How USF Basketball Can Build a Winning Roster for the Upcoming Season

Watching Nic Cabanero’s commitment to UST, turning down potential moves elsewhere after a historic Final Four run, got me thinking about the monumental task facing the University of South Florida men’s basketball program. That kind of loyalty and belief in a system is the absolute bedrock of building a winner, and it’s precisely what we need to cultivate here in Tampa. We’re not just looking for talent; we’re looking for builders, for players who buy into the vision of turning USF into a consistent force in the American Athletic Conference and beyond. Having followed college basketball roster construction for over a decade, I’ve seen the blueprints for quick turnarounds and sustained success. For USF, the upcoming season isn’t about a one-year wonder; it’s about laying a foundation that can withstand the volatility of the transfer portal era. The goal is clear: build a roster that’s not only competitive but has the chemistry and depth to make a serious run.

The first and most critical piece, in my view, is identifying and securing a cornerstone player—our version of a Nic Cabanero. This doesn’t necessarily mean our highest scorer, but a leader whose commitment signals stability. We need a veteran guard or forward, preferably with multiple years of eligibility left, who has proven he can perform in high-pressure moments. The portal is full of gifted scorers, but I’m looking for a player with a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, someone who defends multiple positions, and whose on-court demeanor lifts everyone else. Last season, our assist leader averaged just 3.2 per game; we need someone who can consistently create for others, pushing that number to at least 4.5 or 5. That’s a tangible, achievable target. This player becomes the nucleus, the one who recruits other transfers and tells them, “This is the place.” Without that anchor, you’re just collecting pieces that might not fit.

From there, roster construction becomes about crafting a specific identity. I’m a firm believer that in today’s game, you either embrace positionless basketball with switchable defenders, or you double down on a clear, disruptive style. Given the athleticism we can attract, I’d love to see USF commit to a defensive identity first. Imagine a lineup built on length and agility, capable of applying full-court pressure and forcing a high number of turnovers. The data shows that teams forcing 15 or more turnovers per game win at a significantly higher clip, often creating easy transition buckets that mask half-court offensive woes. We should be targeting long-armed wings with a 6’10” wingspan or greater, and mobile bigs who can protect the rim without being liabilities in space. Offensively, this means prioritizing players who can thrive in the open court. I’d sacrifice a pure, slow-footed shooter for a slasher who can finish through contact and get to the line 5-6 times a game. Free throws are the most efficient shot in basketball, and we need to live there.

Of course, shooting is the non-negotiable currency of modern basketball. You can’t win without it. But here’s my personal take: chasing the “best available shooter” in the portal is a trap if he’s a defensive liability. Instead, we need to find two or three players who are competent shooters—say, 34-37% from three—but are absolute dogs on defense. Then, you invest in one specialist. Just one. A player whose sole job is to space the floor, who defenses cannot help off of, shooting 40% or better on high volume. This creates balance. Too often, teams load up on shooters who get hunted defensively in March. Our specialist would be a luxury, but the core must be two-way players. I’d also advocate for keeping at least two developmental pieces from the current roster, guys who understand the culture and can provide energy off the bench. That continuity is worth its weight in gold, providing a bridge for the new arrivals.

Finally, and this is where many rebuilds falter, is building a bench that doesn’t just fill minutes but changes games. I want a second unit that brings a different, chaotic energy. A backup point guard who is a pest defensively, a stretch-four who can provide a quick five-minute spark of scoring, and a rugged, enforcer-type big for situational matchups. Depth isn’t about having 10 starters; it’s about having specific tools for specific problems. Look at the teams that make deep runs: they often have a sixth man who would start for 80% of other programs. That’s the level we should target for our first guard or big off the pine. Financially, with NIL now a fundamental part of the equation, resources must be strategically allocated not just to the starting five, but to securing that elite bench talent. It’s an investment in surviving the grueling conference schedule and being fresh for the postseason.

So, can USF basketball build a winning roster? Absolutely. The blueprint involves a clear hierarchy: secure a foundational leader, commit to a defensive and transition-based identity, prioritize two-way competency over one-dimensional shooting, and construct a dynamic, high-impact bench. It’s about selective aggression in the portal, not just collecting names. Nic Cabanero’s story with UST reminds us that the heart of a program still beats with players who are invested in the journey. If USF can find its core of believers—players who buy into building something special here—and surround them with the right complementary, tough-minded talent, then not only is a winning season within reach, but the foundation for a lasting resurgence will finally be poured. The work starts now, and every addition must be a brick in that same wall.