As I look at Drexel’s basketball roster this season, I can’t help but feel a genuine sense of anticipation. It’s not every year you see a program bring together a mix of fresh talent and seasoned players with such deliberate intent. Just look at the recent addition—Converge securing another Knight, alongside Pao Javillonar, Kobe Monje, King Caralipio, and Kevin Racal already confirmed on the roster. That’s not just filling slots; that’s building something cohesive, something with identity. I’ve followed college hoops long enough to recognize when a team is positioning itself not just to compete, but to build a sustainable winning culture. And from where I stand, Drexel’s approach this season could very well be a blueprint for how mid-major programs can elevate their game.
Let’s talk about that roster for a moment. When you bring in players like Pao Javillonar and Kobe Monje, you’re not just adding bodies—you’re infusing the lineup with youth and upside. Javillonar, in my view, has the kind of defensive versatility that can disrupt opposing offenses, something Drexel struggled with last season when they allowed an average of 72.3 points per game. Then there’s King Caralipio, a player I’ve kept an eye on since his high school days. His ability to create shots off the dribble could be exactly what the Dragons need in half-court sets, where they ranked in the bottom 40 percent nationally in efficiency last year. And Kevin Racal? He brings that veteran presence, the kind of glue guy who may not always light up the stat sheet but does the little things—setting hard screens, moving without the ball—that help a team gel. Honestly, I think Racal’s leadership could be as impactful as any double-digit scoring night.
But talent alone doesn’t win games. What excites me most is how these pieces fit together. Take the backcourt, for instance. With Converge’s new Knight—let’s call him the X-factor—paired with Monje’s outside shooting, Drexel could stretch defenses in ways they simply couldn’t last season. I remember watching them struggle against zone defenses, shooting just 32% from beyond the arc in conference play. If Monje can bump that up even slightly, say to 36 or 37 percent, it changes everything. And defensively, Javillonar and Caralipio have the length and agility to switch on screens effectively, which could help Drexel improve their defensive rating by at least 4-5 points per 100 possessions. That might not sound like much, but in close games, it’s often the difference between a win and a loss.
Of course, none of this happens without the right system and coaching philosophy. I’ve always believed that player development is where mid-majors can truly shine, and Drexel’s staff seems to be leaning into that. Integrating so many new faces—five key additions, by my count—requires not just skill but a clear strategic vision. I’d love to see them embrace an up-tempo style, using their depth to wear down opponents. Last season, the Dragons averaged around 68 possessions per game; pushing that to 72 or 73 could capitalize on their athleticism and create more transition opportunities. And let’s be real: in today’s game, if you’re not generating easy buckets in transition, you’re leaving points on the table.
Now, I won’t sugarcoat the challenges. Chemistry doesn’t happen overnight, and with so many new pieces, there could be an adjustment period—maybe a slow start in non-conference play. But I’m optimistic. If they can build trust early, focus on defensive communication, and establish a reliable go-to scorer in clutch moments, this team could surprise a lot of people. I’d project them to win at least 18-20 games this season, maybe even make a run in the conference tournament. Having followed Drexel basketball for years, I see this as one of their most promising rosters in recent memory. It’s not just about wins and losses; it’s about laying a foundation. And if they get it right, this season could mark the beginning of a new era for Drexel hoops—one built on smart recruitment, player development, and, most importantly, a shared belief in what they can achieve together.
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