Men’s basketball trending up as coach Kyle Smith enters second year

With a revamped roster and the return of head coach Kyle Smith, the future of Stanford basketball looks bright as the team approaches the 2025-2026 season. 

Last season saw the implementation of Smith’s analytics-driven coaching style known as “Nerd Ball” in Stanford’s first year of competition in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Smith led the Cardinal (21-14, 11-9 ACC) to the quarterfinals of the ACC tournament before falling short to No. 2 Louisville. Their season ended shortly after as they got eliminated by Kent State in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). Despite the early exit, Stanford showcased their potential, achieving 21 wins, the most since 2015.

Despite the departure of key starters such as Maxime Reynaud, Jaylen Blakes and Oziyah Sellers, Smith is optimistic about the development among returning players and incoming transfers/freshmen during team practices.

“It’s about getting better every day,” Smith said. “I feel good about our guys and what they’re doing.”

Speaking about progress, Smith praised the improvement of returning sophomores Tallis Toure, Anthony Batson Jr., Evan Stinson and Donovan Young.

“Honestly, they have all improved,” Smith said. “Tallis is 240 now. Got to see him in practice, get on offensive boards this week. He’s all over today. Anthony same thing, he’s one of our best athletes. And then I really think Evan and Donovan, they’re two of our best athletes.”

Team leaders have already emerged as well, according to Smith.

“[Senior Benny Gealer] is definitely our leader. That guy is really respected. [Senior Chisom Okpara] has grown in a lot of ways too. He’s got a huge personality and a good big voice,” said Smith. “[AJ Rohosy] plays hard. He’s quiet, but he speaks loudly with his actions.”

Okpara shared Smith’s determined attitude heading into the season.

“We all got a chip on our shoulder,” Okpara said. “It’s time to step up, all the preparation, all the hard work, we’re just ready to shine.”

Additionally, redshirt junior Ryan Agarwal has emerged as one of the key players for the Cardinal. During practice, Agarwal expressed assurance about his recovery following an offseason knee surgery operation.

“Completely happy that I got that figured out,” Agarwal said. “Been able to play a lot more laterally and vertically without pain.”

Agarwal, known for his deadeye shooting from the 3-point range, has shown improvement in other areas of the court as well, notably on the rebounding end.

“I’m trying to help our team in any way possible, and one of those is being a guard rebounder,” said Agarwal. “As someone who is in that middle position of being a guard, I can grab that rebound, take it up and start the fast break by myself, and have some of the guards run out and take the load off them a little bit.”

The offseason saw the arrival of recruits Kristers Skrinda, Ebuka Okorie, Myles Jones and Oskar Giltay, along with transfers from lower-division ranks, graduate students Jeremy Dent-Smith and AJ Rohosy. The additions provide the Cardinal with much-needed depth in the backcourt and versatility on both sides of the court.

The Cardinal have the opportunity to present their new talent during their first exhibition game against Oregon at Maples Pavilion on Oct. 30. Stanford will then host its season opener on Nov. 4 against Portland State.

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