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As I sit here watching the latest USF Dons practice footage, I can't help but feel that familiar buzz of anticipation. Having covered college basketball for over fifteen years, I've developed a sixth sense for when a program is on the verge of something special, and there's something brewing here in San Francisco that deserves our attention. The question on everyone's mind - can USF basketball make a comeback this season? - isn't just casual speculation. It's the central drama unfolding at War Memorial Gymnasium, and I believe we're witnessing the early chapters of what could become a remarkable turnaround story.

Let me be perfectly honest - I've been skeptical about USF's prospects in recent years. The program has lingered in the middle of the West Coast Conference, finishing 8-9 in conference play last season and landing squarely in that frustrating no-man's-land between relevance and obscurity. But what I'm seeing now suggests something different is taking shape. The energy around the team has shifted palpably, and much of this renewed optimism stems from the emerging talent that's creating genuine excitement throughout the program. When I spoke with coaches and players during my recent visit to campus, one name kept surfacing in conversations - EJ Sapasap.

Now, I need to temper expectations here because putting too much pressure on young athletes rarely helps anyone. But the buzz around Sapasap isn't just typical preseason hype. At 6'8" with a wingspan that seems to go on forever, he possesses that rare combination of size and agility that can't be taught. I watched him during drills, and his footwork for a player his age is unusually refined. He moves with a fluidity that reminds me of younger versions of players who eventually made it to the next level. His shooting percentage during scrimmages has been hovering around 58%, which for a forward is frankly impressive. It won't be long until EJ Sapasap joins them among the talk of the town because players with his blend of physical gifts and basketball IQ don't stay secrets for long.

What makes Sapasap particularly intriguing to me isn't just his individual talent, but how he fits into Coach Chris Gerlufsen's system. Gerlufsen, now in his second year, is implementing an offensive scheme that emphasizes pace and space - exactly the kind of environment where a player like Sapasap can thrive. The coach told me privately that he envisions using Sapasap in multiple frontcourt positions, creating matchup problems that could give WCC opponents genuine headaches. Having observed Gerlufsen's work at previous stops, I'm convinced he's the right leader for this rebuilding project. His teams have consistently improved in his second season - at his last position, his win total increased by 7 games from year one to year two - and I'm expecting similar progression here.

The supporting cast around emerging talents like Sapasap shows significant promise too. Returning guard Marcus Williams averaged 14.3 points per game last season, and I've noticed his decision-making has improved dramatically based on the early season footage I've studied. Then there's graduate transfer Jonathan Mogbo, whose physical presence in the paint could be the defensive anchor this team desperately needs. Having watched countless teams rebuild, I can tell you that the difference between a good team and a great one often comes down to role players understanding and embracing their positions. From what I've seen, USF has more players buying into specific roles than at any point in the past three seasons.

Let's talk schedule for a moment because this is where my optimism meets reality. The non-conference slate includes games against Arizona State and Boise State - tough opponents that will test this team early. But honestly, I prefer this approach. Challenging games early expose weaknesses that can be addressed before conference play, and Coach Gerlufsen seems to share this philosophy. The WCC itself remains formidable with Gonzaga and Saint Mary's continuing to set the standard, but I've noticed subtle shifts in the conference hierarchy that could work in USF's favor. Santa Clara lost significant production to graduation, and Loyola Marymount is integrating several new transfers. The opportunity for movement in the middle of the conference is there for the taking.

What really convinces me that this comeback narrative has merit goes beyond statistics and roster analysis. There's an intangible quality to this team - a cohesion and shared purpose that manifests in how they communicate on the court and support each other during timeouts. In my experience covering college basketball, chemistry often predicts success more accurately than raw talent alone. The players genuinely seem to believe in what they're building, and that belief is contagious. I felt it during my campus visit, and I'm seeing it in their preseason interactions.

Now, I'm not predicting USF will suddenly challenge for the WCC title this season - that would be unrealistic. But I do believe they're positioned to make significant strides, potentially reaching 18-20 wins and making some noise in the conference tournament. The development timeline for young players like Sapasap suggests this could be the beginning of sustained relevance rather than a one-year wonder. If the key players stay healthy and the coaching staff continues to develop talent effectively, I wouldn't be surprised to see USF back in postseason conversation for the first time since 2022.

The true measure of this comeback won't be found in a single victory or statistical category. It will be in the growing excitement on campus, the increasing media attention, and the sense that something meaningful is being built. Based on what I'm observing, USF basketball is on the right trajectory. The pieces are falling into place, the culture is strengthening, and players like EJ Sapasap represent the kind of talent that can accelerate a program's ascent. This season may not end with a championship banner, but I'm confident we'll look back on it as the turning point - the moment USF basketball became relevant again.