Breaking Down the Complete GVSU Basketball Roster for the Upcoming Season

2025-11-07 10:00

As I sit down to analyze Grand Valley State University's basketball roster for the upcoming season, I can't help but reflect on how team dynamics truly shape a program's success. Having followed college basketball for over a decade, I've seen how the right player combinations can transform a good team into a championship contender. This year's Lakers squad presents an intriguing case study in roster construction, particularly when we examine their training approach that one player described as: "We're rotating, sometimes I train with Stephen, sometimes I train with kuya Kevin. But most of the time, it's with kuya Eduard and Honorio."

That simple statement reveals so much about GVSU's philosophy this season. The rotational training method they've adopted isn't just about keeping players fresh—it's about creating multiple leadership connections throughout the roster. When players work with different teammates in various combinations, they develop a deeper understanding of each other's games. I've always believed that the best teams aren't necessarily the ones with the most talent, but rather those whose players understand each other's tendencies instinctively. From what I've observed in their preseason sessions, the Lakers are building exactly that kind of cohesion.

Let's talk about the guard rotation first, because honestly, this might be the strongest backcourt GVSU has had in recent memory. Stephen brings that explosive scoring ability—I've watched him drop 28 points against tough defensive teams, and his three-point percentage last season was an impressive 42.3%. But what really excites me is how he's been working with the younger guards during these rotational sessions. Kevin, whom the players affectionately call "kuya" (a Filipino term meaning older brother that speaks volumes about team chemistry), provides that steady veteran presence. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.1 last season demonstrates his court vision, but it's his leadership during these mixed training groups that might be his most valuable contribution.

The frontcourt situation is particularly fascinating to me. Eduard and Honorio represent what I consider the perfect modern college big man combination. Eduard stands at 6'9" with a wingspan that measures 7'1"—those aren't just numbers, they're game-changing physical attributes. I've watched him alter shots without even leaving his feet, and his defensive impact goes beyond traditional statistics. Honorio complements him perfectly with his mobility and expanding offensive game. What really stands out to me is how these two work together during their frequent training sessions. Their chemistry isn't accidental—it's built through countless hours of working on two-man game situations, developing that almost telepathic connection that separates good frontcourts from great ones.

What many casual observers might miss is how this rotational training approach affects player development across different lineup combinations. When players work with different partners regularly, they're forced to adapt their games and develop new skills. I've noticed younger players like freshman guard Jake Williams benefiting tremendously from running drills with multiple veteran combinations. His development curve has been remarkable—from struggling in early sessions to now holding his own against starting-caliber defenders. This kind of organic growth doesn't happen in rigid, predetermined training groups.

The depth chart this season shows approximately 14 scholarship players, but the beauty of this rotational system is that the traditional distinction between starters and bench players becomes less meaningful. Coach's philosophy seems to be building multiple five-player units that can maintain or even extend leads. I particularly like the second-unit combination of transfer guard Marcus Johnson with the Eduard-Honorio frontcourt pairing—they've shown in scrimmages that they can score efficiently while maintaining defensive intensity.

Having watched college basketball evolve over the years, I'm convinced that GVSU's approach represents the future of program development. The days of relying on one or two stars are fading, replaced by this deeper, more integrated team structure. The Lakers aren't just building a roster—they're building a system where players develop through varied interactions and shared leadership. When the season tips off next month, I expect we'll see a team that plays with remarkable cohesion and adaptability, qualities born from those training rotations where players learn from multiple "kuyas" rather than just following one leader.

This approach does come with challenges, of course. Maintaining consistent offensive execution with frequently changing lineups requires exceptional basketball IQ from every player. Defensive schemes need to be simple enough to execute with different personnel groups yet sophisticated enough to counter various opponents. But from what I've seen in their preparation, the coaching staff has done brilliant work installing core principles that translate across different lineup combinations.

As we look toward the season opener, I'm more optimistic about GVSU's prospects than I've been in several years. The roster construction isn't just about accumulating talent—it's about building relationships and basketball understanding through this innovative training approach. The players aren't just teammates; they're becoming multiple mentors to each other, creating a learning environment that accelerates development across the entire program. When March arrives, I believe we'll see this preparation pay dividends in close games and pressure situations. The Lakers might just have built something special here—a team where everyone leads and everyone follows, depending on the situation and the training group they're in that day.