What's Happening?
The Colorado State Rams men's basketball team is experiencing significant changes as they enter the 2025-26 season. Ali Farokhmanesh has taken over as head coach following Niko Medved's departure to Minnesota.
The team, which reached the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, has seen several key players leave, including Nique Clifford to the NBA and Jalen Lake to Europe. New additions to the roster include Carey Booth from Illinois and Josh Pascarelli from Marist. The Rams are predicted to finish seventh in the Mountain West Conference according to the preseason poll, while Sports Illustrated ranks them 74th nationally.
Why It's Important?
The transition in leadership and roster changes could impact the Rams' performance in the upcoming season. With a new coach and several new players, the team faces the challenge of maintaining its competitive edge in the Mountain West Conference. The departure of high-scoring players like Clifford and Lake leaves a gap that needs to be filled by the new recruits. The team's ability to adapt to these changes will be crucial in determining their success in the conference and potentially in national tournaments.
What's Next?
The Rams will begin their season on November 3 against Incarnate Word at Moby Arena. As the team adjusts to the new coaching style and integrates new players, their performance in early games will be closely watched. The Mountain West Conference games will be pivotal in assessing the team's progress and potential for postseason play. Fans and analysts will be looking for signs of cohesion and effectiveness in the new lineup.
Beyond the Headlines
The coaching change and roster overhaul reflect broader trends in college basketball where teams frequently undergo significant transformations. This can lead to shifts in team dynamics and strategies, affecting long-term performance. The Rams' ability to leverage these changes could set a precedent for other teams facing similar transitions.
