—might lead to some early-season bumps. I remember a similar situation a few years back with another mid-major program; they started 4-6 before everything clicked and they finished with 22 wins. I think Drexel could follow a comparable trajectory if they stay patient and trust the process. Another concern is three-point shooting: outside of Monje, the roster doesn’t have a ton of proven snipers. If I were on the coaching staff, I’d be running extra shooting drills every day, because in today’s game, you simply can’t win without spacing.
What excites me most, though, is the potential for this team to overachieve. I’ve always had a soft spot for underdog stories, and Drexel has all the ingredients—emerging talent, experienced leaders, and what appears to be a unified vision. If they can stay healthy—and let’s be honest, avoiding major injuries is half the battle—I can see them winning 20-plus games and making a real run in the conference tournament. It might sound optimistic, but I’ve learned that in college hoops, belief often precedes breakthrough.
Looking ahead, the key will be how quickly the players build trust on and off the court. I’d recommend scheduling extra team-bonding activities and maybe even bringing in a sports psychologist—small investments that can pay huge dividends. In my experience, the teams that gel off the court communicate better on it, especially in crunch time. Drexel’s non-conference schedule will be telling; if they can notch a couple of statement wins early, that could set the tone for the entire season.
In the end, building a winning program isn’t just about X’s and O’s—it’s about culture, resilience, and a little bit of luck. With the pieces now in place, I truly believe Drexel basketball is on the cusp of something memorable. It won’t happen overnight, but if the coaching staff maximizes this roster’s strengths and the players buy into their roles, we could be talking about this season as the start of a new era. And as a longtime observer, that’s a prospect I find incredibly exciting.
