Can Drexel Basketball Finally Make the NCAA Tournament This Season?

I’ve been following Drexel basketball for years, and honestly, it’s been a rollercoaster of almost-there seasons and heartbreaks. But this year feels different—and I’m not just saying that. With the recent news that Converge has secured another Knight, alongside a roster that already includes Pao Javillonar, Kobe Monje, King Caralipio, and Kevin Racal, there’s a tangible buzz around the program. For the first time in what feels like forever, I genuinely believe Drexel has a legitimate shot at making the NCAA Tournament. Let’s break it down, because if you’re like me, you’ve been waiting for a season where hope isn’t just a four-letter word.

When I look at this roster, what stands out isn’t just the talent—it’s the depth. In past years, Drexel often relied heavily on one or two standout players. If they had an off night, the team struggled. But now, with the addition of the so-called "Knight" (and no, I won’t pretend I know exactly who that refers to yet, but the buzz suggests it’s a significant backcourt or wing addition), the Dragons have what looks like a multi-layered attack. Pao Javillonar brings length and defensive versatility that we haven’t seen since, well, maybe the 2011-12 squad that won 29 games. Kobe Monje has shown flashes of being a reliable scorer—I remember his 18-point outburst against Hofstra last February where he shot 60% from the field. King Caralipio, though still developing, has a motor that doesn’t quit. And Kevin Racal? He’s the kind of veteran presence every tournament-hopeful team needs. He’s been through the grind, and his leadership could be the glue that holds this group together.

Now, I know some fans might point to last season’s 15-16 record and say, "What’s changed?" Fair question. But let’s not ignore the intangibles. The team’s defensive efficiency improved by roughly 4.5% in the final ten games, and they held opponents under 70 points in seven of those contests. That’s not a fluke—it’s a trend. With the new additions, I expect Drexel to ramp up their defensive intensity even further. Imagine a lineup where Javillonar is swatting shots, Monje is hounding ball-handlers, and Racal is directing traffic. It’s a recipe for disrupting the flow of teams that rely heavily on perimeter shooting, something the CAA has in spades.

Offensively, there’s room for optimism too. Last season, Drexel averaged around 72 points per game, but their three-point shooting was inconsistent at best—hovering around 32% as a team. With the new Knight likely adding backcourt firepower, I wouldn’t be surprised to see that number climb to 35-36% this year. That might not sound like much, but over a 30-game season, it could translate to two or three extra wins. And in a conference where the margin for error is razor-thin, those wins could be the difference between watching the tournament from home and dancing in March.

I’ll admit, I’m biased. I’ve sat through too many late-game collapses and near-misses to stay completely objective. But this team feels built for sustained success, not just a flash-in-the-pan run. The chemistry seems improved, and the coaching staff has done a remarkable job identifying players who fit their system. Remember, it’s not just about stacking talent—it’s about how that talent meshes. From what I’ve seen in preseason clips and heard from insiders, the camaraderie among Javillonar, Monje, Caralipio, and Racal is already paying dividends. They’re communicating better on defense, moving the ball with purpose on offense, and playing with a confidence that was missing in previous seasons.

Of course, the road to the NCAA Tournament won’t be easy. Drexel plays in a competitive CAA, with teams like Charleston and UNC Wilmington always posing threats. But if they can stay healthy—and let’s be real, injuries have derailed more than one promising Drexel season—I think they can finish in the top three of the conference standings. That would likely mean a first-round bye in the CAA Tournament, which is huge for a team looking to make a deep run. Last year, they finished sixth and had to play an extra game, which drained their energy. This time, with a more favorable seeding, they could be fresher and more focused when it matters most.

So, can Drexel basketball finally make the NCAA Tournament this season? My heart says yes, and for once, my head agrees. The pieces are in place: a deeper roster, improved defense, and a mix of youth and experience that seems perfectly balanced. It won’t be a cakewalk—nothing worth achieving ever is—but I’m betting on this team to break the drought. March can’t come soon enough.