Watching Nic Cabanero’s electrifying run to the Final Four with UST, and his immediate, passionate commitment to run it back, I was struck by something more profound than just a talented player staying put. It crystallized a fundamental truth about modern college basketball, one that the University of San Francisco Dons would be wise to internalize: sustainable success isn't just built on X's and O's; it's forged in the powerful, emotional connection between a program and its players, and by extension, its fans. That decision by Cabanero, shunning outside noise to double down on his team, is the ultimate act of engagement. For USF to craft a truly winning season—one that resonates beyond the win-loss column—they must harness that same energy. From my perspective, blending years of observing program turnarounds with a fan's heart, here are five key strategies that can transform the Dons' trajectory.
First and foremost, the foundation has to be a defensive identity that travels. It’s the non-negotiable. Offense can have off nights; shooting can go cold. But a gritty, communicative, and relentless defensive system is a team’s heartbeat. I’d advocate for a system that prioritizes forcing turnovers—aiming for a tangible goal like 15 per game—and converting those into easy transition points. Think of the chaos created by teams like West Virginia under Bob Huggins in their prime. It’s exhausting to play against and incredibly energizing for the home crowd. When fans see every pass contested and every drive met with a wall, they feed off that effort. It builds a collective identity. This isn’t just about strategy; it’s about selling a brand of basketball that says, “We will outwork you.” Implementing rigorous, consistent defensive drills from day one of practice, making them the core of the team culture, is paramount. I’ve seen too many teams focus on flashy offense only to crumble in conference play when shots aren’t falling. Defense is your constant.
Building on that identity, the second strategy is all about leveraging the unique talent you have, and for USF, that means crafting an offensive system that maximizes guard play and perimeter shooting. Let’s be specific: the Dons should be looking to take a high volume of three-pointers, let’s say 25-30 attempts per game, but with discipline. This requires a point guard who can penetrate and kick, and shooters who are drilled to be ready on the catch. The analytics are clear—the three-point shot is a great equalizer. But here’s my personal take: it’s also the most exciting play in basketball for fans. The anticipation of a shot from deep, the collective intake of breath, and the roar when it swishes—it’s an instant momentum shifter. By committing to this style, USF makes every possession a potential highlight, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. It’s a style that attracts a certain kind of player, too, one who thrives in an up-tempo, space-and-pace environment. It turns the Sobrato Center into a dangerous place for visitors.
Now, strategy three is where we bridge the gap between the court and the stands, taking a page right out of the Cabanero playbook. It’s about fostering profound player continuity and narrative. Fans don’t just cheer for uniforms; they invest in stories. When a key player like Cabanero commits to staying, it creates a multi-year narrative arc that fans can follow. USF must actively work to retain its core talent through NIL opportunities and by selling a compelling vision of growth. But they also need to market those stories. Produce mini-documentaries on players’ journeys. Highlight their academic achievements and community work. Make them relatable. I remember the connection fans had with certain players in the past—it was because we felt we knew them. In today’s transfer portal era, a team that maintains a core for 2-3 seasons gains a massive, intangible advantage in fan loyalty. That loyalty translates directly to louder crowds, better home-court advantage, and a more attractive program for future recruits.
This leads directly to the fourth strategy: revolutionizing the game-day experience. It’s not enough to just open the doors. We have to create an event. This means thinking beyond the 40 minutes of basketball. Pre-game fan festivals with local food trucks and live music, interactive halftime contests that use the jumbotron creatively, and post-game meet-and-greets with players—these are the touches that make a night out memorable. From an SEO and marketing standpoint, you’re creating shareable moments. But on a human level, you’re building community. I’d even suggest a “Dons’ Den” student section with coordinated themes, free t-shirts for the first 500 students, and a dedicated, slightly crazy student leader to orchestrate chants. The energy has to be curated. A quiet arena is a losing arena, regardless of the scoreboard. We need to make attending a USF game the most fun thing to do in the city on a winter night.
Finally, the fifth strategy is embracing digital intimacy. The official social media channels need to be less like a corporate bulletin and more like a behind-the-scenes pass. Give me raw, edited practice footage. Let me hear a timeout huddle. Have players take over the Instagram story for a day. This 24/7 access builds a parasocial relationship that deepens fandom. During games, the social media team should be agile, reacting to big plays with instant highlights and engaging with fans in the comments. It’s about creating a continuous conversation. I’ve followed programs that do this well, and it feels like you’re part of the journey, not just a spectator. For USF, this digital presence is crucial for connecting with alumni spread across the globe and recruiting the next generation of fans who live online.
In conclusion, a winning season for USF basketball is a multifaceted project. It starts with the hard-nosed practicality of a tenacious defense and a smart, perimeter-based offense. But it truly takes flight when those on-court principles are wrapped in the powerful stories of committed players and amplified by a vibrant, community-focused game-day atmosphere and a savvy digital strategy. Nic Cabanero’s decision to run it back with UST is a masterclass in this very synergy. He’s bought into a story, and in doing so, he’s giving fans a reason to buy in, too. If the Dons can execute on these five fronts—building a defensive identity, unleashing a modern offense, cultivating player narratives, curating unforgettable experiences, and mastering digital engagement—they won’t just be building a team capable of a winning record. They’ll be building a movement. And that, in my book, is the ultimate victory.