The Cinderella Stories of College Hoops: 13 Coaching Moves To Watch In College Hoops' 2025 Hype Cycle

The college basketball world is abuzz with excitement as the 2025 season approaches. With the usual powerhouses and blue-blood programs vying for dominance, there are also several mid-major programs that are quietly building momentum. These Cinderella stories often go unnoticed, but they have the potential to pull off stunning upsets that will send shockwaves throughout the college hoops community. As we dive into the 2025 hype cycle, it's essential to keep an eye on these mid-major programs and their coaching moves that could propel them to greatness.

In recent years, we've seen numerous mid-major programs defy expectations and make deep runs in the NCAA Tournament. From Stephen F. Austin's magical run to the Final Four in 2016 to Kansas City's Cinderella story in 2019, these programs have proven that they can hang with the best of them. And with the right coaching moves, they can make an even bigger impact in the 2025 season.

Coaching Moves to Watch

When it comes to making mid-major programs relevant, coaching is key. Here are 13 coaching moves to watch in the 2025 hype cycle:

Top Coaching Moves to Watch

The following coaching moves are crucial for mid-major programs looking to make a splash in the 2025 season:

• Hiring experienced coaches with a proven track record of success
• Implementing a fast-paced, offense-based system that emphasizes scoring and pace
• Building a strong roster through recruiting and transfers
• Focusing on defense and team toughness
• Developing a strong culture of accountability and teamwork

Coaching Strategies to Watch

Coaching strategies can also make a significant difference in a mid-major program's success. Here are some strategies to watch:

Establishing a Strong Offense

A strong offense is the backbone of any successful program. Here are some strategies to watch:

• Fast Break Attacks: Mid-major programs can often match up against larger, slower teams, making fast break attacks a potent tool.
• Three-Point Shooting: A balanced offense that can stretch the defense with three-point shooting can be difficult for opponents to defend.
• Post Play: A dominant post player can be a game-changer in the paint, drawing double teams and creating scoring opportunities.

Defensive Strategies to Watch

Defensive strategies are just as important as offense in college basketball. Here are some strategies to watch:

• Press Defense: A well-executed press defense can be a game-changer, disrupting opponents' offenses and creating turnovers.
• Man-to-Man Defense: A well-coached man-to-man defense can be just as effective, making it difficult for opponents to get open looks.
• Help Defense: A team that can provide adequate help defense can shut down opponents' scoring opportunities.

Recruiting Strategies to Watch

Recruiting is a critical component of any successful program. Here are some strategies to watch:

Recruiting the Right Talent

Mid-major programs often struggle to compete with larger programs for top talent. Here are some strategies to watch:

• Identifying Hidden Gems: Mid-major programs can often find talented players who may not be as highly touted, but still possess the skills and ability to contribute.
• Developing Players: A program that can develop players and get them ready for the next level can be a major asset.

Building a Strong Roster

Building a strong roster is crucial for mid-major programs. Here are some strategies to watch:

• Depth over Depth: Mid-major programs often struggle with depth, but having a strong bench can make a big difference.
• Importing Talent: Recruiting talent from other programs can be a major boost for mid-major programs.

Player Development Strategies to Watch

Player development is a critical component of any successful program. Here are some strategies to watch:

Developing Ball Handling Skills

Ball handling skills are essential for success in college basketball. Here are some strategies to watch:

• Shooting Drills: Programs that can develop ball handlers with shooting skills can be difficult to defend.
• Ball Reversal: A program that can develop ball handlers with the ability to reverse the ball can be a major asset.

Developing Players with Scoring Ability

Players with scoring ability are essential for success in college basketball. Here are some strategies to watch:

• Strength Training: Programs that can develop players with strength training can be a major asset.
• Shooting Drills: Programs that can develop players with shooting skills can be difficult to defend.

X-Factor Coaches to Watch

There are several X-factor coaches in college basketball who have the potential to make a major impact in the 2025 season. Here are a few to watch:

Coaches with a Proven Track Record

Coaches with a proven track record of success are often the key to a program's success. Here are a few coaches to watch:

• Chris Jans: Jans has a proven track record of success at Northern Arizona, and his team's success in the NCAA Tournament is a testament to his abilities.
• Greg Herenda: Herenda has a proven track record of success at LIU Brooklyn, and his team's success in the NCAA Tournament is a testament to his abilities.

Coaches with a Fresh Perspective

Coaches with a fresh perspective can bring a new level of enthusiasm and energy to a program. Here are a few coaches to watch:

• Jerry Stackhouse: Stackhouse is a young coach with a fresh perspective, and his team's success in the NCAA Tournament is a testament to his abilities.
• Jahrius Garner: Garner is a young coach with