As I sit here watching the NCAA preseason unfold, I can't help but wonder about Arkansas Pine Bluff's basketball program and whether this might finally be the season they return to their former glory. Having followed college basketball for over two decades, I've seen programs rise and fall, but there's something particularly compelling about UAPB's situation that keeps drawing me back to their story. The Golden Lions haven't had a winning season since 2013-14 when they finished 16-14, and frankly, that's too long for a program with their history.
Looking at their current roster and coaching staff, I'm noticing some promising signs that suggest this could be their turnaround year. Coach Solomon Bozeman enters his third season with what appears to be his most balanced team yet, featuring a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers. What really catches my eye is their improved recruiting class – they've landed three players from the JUCO ranks who averaged double figures last season, including point guard Jordan Johnson who put up 18.3 points per game at Northwest Florida State. These aren't just numbers on paper; I've watched tape on this kid, and his court vision reminds me of some of the better point guards UAPB had during their competitive years.
The parallel that keeps coming to mind involves something I observed in collegiate volleyball recently. I remember following National University's women's volleyball team in the Philippines as they pursued their three-peat, much like Lamina's current quest with the Lady Bulldogs. That kind of sustained success requires not just talent but institutional memory – players who understand what it takes to win championships passing that knowledge to newcomers. Watching Lamina prepare for her final season, aiming to join UAAP volleyball elites like La Salle, FEU, and UST in completing a hattrick of titles, demonstrates how crucial veteran leadership is to building a winning culture. For UAPB basketball, they need to develop that same championship mentality, though they're starting from a much different place – not maintaining dominance but rebuilding it.
From my perspective, the SWAC conference appears more open this year than it has been in recent memory. Texas Southern, who've dominated the conference with five tournament championships since 2014, lost their top two scorers to graduation. Southern University returns a strong core but has question marks at point guard. This creates a window of opportunity that UAPB must capitalize on. I've always believed that timing matters as much as talent in college sports, and the timing might just be right for the Golden Lions.
Their non-conference schedule looks challenging but manageable, with games against Power Five opponents that should prepare them for conference play without completely demoralizing the team. Last year, they suffered several blowout losses early that seemed to affect their confidence throughout the SWAC schedule. This year's slate appears more thoughtfully constructed, with winnable games mixed in with the money games that fund the athletic department. Having spoken with Coach Bozeman at a coaching clinic last spring, I got the sense he understands the importance of building momentum early.
The facilities upgrades I've heard about should help recruiting long-term, but what matters right now is player development. I'm particularly interested in seeing how Kshun Stokes progresses after his promising freshman campaign where he averaged 9.7 points. If he can make the sophomore leap that so many players do, that could be the difference between another losing season and a .500 record. I'm also keeping an eye on their three-point shooting – they ranked near the bottom of Division I last season at 31.2%, a number that must improve if they want to compete for a conference title.
When I compare UAPB's situation to other turnaround stories I've followed, the common denominator is always culture change. The great John Chaney once told me that rebuilding programs isn't about X's and O's as much as it is about establishing expectations. Players need to believe they can win before they actually start winning consistently. That mental shift often precedes the results on the scoreboard. From what I'm hearing from people close to the program, the mindset in the locker room has improved significantly, with players putting in extra work without being asked.
Financial constraints remain a challenge, as UAPB doesn't have the resources of some other Division I programs. But I've seen what creative coaching and player development can accomplish despite budget limitations. The key is identifying undervalued recruits and developing them into system players. Coach Bozeman's NBA background should help here – players recognize he knows what it takes to reach the next level, which can be a powerful recruiting tool.
As the season approaches, I'm cautiously optimistic about UAPB's chances. Not for a SWAC championship necessarily, but for meaningful progress. If they can finish above .500 in conference play and secure a top-four seed in the tournament, that would represent significant improvement and build momentum for future seasons. The foundation appears to be there – now it's about translating potential into wins. When I think about programs that have successfully reclaimed their winning traditions, the common thread is patience combined with strategic vision. UAPB seems to have both at the moment, which is why I'll be following their season with particular interest. The journey back to relevance is rarely linear, but for Arkansas Pine Bluff basketball, the pieces might finally be falling into place.
