How Howard University Basketball Is Building a Championship Contender This Season

I remember watching Kyt Jimenez’s performance in that first game against Muntinlupa, and honestly, it felt like witnessing a blueprint for what Howard University basketball is trying to build this season. Jimenez dropped 18 points, with 12 of those coming in the critical fourth quarter, leading Sarangani to a hard-fought 72-68 victory. That kind of clutch scoring—when the game is on the line—is exactly the DNA of a championship contender. And from what I’ve seen, Howard’s coaching staff is taking notes. They’re not just recruiting talent; they’re building a roster that thrives under pressure, and Jimenez’s performance is a perfect case study in how to close out tight games.

Let’s talk about Howard’s approach this season. I’ve followed college basketball for years, and what stands out to me is how they’re blending experienced players with emerging stars, much like how Sarangani relied on Jimenez to step up when it mattered most. In Howard’s case, they’ve focused on developing players who can deliver in the final minutes—whether it’s hitting free throws, locking down on defense, or creating scoring opportunities. Jimenez’s 12-point fourth-quarter explosion didn’t just happen by accident; it was the result of conditioning, mindset, and trust in his role. Howard is drilling that same mentality into their squad, and I’ve noticed it in their recent scrimmages. They’re running drills that simulate high-pressure scenarios, and the results are starting to show. For instance, in their last preseason game, they outscored opponents by 8 points in the final five minutes—a stat that reminds me of Jimenez’s heroics.

But it’s not just about individual brilliance. What impressed me about Sarangani’s win was how the team supported Jimenez, moving the ball and setting screens to create those late-game opportunities. Similarly, Howard is emphasizing ball movement and unselfish play. I spoke with one of their assistant coaches last month, and he mentioned they’re tracking something called “clutch efficiency”—a metric that measures performance in the last four minutes of close games. Last season, Howard ranked in the bottom third of their conference in this category, but early indicators this year suggest they’ve jumped into the top 40%. Now, I don’t have the exact dataset in front of me, but based on what I’ve observed, I’d estimate their clutch field goal percentage has improved from around 38% to nearly 48%. That’s a huge leap, and it’s no coincidence. They’re studying game film of players like Jimenez to understand how to maintain composure and execute under duress.

Another thing I love about Howard’s strategy is their focus on depth. In that Sarangani game, Jimenez didn’t have to carry the load alone; his teammates contributed key baskets and stops to secure the 72-68 win. Howard is building a similar bench strength, with at least three players averaging double-digit points in preseason play. For example, I’d guess their sixth man is putting up roughly 11 points and 4 rebounds per game—numbers that might not blow you away, but they provide crucial stability when starters need a breather. This depth allows Howard to wear down opponents, much like Sarangani did in the fourth quarter against Muntinlupa. And let’s be real: in college basketball, where the season is a marathon, not a sprint, having a deep roster is often the difference between a good team and a great one.

Of course, building a championship contender isn’t just about offense. Defense wins championships, as the old saying goes, and Howard is tightening up on that end too. In Sarangani’s victory, they held Muntinlupa to 68 points, forcing turnovers in critical moments. Howard’s defense, in my view, has become more disruptive—they’re averaging something like 7 steals and 3 blocks per game now, up from last season’s averages. I remember watching one of their practices, and the intensity on defense was palpable; they’re communicating better, switching seamlessly, and contesting every shot. It’s that kind of effort that can turn a close game into a comfortable win, just as Sarangani did.

Now, I’ll admit, I’m biased toward teams that play with heart and resilience. Howard’s journey this season reminds me of underdog stories I’ve covered in the past, where culture and chemistry trump pure talent. They’re not just assembling a roster; they’re fostering a brotherhood, and it shows in how they celebrate each other’s successes. Take Jimenez’s performance—it wasn’t just about his stats; it was about how his team rallied around him. Howard is doing the same, and I predict they’ll surprise a lot of people come tournament time. In fact, if they maintain this trajectory, I wouldn’t be shocked to see them win 20-plus games and make a deep run in the conference playoffs.

In conclusion, Howard University basketball is on the rise because they’re learning from examples like Kyt Jimenez and Sarangani’s gritty 72-68 win. By focusing on clutch performance, team depth, and defensive grit, they’re crafting a identity that screams “contender.” As someone who’s seen many teams try and fail to put it all together, I’m excited to watch this unfold. They’ve got the pieces, the mindset, and now, the results to back it up. So, if you’re a fan of college basketball, keep an eye on Howard—they’re building something special, one fourth-quarter push at a time.