2025-11-17 14:01

As I sit here watching preseason footage of Long Beach State's basketball team, I can't help but feel that familiar tournament buzz starting to build. The question on everyone's mind - and certainly on mine - is whether this squad has what it takes to make a serious run in the NCAA Tournament this season. Having followed college basketball for over fifteen years, I've developed a pretty good sense for when a team has that special combination of talent and chemistry that could lead to March Madness success. What strikes me most about this year's Long Beach State team is their fascinating roster construction - they're bringing nine freshmen into the preseason lineup, which represents both their greatest strength and most significant challenge.

When I first heard about the Heavy Bombers counting nine rookies on their preseason lineup, my initial reaction was concern. That's an enormous number of first-year players, representing what I'd estimate to be about 64% of their active roster. In my experience watching college basketball, such heavy reliance on freshmen typically leads to inconsistent performances, especially early in the season. The transition from high school to Division I basketball is massive - the speed, physicality, and mental demands catch most freshmen off guard initially. However, my perspective shifted when I looked closer at who exactly these freshmen include. The group is bannered by NCAA Season 100 Juniors Mythical Team member Sanlea Peñaverde and NBTC All-Star Sean Salvador. These aren't your typical freshmen - they're proven winners with experience against high-level competition.

I've had the opportunity to watch Peñaverde's game footage from last season, and let me tell you - this kid is special. What impresses me most isn't just his scoring ability, which is substantial, but his basketball IQ for someone his age. He reads defenses like a veteran, makes smart passes under pressure, and has this uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time. Having a player of his caliber, even as a freshman, changes the entire dynamic of this team. Then there's Sean Salvador, whose athleticism jumps off the screen. I watched his NBTC All-Star game performance where he put up 22 points and 11 rebounds against other top prospects. His length and defensive instincts could make him an immediate impact player on that end of the floor.

The real question becomes how quickly these talented freshmen can adapt to college basketball's demands. In my observation, teams with heavy freshman contributions tend to follow one of two paths - they either struggle early but peak at the right time come tournament season, or the inexperience proves too much to overcome. I'm leaning toward the former for Long Beach State because of their coaching staff's reputation for player development. Coach Montgomery has historically done an excellent job bringing young players along gradually while putting them in positions to succeed. I'd expect him to use the non-conference schedule to experiment with different lineups and rotations, even if it costs them a few early games.

What really excites me about this team's tournament potential is the energy and hunger that freshmen bring. They haven't been beaten down by previous tournament disappointments or conference rivalries. Every game is new and exciting, which can be infectious throughout a roster. I've seen it before - young teams that play with a fearlessness that more experienced squads sometimes lack. The key will be how the veterans on the team embrace leadership roles. They'll need to provide stability during inevitable freshman mistakes while allowing the young talent the freedom to play through those errors.

The schedule will tell us a lot about this team's tournament readiness. I've looked at their non-conference matchups, and there are at least six games against potential tournament teams that will serve as excellent measuring sticks. If they can split those games while showing progressive improvement, I'd consider that a significant success. The conference schedule will be where we truly learn about their character - playing familiar opponents multiple times requires adjustments that test young players' mental flexibility.

From a pure talent perspective, I believe this team has the pieces to not only make the NCAA Tournament but potentially win a game or two once they get there. Peñaverde has the potential to be one of those special players who elevates his game in March, and Salvador's defensive versatility could cause problems for opposing offenses. The supporting cast of freshmen provides depth that many college teams lack, though consistency will be the challenge. In tournament settings, where games come quick with little preparation time, fresh legs and multiple options can be valuable assets.

My prediction? I think Long Beach State will start slowly, maybe hovering around .500 through their first twelve games as the freshmen find their footing. But by conference play, they'll hit their stride, finishing strong enough to earn a tournament bid, likely as a 10 or 11 seed. From there, with the right matchup, I can see them pulling off at least one upset. There's just something about young, talented teams with nothing to lose that makes them dangerous in single-elimination scenarios. The journey will be unpredictable, probably frustrating at times, but ultimately rewarding for those of us who believe in this team's ceiling. March can't come soon enough for Heavy Bombers fans.

« News Releases