The New Dynasty: 7 Burning Questions About CSU San Bernardino Basketball's 2025 Season Under New Leadership
The California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) men’s basketball program has become one of the most compelling stories in NCAA Division II athletics, establishing itself as a true national powerhouse. Following two consecutive trips to the NCAA Final Four—a feat of consistency few teams achieve—the program is now navigating a seismic shift: a brand new head coach for the 2024-2025 season. This transition period presents both massive opportunity and significant uncertainty for the Coyotes as they aim for an unprecedented third straight national semifinal appearance.
As of December 25, 2025, the buzz around the CSUSB Coyotes is palpable, centered on how the new leadership will maintain the program's elite status within the competitive California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) and on the national stage. The core question remains: Can the new era match the immediate, high-level success of the last two years?
The New Era: Head Coach Chris Tifft and Key 2024-2025 Roster Profiles
The biggest news heading into the 2024-2025 campaign was the appointment of Chris Tifft as the new Head Coach of the Cal State San Bernardino men's basketball program in May 2025. Tifft steps into a high-pressure role, tasked with inheriting a team that has set the standard for success in the NCAA Division II West Region.
The coaching change marks a decisive pivot for the Coyotes, but the foundation of talent remains strong. Tifft has already begun building his staff, notably adding former Cal Poly Humboldt assistant Brandon Billups.
Key Player Profiles for the 2024-2025 Season
The roster for the 2024-2025 season features a blend of returning experience and new talent, crucial for navigating the demanding CCAA schedule. These players are the engine that will drive the new Tifft era.
- Camren Pierce (Senior, Guard): As a veteran guard, Pierce is expected to be a primary leader and playmaker. His experience in the high-stakes environment of the NCAA tournament is invaluable.
- Evan Oliver (Graduate Student, Guard): Oliver brings an immediate impact as a graduate transfer, adding depth and scoring punch to the backcourt.
- Malachi Murrell: A returning name on the roster, Murrell will be looked upon to increase his production and become a consistent threat.
- Evan Guillory, Giordan Williams, Jordan Jones, and Josh Adoh: These players round out the core group, providing the necessary depth and athleticism for a team aiming for another deep postseason run.
The CSUSB Coyote Legacy: Two Years of Unprecedented NCAA Success
To understand the pressure on the 2024-2025 squad, one must look back at the incredible run of the previous two seasons. The Coyotes transformed from a strong CCAA program into a national contender, culminating in two straight appearances in the NCAA Division II Final Four.
The 2023-2024 season was a testament to the program's resilience and talent. They finished with an impressive 23-12 overall record and a 14-8 mark in conference play.
Despite a tough loss in the CCAA Tournament Title Game, Cal State San Bernardino secured an automatic bid to the NCAA West Regional, showcasing their dominance in the conference. Their momentum carried them through the regional bracket, extending their remarkable postseason success.
The seven-game regional winning streak they had built over the two-year period highlighted the team's reputation for toughness and physicality, earning them national respect. This run ultimately ended in the national semifinals, where they were defeated by the formidable Nova Southeastern Sharks in the 2024 DII men's basketball tournament.
The back-to-back Final Four appearances solidified the Coyotes' status as an elite NCAA Division II program, setting a high bar for Head Coach Chris Tifft and the current roster.
The Road Ahead: CCAA Challenges and National Ambitions
The California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) is one of the most competitive conferences in NCAA Division II basketball, and the Coyotes’ schedule for 2024-2025 is loaded with crucial matchups that will test the new regime early on.
Key Conference Matchups to Watch
The path to a CCAA title and another NCAA bid is fraught with traditional rivals and tough road games. These matchups will be vital in determining CSUSB's seeding for the postseason.
- Chico State Wildcats: Chico State has historically been a strong CCAA program and a major rival. Games against the Wildcats are often physical, high-stakes affairs that can swing the conference standings.
- Cal State San Marcos Cougars: Matches against the Cougars are always a highlight of the CCAA schedule, often featuring intense battles between two of the conference's premier programs.
- Cal Poly Pomona Broncos: The Broncos represent another traditional CCAA rival. These games are critical for regional bragging rights and are often low-scoring, defensive struggles.
- Cal State LA Golden Eagles: The Golden Eagles have shown they can compete with the top teams in the CCAA, making their games against CSUSB essential for the Coyotes to maintain their position.
The Coyotes' home games, played at the Coussoulis Arena (implied from the Greg and Cathie Ballantyne Arena context), will be crucial opportunities to build momentum and establish Tifft’s new system.
Topical Authority and Program Entities
The CSUSB basketball program is deeply intertwined with several key entities that define its identity and success:
- University Hall: Represents the historical growth of the campus alongside the athletic program.
- California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA): The primary conference affiliation, defining the competitive landscape.
- NCAA Division II: The national level of competition where the Coyotes have established their recent dominance.
- Coyotes: The official nickname and mascot, symbolizing the team's spirit.
- Blue and Black: The official university colors, prominently featured in their uniforms and branding.
- Sports Performance: A key aspect of maintaining the team's reputation for toughness and physicality.
- West Regional: The specific NCAA tournament region where CSUSB has found consistent success.
- Assistant Coach Brandon Billups: A crucial addition to the new coaching staff, bringing fresh perspectives.
- UC Merced: A non-conference opponent that the Coyotes recently secured a dramatic victory against.
- Stanislaus State: A CCAA opponent the Coyotes defeated in a rally, demonstrating their ability to close out conference games.
- Point Loma Nazarene: A top-seeded opponent the Coyotes faced in the NCAA tournament.
The 2024-2025 season is not just a new chapter for Cal State San Bernardino basketball; it is a test of continuity. With a new head coach, a talented returning core, and the weight of two straight Final Four appearances on their shoulders, the Coyotes are once again the team to watch in the NCAA Division II landscape. The biggest question is whether Chris Tifft can turn a dynasty into a legacy.
Detail Author:
- Name : Arvel Fadel
- Username : buster.erdman
- Email : isom29@stracke.net
- Birthdate : 1981-09-30
- Address : 53179 Raynor Creek Port Anabellefurt, VT 55070-9348
- Phone : 872-421-5095
- Company : Okuneva-Padberg
- Job : Education Teacher
- Bio : Quia maiores explicabo numquam delectus ut. Enim fuga vero dolores fugit. Delectus ipsa dolor esse eligendi perferendis officia esse. Quam tempore magni eum corporis dolore.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@marion_xx
- username : marion_xx
- bio : Nihil amet tempore beatae ipsum natus ut rerum.
- followers : 5366
- following : 1837
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/mhickle
- username : mhickle
- bio : Ut beatae vitae necessitatibus. Dicta aperiam dolorem corrupti quia quasi numquam sit.
- followers : 2405
- following : 2580
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/marion922
- username : marion922
- bio : Maxime iste et eos fugit iure natus eaque id. Dicta quod quod distinctio animi.
- followers : 811
- following : 1688
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/marion_official
- username : marion_official
- bio : Quia minima explicabo est et expedita aut.
- followers : 3518
- following : 2605
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/hicklem
- username : hicklem
- bio : Non eos ut expedita maiores sed corrupti animi. Et et omnis nobis optio eaque. Neque vel impedit nemo rerum.
- followers : 5419
- following : 2363
