I remember watching Nevada basketball during their memorable 2018 Sweet Sixteen run, and something about that team's chemistry reminded me of what BVS described about his volleyball experience. "Playing club volleyball in the States, that's how I met her. We ended up doing a stint thing in our senior year. We got invited to play in some games from around the country, so everyone got to play in like this fun game." That sense of organic connection and shared experience is exactly what Nevada needs to recapture this season if they want to build a legitimate championship contender.
Looking at Nevada's current roster construction, I'm particularly excited about the potential of their backcourt. Having followed Mountain West basketball for over a decade, I can confidently say this might be the most talented guard rotation Steve Alford has ever assembled here. The addition of transfer guard Kenan Blackshear from Florida Atlantic gives them exactly what they've been missing - a true floor general who can control tempo and make everyone around him better. Last season, Nevada ranked 7th in the Mountain West in assists per game at just 12.3, but with Blackshear running the point, I'm projecting they'll jump to at least 15 assists per game this year. That kind of ball movement transforms an offense from predictable to dynamic.
What really excites me about this team, though, is how they're building chemistry through non-traditional methods. Much like BVS described those national volleyball games creating organic connections, Nevada has been participating in secret scrimmages against Pac-12 opponents and even took an international trip to play exhibition games in Italy during the offseason. These experiences create the kind of bonds that statistics can't measure. I've seen teams with slightly less talent outperform expectations because they genuinely enjoy playing together, and this Nevada squad gives me those same vibes. Their social media shows players spending time together off the court, which might seem trivial but actually matters more than people realize.
The frontcourt situation deserves special attention because this is where Nevada can separate themselves from other Mountain West contenders. Will Baker's decision to return for his senior year was huge - the 7-footer averaged 15.2 points and 6.8 rebounds last season, but what impressed me most was his improved footwork in the post. He's developed a reliable hook shot with both hands, something you rarely see in college big men these days. Combine that with Tre Coleman's defensive versatility - he guarded positions 1 through 4 last season - and you have the makings of a formidable interior presence. If freshman phenom Darrion Williams can contribute immediately, which I believe he will, this frontcourt could be top-3 in the conference.
Defensively, Nevada needs to improve their perimeter defense significantly. Last season, they allowed opponents to shoot 35.8% from three-point range, which ranked 9th in the Mountain West. That's simply not good enough for a championship-level team. Assistant coach Kwanza Johnson told me they've been implementing more aggressive hedging schemes in practice, but the real key will be how quickly the new transfers adapt to Nevada's defensive principles. In today's college basketball, you can't win championships without multiple versatile defenders who can switch everything.
The schedule sets up beautifully for Nevada to build momentum early. Their non-conference slate includes winnable games against Power 5 opponents like Oregon and Washington, plus what should be confidence-building contests against regional rivals. I'm particularly looking forward to the December 10th matchup against Grand Canyon - that game will tell us a lot about Nevada's tournament readiness. If they can enter Mountain West play with only 2-3 losses, they'll be positioned perfectly for a top-3 conference finish and potentially multiple NCAA tournament wins.
What often gets overlooked in championship building is the role of player development beyond the stars. Nevada's strength and conditioning program, led by Matt Durand, has produced remarkable results with under-the-radar players. Look at Jarod Lucas' transformation since arriving from Oregon State - he's added 12 pounds of muscle while maintaining his shooting touch. Those marginal gains across the roster add up to significant advantages during conference play. I've always believed championship teams are built in the weight room as much as on the practice court.
The Mountain West looks stronger than ever this season, with San Diego State returning most of their Final Four roster and New Mexico adding several impact transfers. But something feels different about this Nevada team. They have the right mix of veteran leadership and young talent, the coaching staff has now had multiple years to implement their system, and the chemistry appears genuine rather than forced. Much like BVS described those volleyball games creating lasting bonds through shared competitive experiences, Nevada's players seem to have developed that same organic connection. If they can stay healthy and continue developing at their current rate, I genuinely believe this team can not only make the NCAA tournament but potentially make some noise once they get there. The pieces are there for something special in Reno this season.