Boise State’s men’s basketball program entered the offseason after a stark reversal in defensive performance, having allowed just 60.9 points per game during the 2021‑22 campaign when it ranked among the nation’s top 15, only to slip to 73.5 points per game a year later, dropping to 166th nationally.
The downturn coincided with a sweeping roster change; not a single starter returns for the upcoming campaign, forcing coaches to seek bigger, more athletic replacements who can anchor a renewed defensive scheme.
A Defense‑First Identity Takes Shape
Among the newcomers are Jerquarius Stanback, Jikany Deang and Ty Rodgers, the latter whose availability remains in doubt due to injury. Guard Damari Wheeler‑Thomas has already underscored the importance of defense, saying it gives the team a chance to win games despite the upheaval.
Pearson Carmichael, the team’s leading returning scorer, has pledged to reshape his approach, stating that defense is the most important part of the game and that he aims to be more aggressive on that end.
A New Conference Frontier
The Broncos will soon trade the familiar confines of the Mountain West for the Pac‑12, a move that places them alongside traditional powerhouses while three teams that finished below them in the recent standings will remain in the western conference.
With a defensive identity taking shape and a blend of fresh talent and returning experience, Boise State hopes to translate its offseason work into tangible results when the new season begins.