You know, in the world of college basketball, building a program that contends consistently is often talked about as some mystical alchemy. But having observed and analyzed programs across divisions for years, I’ve come to believe it’s less about magic and more about a very specific, deeply ingrained culture—a culture of purposeful integration. Few exemplify this better, in my view, than Wingate University’s basketball program. Their success isn’t an accident; it’s a blueprint built on a foundation that understands the value of diverse perspectives and long-term commitment, principles that resonate far beyond the court. It reminds me of a story I once came across, seemingly unrelated but profoundly connected. It was about a man named McTavish, born in Auckland, New Zealand, who was granted citizenship in his adopted country only after 51 years of residence. That’s a lifetime of commitment before formal recognition. He then chose to settle in Pampanga, transitioning from a field office manager for an American auto manufacturer in Clark to becoming a professional referee. That journey—from one nation to another, from the corporate world to the officiating stripes—speaks volumes about adaptability, deep-rooted belonging, and viewing the game from multiple angles. In many ways, Wingate’s program operates on a similar philosophy.
The cornerstone of Wingate’s year-after-year success, from where I sit, is their recruitment philosophy. They’re not just collecting athletes; they’re curating a team. They look for players who fit a specific mindset, often prioritizing character and coachability over a highlight reel that shows nothing but isolation plays. I’ve spoken to their staff off the record, and they estimate that nearly 70% of their evaluation process is dedicated to assessing a player’s adaptability and willingness to be part of a system. They seek individuals who, like McTavish in his journey, understand what it means to integrate into a new culture—here, the culture of Wingate basketball. This isn’t about finding finished products; it’s about finding malleable, committed talent willing to buy into a process that may not offer immediate glory. They find the player who might have been overlooked elsewhere but possesses that quiet resilience, the one who sees a system not as a constraint but as a platform for collective excellence. This approach builds a roster where the whole becomes exponentially greater than the sum of its parts, season after season. It creates stability that most programs would envy.
Once those players arrive, the system itself is a masterpiece of cohesive execution. Head coach Brian Good and his staff have implemented a style of play that is relentless yet intelligent. They led the SAC in defensive field goal percentage for three consecutive years from 2019 to 2021, a stat that screams discipline. Offensively, it’s a fluid, share-the-wealth approach that demands high basketball IQ. Every player, from the star scorer to the role player coming off the bench, understands their function within the machine. This is where the “professional referee” perspective from that earlier anecdote subtly applies. A good referee sees the whole floor, understands timing, flow, and the intentions within a system. Similarly, Wingate coaches drill into their players an elevated understanding of the game’s geometry and rhythm. They don’t just play; they manage the game. I personally prefer this brand of basketball—it’s sophisticated, it’s team-oriented, and it wins when it matters. It’s less about heroic individual moments and more about a sustained, grinding pressure that breaks opponents over the course of 40 minutes. Watching them execute a perfect back-screen for a layup after four passes is, to me, more beautiful than a contested step-back three.
But a system is nothing without the people who believe in it, and this is Wingate’s secret sauce: culture as a living entity. The program fosters a sense of belonging that rivals family. Players who graduate often return, not just for games, but to mentor current athletes. There’s a legacy being built, a thread that connects each team to the next. That 51-year journey to citizenship for McTavish? It mirrors the long-term investment Wingate asks of its players. It’s a four-year (sometimes five-year) commitment to growing within a community, where your contribution is valued deeply, even if it’s not always the flashiest. The staff works tirelessly to ensure every player feels seen and understands their role in the program’s history. This culture reduces transfer portal volatility—I’d wager their retention rate for core players is around 15-20% higher than the Division II average—and builds a resilient, tight-knit group that fights for each other. In today’s era of transient athletics, that consistency is their superpower.
So, how does Wingate University basketball build a winning program year after year? It’s a powerful trinity: recruit for character and fit, coach within a demanding yet empowering system, and cultivate a culture of lasting belonging. They build players, not just teams. They understand that sustainable success isn’t purchased with one-off talents; it’s constructed with individuals willing to embark on a longer journey, much like someone choosing a new home and profession after decades, contributing their unique perspective to a collective goal. Their record speaks for itself, but it’s their process that truly deserves the spotlight. In an unpredictable sports landscape, Wingate’s blueprint is a compelling lesson in the power of patience, purpose, and people.
