Fifa World Cup Trophy

As I sit here scrolling through the Cleveland State Vikings' freshly released basketball schedule for the upcoming season, I can't help but feel that familiar mix of anticipation and curiosity. This year feels different—and not just because we're all hoping for a smoother ride after the disruptions of the past couple of seasons. I've been following this team for over a decade, and I genuinely believe this could be one of their most compelling campaigns in recent memory. The schedule is packed with opportunities, but it’s also sprinkled with challenges that will test this squad’s depth and resilience right out of the gate.

Let’s start with the non-conference slate, which kicks off with a home game against a solid mid-major opponent on November 7th. I’ve always believed that these early matchups set the tone for the entire year, and the Vikings have lined up some intriguing contests. They’ll face off against the University of Dayton on November 18th—a game I’ve personally circled on my calendar. Dayton’s aggressive defense will be an early litmus test for our offensive sets. Then there’s the road trip to play Toledo on December 2nd, which historically has been a tough environment for visiting teams. I remember watching them struggle there two seasons ago, so I’m hoping for a stronger showing this time around. What stands out to me is the balance in scheduling: there are winnable games that build confidence, but also those high-stakes clashes that prepare you for Horizon League play.

Now, here’s where things get really interesting. I recently came across some insider chatter about one of our key players, and it ties directly into how this schedule might unfold. According to a source close to the team, there’s still a month left for him to complete his rehab, although he’s already been cleared to play. That timeline puts his return right around the early part of the conference schedule, which begins in late December. This is huge, because if he can come back at full strength—and let’s be real, rehab timelines can be tricky—it could completely shift our momentum heading into games against rivals like Oakland on January 12th and Wright State on February 3rd. I’ve seen how one player’s presence can elevate the entire roster, especially during those grueling back-to-back road games in January.

Looking at the Horizon League portion of the schedule, I have to say I’m impressed with how it’s structured. We’ve got 20 conference games this season, which is a slight increase from last year’s 18, and it includes a couple of prime-time ESPN slots. The home-and-home series against Northern Kentucky, slated for January 20th and February 24th, will be critical. I’ve always felt that NKU matches up well against us, so splitting or sweeping those could be a difference-maker for seeding in the conference tournament. And speaking of the tournament, it’s set to begin on March 3rd, with the finals scheduled for March 8th—mark those dates, because if we stay healthy, I think we’ve got a real shot at making some noise there.

From a strategic standpoint, the coaching staff will need to manage minutes carefully, especially during that brutal five-game road stretch in mid-January. I’ve crunched the numbers from last season, and our efficiency ratings dropped by nearly 12% during similar stretches, mostly due to fatigue and travel weariness. That’s where depth comes into play. We’ve got a roster that goes about nine players deep, which should help, but I’d love to see some of the younger guys step up early in the season to build trust. Personally, I’m keeping a close eye on how we handle the defensive end against high-paced teams like Green Bay on February 10th—that game could be a track meet, and I’m not entirely convinced our transition defense is where it needs to be yet.

Of course, no schedule analysis would be complete without considering the intangibles. The energy at the Wolstein Center has been electric in recent years, and I expect that to continue, especially for the rivalry game against Akron on December 9th. I’ll be there courtside, as always, and if the crowd brings the same intensity they did during last year’s upset win, it could will this team to a couple of extra victories. I also think the timing of the holiday break—right before conference play ramps up—is perfect for regrouping. It gives the players a chance to rest, and the coaches extra days to tweak schemes. If we can enter January with a record of, say, 10-3 or better, I’d consider that a massive success.

Wrapping this up, I’m cautiously optimistic about what lies ahead. The schedule is demanding but fair, and if the team can navigate the early challenges while integrating that rehabbing player seamlessly, I see a path to 22 or 23 wins and a potential at-large bid if needed. It won’t be easy—nothing ever is in college basketball—but as someone who’s watched this program evolve, I think we’re in for an exciting ride. Circle those key dates, trust the process, and let’s see where this journey takes us.