A Promising Preview For A Potentially Historic CSU Basketball Season

While the exhibition game Sunday, Oct. 31 against Adams State doesn't count toward the season's overall record, fans should be very excited about the season that lays ahead of CSU men's basketball.

With a full starting lineup returning after a semifinals finish in the NIT last year, the Colorado State men's basketball team looks better than ever. For the first time ever, the program was selected to finish first in the conference.

A team that has blown away the competition in ball movement and defense has improved even more on what set their program apart to begin with.

Junior and senior guards, Isaiah Stevens and Kendle Moore, are still the one-two punch in high-energy and quick-footed court production. Junior David Roddy and redshirt sophomore James Moors are going to have a difficult time finding others in the conference to match their strength down low.

Defensive Shut-downs

Like the CSU program we've come to know and love under Niko Medved, the team's defense is lights out. And just when you think it can't get better, it just does.

One of the biggest advantages the team has shown over the last few seasons is forcing teams to take shots they don't want to because they have no other choice. The lockdown defense forces a time constraint that, for the most part, Colorado State itself seems to proactively avoid.

Pure, unbridled size and strength

The conversation around Roddy specifically has always been his advantage behind his build. It's rare to find him coupled with someone, especially driving to the net, that isn't a mismatch.

The same goes for Moors. Throughout the entire game against Adams State, I couldn't help but notice there was no one on their bench who could match Moors. The same goes for conference play. Now that Utah State lost Neemias Queta to the NBA, CSU is sitting at more of a strength advantage than ever before.

Oh, and to top it off, 6'8" junior Dischon Thomas looks more comfortable than ever behind the arc, let alone driving down low.

Fans won't have to wait long to see a game that counts. Colorado State men's basketball opens up their 2021-22 season against Oral Roberts at home on Tuesday, Nov. 9. Tickets are still available here.