I remember watching that Saudi Arabian basketball game three years ago and thinking how far international basketball had come. The 84-46 blowout at Mall of Asia Arena wasn't just another exhibition match - it marked Jordan Clarkson's Philippine home debut and showcased the growing globalization of basketball talent. What struck me most was how that Saudi squad, missing key players like Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Mohammed Alsuwailem, represented both the challenges and opportunities facing developing basketball programs. Fast forward to today, and we're seeing similar patterns of growth at Pepperdine University, where strategic recruitment and player development have transformed the Waves into an emerging NCAA threat.
When I analyze Pepperdine's rise, I can't help but draw parallels to that international game. Just as the Saudi team was missing crucial pieces back then, Pepperdine spent years struggling without the right roster composition. The turnaround began when the coaching staff recognized they needed to compete for talent on a global scale, much like how international teams now scout across borders. I've followed their recruitment closely, and what impressed me was their shift toward targeting versatile players who might be overlooked by powerhouse programs. They started building around athletes with specific skill sets rather than just chasing star ratings, creating a more cohesive unit that plays smarter basketball.
The Waves' transformation really accelerated around 2021, when their offensive efficiency numbers jumped from the 200s nationally to consistently ranking in the top 100. Their three-point percentage climbed from 32.1% to nearly 38% over two seasons, while defensive rebounding improved by roughly four per game. These aren't massive leaps individually, but collectively they represent the kind of incremental growth that builds sustainable success. From my perspective watching West Coast basketball, Pepperdine's staff deserves enormous credit for developing players who stay three or four years rather than constantly dealing with turnover.
What makes their ascent particularly compelling is how they've managed games against top-tier opponents. Last season, they took Gonzaga to the wire in a game they probably should have won, losing by just three points after leading for most of the second half. I was at that game, and the confidence they displayed was lightyears ahead of where they were just two seasons prior. They weren't just hoping to keep it close - they genuinely believed they could win, and that mentality shift is everything in college basketball. Their ball movement against the Bulldogs' defense was some of the crispest I've seen from any mid-major program.
The Waves have particularly excelled at developing big men who can stretch the floor, something that reminds me of how international teams like Gilas integrated Ange Kouame as a naturalized player. Pepperdine's bigs now regularly attempt threes and facilitate from the high post, creating offensive versatility that's hard to defend. Their center rotation last season combined for 42 three-pointers at a 36% clip - not earth-shattering numbers, but significant for a program that traditionally relied on back-to-the-basket scoring. This stylistic evolution makes them unpredictable and fun to watch, honestly.
Recruiting has been another fascinating aspect to observe. While they haven't landed many five-star prospects, their international pipeline has brought in players from Australia, Serbia, and Canada who fit specific roles perfectly. The coaching staff told me they prioritize basketball IQ over raw athleticism, seeking players who understand spacing and team defense. This approach reminds me of how successful mid-major programs like Gonzaga initially built their reputation - finding diamonds in the rough who develop over multiple seasons rather than chasing one-and-done talent.
Defensively, Pepperdine has implemented a switching system that leverages their increasingly athletic roster. They've reduced their points allowed per possession from 1.12 to about 1.04 over the past three seasons while forcing more turnovers. The improvement hasn't been linear - there were some ugly losses during the transition period - but the commitment to this identity has paid off. I appreciate that they stuck with the system even during rough patches, recognizing that long-term growth requires short-term growing pains.
Looking ahead, I'm genuinely excited about Pepperdine's potential to become the next great West Coast Conference threat to Gonzaga's dominance. They return about 78% of their scoring from last season and add what I believe could be their best recruiting class in a decade. The foundation they've built reminds me of what we saw with Loyola Chicago before their Final Four run - not necessarily in style of play, but in that methodical construction of a competitive roster. If they can maintain this trajectory, I wouldn't be surprised to see them make some noise in March within the next two or three seasons.
The parallels to international basketball development continue to fascinate me. Just as that Saudi team from three years ago has evolved (they've significantly improved since those lopsided losses), Pepperdine has demonstrated how strategic vision and player development can transform a program's trajectory. They've proven that you don't need blue-chip recruits every year to build something special - you need the right players who fit your system and the patience to let them grow together. In today's transfer portal era, that approach feels almost revolutionary, and it's why I find their story so compelling. The Waves aren't just winning more games - they're building an identity that could sustain success for years to come.
