I remember watching Howard University's basketball team last season and thinking—this is a program on the rise. From their 0-9 start to that gritty "NSD" spirit they kept showing, you could tell something special was brewing. Now, as they head into NCAA competition, that same tenacity needs to be front and center, especially with such a young roster. It’s not just about talent; it’s about mindset. And that’s exactly what’s going to define their journey in the MEAC Conference this year. Let me walk you through what I believe are the five key strategies that can help Howard dominate—not just compete—in one of the most challenging collegiate basketball landscapes.
First off, let’s talk about defensive intensity. I’ve always been a firm believer that defense wins championships, and in Howard’s case, it’s non-negotiable. Last season, they allowed an average of 74.3 points per game, which, frankly, isn’t going to cut it if they want to top the MEAC. They need to adopt a full-court press more consistently—not just in spurts—and focus on forcing turnovers. I’d love to see them aim for at least 12 steals per game; it’s aggressive, but doable with their athletic backcourt. And it’s not just about stats; it’s about setting a tone early. When you watch teams like Norfolk State, you see how they disrupt offenses from the tip-off, and that’s the energy Howard has to bring every single night.
Next up, offensive versatility. Howard’s offense has shown flashes of brilliance, but it’s been too reliant on isolation plays. In my view, they need to incorporate more motion and ball movement—something like the Princeton offense, which emphasizes cutting and spacing. Last year, their assist-to-turnover ratio hovered around 1.1, and if they can push that to 1.5 or higher, I guarantee you’ll see a jump in scoring efficiency. And let’s not forget three-point shooting: they shot just 32% from beyond the arc, which is decent but not dominant. With a young team, there’s room to develop shooters who can stretch the floor, and I’d prioritize recruiting or training at least two players who can consistently hit 38-40% from deep.
Then there’s the mental game—the "NSD" spirit their coach alluded to. I love that phrase because it captures something intangible: resilience. In close games last season, Howard often faltered down the stretch, losing by an average margin of 5.2 points in contests decided by single digits. That’s where leadership comes in. They need a vocal floor general, someone who can steady the ship when things get chaotic. From my experience covering college hoops, teams with strong senior leadership—even if they’re not the top scorers—tend to overperform in conference play. Howard should lean into that, maybe by designating a "clutch unit" for end-game scenarios.
Player development is another area where Howard can gain an edge. With a roster that’s relatively young—I’d estimate around 60% are underclassmen—there’s huge potential for growth. I’d focus on individual skill work, especially for big men. For instance, if their centers can improve free-throw shooting from, say, 65% to 75%, that alone could swing a couple of close games. And let’s be real: the MEAC is physical, so developing strength and conditioning is key. I’d advocate for adding a dedicated sports psychologist to the staff too; mental toughness is just as important as physical prowess, and it’s often overlooked.
Finally, strategic scheduling and scouting. Howard’s non-conference slate last year was tough, which I respect, but it didn’t always prepare them for MEAC foes. I’d mix in more games against teams that mirror the conference’s style—aggressive, half-court oriented squads. And when it comes to scouting, they need to exploit opponents’ weaknesses more effectively. For example, if a rival team turns the ball over 15 times a game, Howard should game-plan to push that to 20. It’s about playing smart, not just hard. I’ve seen too many teams waste opportunities by not tailoring their approach to each matchup.
Wrapping this up, I’m genuinely excited about Howard’s potential. That "NSD" spirit—never-say-die, in my interpretation—is the X-factor. If they can lock in on defense, diversify their offense, build mental resilience, invest in player growth, and outsmart opponents, I’m confident they’ll not only compete but dominate the MEAC. It won’t happen overnight, but with the right focus, I’d predict they could improve their conference record by at least 3-4 wins this season. And for a program with such a rich history, that would be a step toward reclaiming their place among the elites.
