As I reflect on Delaware State University's 2023 basketball season, I can't help but feel a genuine sense of excitement about what this program has accomplished and where it's headed. Having followed college basketball for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen eye for programs that are building something special, and I'm convinced Delaware State is one of those teams worth watching closely. The Hornets finished the regular season with a respectable 18-12 record, marking their first winning season since 2019, and made a compelling run in the MEAC tournament that had fans like myself on the edge of our seats.

What stood out to me most this season was the team's remarkable offensive transformation. They averaged 74.3 points per game, a significant jump from last season's 65.8, and their field goal percentage climbed to 45.6%. These aren't just abstract numbers—I watched game after game where their ball movement created scoring opportunities that simply weren't there in previous seasons. The chemistry between players was palpable, especially in their February matchup against Norfolk State where they executed a flawless fast break that sealed the victory in the final minutes. That game, in particular, demonstrated how far this team had come in terms of basketball IQ and situational awareness.

The development of individual players has been equally impressive to witness. When I think about the team's core strengths, one name that consistently comes to mind is Adrian Nocum. I remember watching him as a freshman and seeing raw potential, but this season he's transformed into a legitimate leader on the court. His scoring average jumped from 8.7 to 14.2 points per game, but what the stats don't fully capture is his improved decision-making and defensive intensity. In that crucial game against Howard University, I watched him make three consecutive defensive stops that completely shifted the momentum. It's players like Nocum who give this program its identity—tough, disciplined, and constantly improving.

Looking at the broader context of the MEAC conference, Delaware State's performance this season signals a potential shift in the conference hierarchy. They finished third in the regular season standings, their highest placement since 2015, and defeated two of the conference's traditional powerhouses in Maryland Eastern Shore and North Carolina Central. From my perspective, what makes this particularly noteworthy is how they achieved these wins—not through individual heroics but through systematic team basketball. Their assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.4:1 was among the conference's best, demonstrating a level of offensive cohesion that's rare in college basketball.

The coaching staff deserves significant credit for this turnaround. Head coach Stan Waterman, in his fifth season, has implemented a system that maximizes player strengths while maintaining defensive integrity. I've noticed how his substitution patterns have become more strategic, often deploying specific player combinations to exploit matchup advantages. His decision to implement more pick-and-roll actions in the second half of the season particularly impressed me—it opened driving lanes for guards and created more three-point opportunities, with the team shooting 36.2% from beyond the arc compared to last season's 31.7%.

Recruiting has been another area where Delaware State has shown marked improvement. The incoming class includes three players ranked in the top 100 of their respective regions, including a point guard from Philadelphia who I believe could make an immediate impact. Having tracked recruiting patterns across the MEAC for years, I can confidently say this represents Delaware State's strongest recruiting class in recent memory. What excites me most isn't just the talent level but how these players fit specific needs within the existing system—shooters to space the floor, versatile defenders, and basketball-smart players who can execute complex offensive sets.

As we look toward next season, I'm particularly optimistic about the team's prospects. With four starters returning, including Nocum who I expect to make another significant leap in his development, the foundation is solid. The non-conference schedule includes matchups against two Power Five programs, which will provide valuable experience and exposure. If they can maintain their defensive intensity while continuing to improve offensive efficiency, I genuinely believe this team could challenge for the MEAC championship. Their performance in close games this season—they won six games decided by five points or fewer—demonstrates a mental toughness that championship teams typically possess.

The program's infrastructure improvements also bode well for future success. The university has committed $2.3 million to facility upgrades, including a new practice court and enhanced video analysis technology. Having visited several MEAC facilities over the years, I can attest that these investments will place Delaware State among the conference's best-equipped programs. Such commitments signal to recruits that the university is serious about basketball, which in turn helps attract higher-caliber players.

What I find most compelling about Delaware State's trajectory is how it reflects broader changes in mid-major college basketball. Programs that traditionally struggled are finding innovative ways to compete through player development, strategic scheduling, and facility investments. Delaware State appears to have cracked this code, building sustainable success rather than relying on transient talent. Their focus on developing four-year players creates program continuity that pays dividends in conference play, where familiarity with systems and opponents matters tremendously.

As someone who's watched countless college basketball programs rise and fall, I'm convinced Delaware State is building something special. The combination of coaching stability, player development, and institutional support creates a foundation for sustained success. While winning a MEAC championship remains the obvious next step, what impresses me more is the methodical approach to program building. They're not chasing quick fixes but developing an identity that can withstand roster turnover and conference evolution. When I think about programs poised for breakthrough seasons, Delaware State basketball consistently comes to mind, and I'll be following their progress with great interest in the coming year.