I'm loving this time of year, when everything is about potential.  New recruits and transfers, experienced leaders coming back, a coach and staff that are somehow both incredibly competent and yet not (apparently) looking to leave for a bigger school. 

But, just in case things don't go our way in the A-10 next year and beyond, I found myself just bored enough (and trying to avoid work this evening) that I asked ChatGPT how a mid-major program can achieve the kind of success that Gonzaga and other schools have achieved.

Can't argue much with what the AI has advised:

1. Establish a Winning Culture: Mid-major basketball teams need a strong, winning culture. This starts with hiring a coach with a proven track record of success and the ability to build a strong team culture. The coach must instill a work ethic and commitment to excellence in his players and constantly reinforce this culture through his words and actions.

2. Recruit Relentlessly: Recruiting is crucial for mid-major basketball teams that want to compete at the highest level. Coaches must be willing to go the extra mile to identify hidden gems and not be afraid to compete with larger schools for top talent. Developing relationships with high school coaches and AAU coaches can help to build a pipeline of quality players who might otherwise be overlooked.

3. Develop a Unique Playing Style: Every successful mid-major basketball team has a unique playing style that distinguishes it from other programs. Coaches must look to develop a playing style that plays to the strengths of their team and creates mismatches against larger, more powerful programs. This could involve a fast-paced offense, a stifling defense or a combination of both.

4. Emphasize Teamwork and Player Development: Mid-major basketball teams often lack the star power of larger programs, but they can make up for this by emphasizing teamwork and player development. Coaches should prioritize developing the skills of every player on the roster and creating a team chemistry that allows everyone to play to their strengths.

5. Schedule Wisely: One of the biggest challenges facing mid-major basketball teams is scheduling. To attract top talent and gain national recognition, mid-major teams must be willing to schedule tough opponents and play in high-profile tournaments. However, coaches must also be careful not to over-schedule and risk wearing their team down before conference play.

6. Take Advantage of Opportunities: Mid-major basketball teams sometimes have to take unconventional routes to success. This could mean scheduling games against top-ranked teams early in the season to gain national recognition, or finding alternative avenues for exposure, such as participating in the NCAA's new Pathway Program.

7. Invest in Facilities: While facilities alone may not guarantee success, they certainly can play a role in attracting top talent and providing a competitive edge. Mid-major basketball programs should strive to invest in high-quality facilities that provide an excellent training environment for players and coaches alike.

8. Cultivate Donors and Fans: Successful mid-major basketball programs often have a strong and loyal fan base that can help to propel the team to higher levels of success. Coaches and athletic directors must work to cultivate strong relationships with donors and fans, providing them with incentives to invest in the program and generate a passionate following.