The 2017–18 Houston Baptist Huskies men’s basketball team raced onto the court with a dream and a determination to shine bright in the Southland Conference. Navigating through a season of jumps, hoops, and occasional dunk failures, the Huskies captured the essence of college basketball. Under the spirited leadership of the youthful head coach Ron Cottrell, the team played their home games at the heart-stirring venue of Sharp Gymnasium in Houston, Texas.
The season unfolded with a full bench ready to take a shot at victory, bringing a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent. Within the Southland Conference lineup, the Huskies had a mission — to outpace their rivals like Stephen F. Austin and New Orleans with both persistence and finesse. By combining athleticism with a strong team spirit, the Huskies left a distinct mark despite ranking tenth out of thirteen at the end of the season.
The roster reflected a blend of cultures and backgrounds, which often exemplifies what many of us adore about the diversity of college sports. It wasn't just about being a part of a team; it was about creating bonds that transcended the basketball court. Talented athletes like Josh Ibarra and Braxton Bonds strove to elevate the Huskies’ game. In the mix was Jalon Gates, a fierce competitor from San Antonio, whose skills lit up many cold Texan nights with his knack for three-pointers.
Playing in one of the most diverse metropolitan areas in the U.S., the Huskies stood before a backdrop of a city that thrives on cultural and social justice movements. Being in such an environment undoubtedly echoed through their gameplay and interactions, motivating them to break ceilings both on and off the court. Playing basketball while being held aloft by the hopes of a liberal-hearted city, the Huskies had the challenge of not just performing athletically but also recognizing their influence on the culture around them.
The Huskies' schedule during this roller-coaster season was a balancing act between non-conference matchups and Southland battles. Facing tough powerhouses and lesser-known schools alike, they showcased a fighting spirit, sometimes delivering the kind of Cinderella stories that make sports fandom worthwhile. The result? The Huskies finished with an overall record of 6-25, while achieving a conference record of 2-16.
While the record might not have reached the heights that players and fans would have dreamed of, the team made strides in building foundations for future successes. There’s something profoundly inspiring about the relentless pursuit of passion despite uncertain outcomes. For fans in Houston—and lovers of underdogs everywhere—seeing the Huskies give their all was more than enough reason to clap their hands raw at each game.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that the value of sports goes beyond the ball and hoop. It's about community, learning, adapting, and sometimes, it's about looking in the mirror and seeing where improvement is needed, whether individually or collectively. In sports, like life itself, defeats often also pave the way to unshakable resolve and renewed strategies. The lessons learned in a season can often lay the groundwork for future undying legacies.
Gen Z sentiment often thrives on the celebration of individuality and social causes, which the Huskies' team spirit emulates through their camaraderie and resolve. In a world where athletes have started to exercise their right to voice social and political opinions freely, teams such as the Houston Baptist Huskies embody the essence of change and flexibility.
Sports teams like the Huskies represent hopes, dreams, and the belief that anything is possible if you put in the hard work. Their season may not have culminated in a championship celebration, but it undeniably contributed to the ongoing narrative that will be told for years to come. And for the Huskies themselves, the experience, growth, and camaraderie established during the 2017–18 season will be etched in their journeys forever.
Despite the setbacks, there’s an empowering lesson in their journey — one that’s as inspirational as a buzzer-beating shot in the final seconds. Just as life is not devoid of hardships, neither is the basketball court. Yet, it’s the relentless spirit to rise, the unwavering bond of teammates, and the encouragement of enduring fans that keep teams like the Houston Baptist Huskies going forward no matter the score.
So here’s to the ambition, effort, and enduring hope that characterized the 2017-18 season for Houston’s homegrown Huskies. After all, in the game of basketball, as in life, the true victory often lies not just in the trophies won, but the stories written along the way.