Walking into the Siegel Center last Tuesday, I could feel the buzz in the air—that particular energy that only comes when conference play is about to tip off. As someone who’s covered the Radford Highlanders for the better part of a decade, I’ve seen teams come and go, but this year’s squad feels different. They’re not just talented; they’re intentional. And if they stick to what they do best, I genuinely believe they have what it takes to dominate the Big South. Let’s break down why.
First, let’s talk tempo. The Highlanders don’t just play fast—they play with a kind of controlled chaos that can overwhelm opponents in minutes. I remember watching them dismantle UNC Asheville last month by pushing the ball at every opportunity. They thrive in transition, turning defensive stops into quick, decisive buckets. It’s not just about speed, though. It’s about mindset. They want to run you ragged, and honestly, it’s a joy to watch when it clicks. One opposing coach put it perfectly after a tough loss: “They are always a tough team to face in a series because they play with such great pace and aggressiveness.” That’s not just coach speak—it’s the truth. When Radford gets out in the open floor, they’re almost impossible to contain.
Then there’s the offensive glass. Man, do these guys crash the boards. I’ve lost count of how many second-chance points they’ve generated this season—but if I had to guess, I’d say they’re averaging around 16 per game. That’s not a fluke. It’s effort, positioning, and sheer will. The same coach went on to highlight this, saying, “the way that they crash the offensive glass is quite impressive.” And he’s right. Players like junior forward Marcus Smith aren’t just big bodies; they’re relentless. They hunt rebounds. They keep possessions alive. And in tight games, that effort can be the difference between a win and a loss.
But it’s not all about offense. Radford’s defensive intensity sets the tone. They switch seamlessly, close out on shooters, and force turnovers that fuel their fast break. In their last five games, they’ve held opponents under 70 points three times. That’s not luck—that’s discipline. Still, there are areas they’ll need to sharpen. Turnovers have been a bit of an issue; they’re averaging about 14 a game, which is too high for a team with championship aspirations. Cleaning that up will be crucial once they’re deep into the conference schedule.
What stands out to me most, though, is their chemistry. You can’t teach it. These players move like they know where each other will be before they even get there. It’s unselfish, smart basketball. They share the ball, celebrate each other’s successes, and hold one another accountable. In my years covering this program, I haven’t seen a group this connected since the 2017-18 team that made the NCAA tournament. That’s not a coincidence. Leadership from veterans like point guard Jordan Johnson matters, but so does the buy-in from the freshmen. Everyone knows their role, and everyone embraces it.
Looking ahead, the Radford Highlanders basketball team’s 5 keys to dominating conference play this season are clear: control the tempo, own the offensive glass, lock down defensively, limit turnovers, and trust their chemistry. If they can execute those things consistently, I don’t see many teams in the Big South keeping up with them. Sure, there will be challenges—every season has them—but this group has the talent and the intangibles to make a serious run. As that opposing coach noted, taking care of transition and rebounding every single game is what they want to do. And if they do it well, they’ll be tough to beat. I, for one, can’t wait to see how it unfolds.
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