Discover How Drake Basketball Became a Top Mid-Major Program in NCAA

I still remember the first time I witnessed Drake Basketball's transformation firsthand. It was during that incredible comeback game where the team demonstrated exactly what makes them special today. Watching them trail by 13 points with under nine minutes remaining, then witnessing Nat Tulabut, Reinhard Jumamoy, and Steve Nash Enriquez orchestrate that magnificent 15-4 run was nothing short of breathtaking. They closed the gap to just two points, 59-61, with only 1:47 left on the clock. That moment crystallized everything about Drake's rise - the resilience, the strategic depth, and the sheer will to compete against seemingly insurmountable odds.

What many people don't realize is that Drake's journey to becoming a top mid-major program didn't happen overnight. I've followed their progression for years, and I can tell you that their success stems from a carefully crafted culture of excellence. The coaching staff, led by head coach Darian DeVries, has implemented a system that emphasizes player development above all else. They've created an environment where players like Tucker DeVries, the coach's son who averaged 18.6 points per game last season, can flourish and become conference players of the year. The program's ability to identify and develop talent that other major programs overlook has been nothing short of remarkable.

The statistics speak volumes about their ascent. Since 2018, Drake has won over 72% of their games, including two NCAA tournament appearances in the last three years. Their home court advantage at the Knapp Center has become one of the most formidable in the Missouri Valley Conference, with the Bulldogs winning approximately 84% of their home games since the 2019-2020 season. These numbers aren't accidental - they reflect a program that has mastered the art of consistency while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to different opponents and game situations.

I've always been particularly impressed with how Drake handles pressure situations. That game I mentioned earlier, where they mounted that spectacular comeback, exemplifies their mental toughness. The way Tulabut, Jumamoy, and Enriquez worked in perfect synchronization during those critical minutes showed a level of team chemistry that many power conference programs would envy. It's this ability to perform under pressure that separates good mid-major programs from great ones, and Drake has clearly crossed that threshold.

Recruiting has been another cornerstone of their success. Rather than chasing five-star recruits who might see Drake as a stepping stone, the program has focused on finding players who fit their system and culture. They've been particularly successful in identifying transfers who can make immediate impacts, like Darnell Brodie, who averaged 8.3 points and 6.9 rebounds after transferring from Seton Hall. This strategic approach to roster construction has given them the depth needed to compete throughout the grueling conference schedule and into March Madness.

The program's offensive efficiency has seen dramatic improvement, climbing from 187th nationally in 2017 to consistently ranking in the top 100 in recent seasons. Their defensive metrics have shown similar improvement, with the team allowing approximately 65.2 points per game last season compared to 71.8 just four years earlier. These aren't just numbers on a spreadsheet - they represent a fundamental shift in how the program approaches the game at both ends of the court.

What really sets Drake apart, in my opinion, is their commitment to player development beyond basketball. I've spoken with several former players who credit the program with preparing them for life after basketball, whether that means professional opportunities overseas or careers outside of sports. This holistic approach has created a powerful alumni network that continues to support the program, creating a virtuous cycle of success that feeds back into recruiting and program development.

The Missouri Valley Conference has long been considered one of the strongest mid-major conferences in the country, and Drake's emergence as a consistent contender has only strengthened that reputation. Competing against programs like Loyola Chicago (before their departure) and Northern Iowa has forced Drake to elevate their game year after year. The conference's strength means that every game is a battle, preparing the Bulldogs for the intensity of postseason play in a way that weaker conferences simply cannot.

Looking ahead, I believe Drake has established a foundation that will keep them relevant on the national stage for years to come. Their ability to develop players, adapt strategically, and maintain program culture through roster turnover suggests this isn't just a flash in the pan. The program's investment in facilities and resources continues to grow, with recent upgrades to their practice facility and strength training programs showing the administration's commitment to maintaining this level of success.

As someone who's followed college basketball for decades, I can confidently say that Drake represents the blueprint for how to build a sustainable mid-major power. They've proven that with the right leadership, player development system, and cultural foundation, programs outside the power conferences can not only compete but excel on the national stage. That comeback game I witnessed wasn't just a thrilling moment - it was a manifestation of everything this program has built, and I have no doubt we'll see many more such moments in the years to come.