The Arizona Western Matadors men's basketball team is entering the new season with a laser focus and an intense drive to succeed—after a standout year, they’re eager to chase another Region One championship. But here’s where it gets interesting: their previous season came very close to glory, finishing with a solid 23–8 record, just missing out on the title. Now, under the leadership of Head Coach Kyle Isaacs, who’s entering his 17th year at the helm, the team is sharpening its skills and mindset for a fresh challenge.
Last year’s motto was “embrace the process,” encouraging players to trust their growth and development over time. This season, however, Isaacs is emphasizing precision—focusing on executing every detail flawlessly. He explains, “Everyone embraced the process last year, but this year it’s about dominating the details. When you have six guys who understand exactly how things should be done, everything becomes so much smoother.”
The team aims to maintain its core identity rooted in toughness, relentless defense, and physical play. Yet, they also recognize areas for improvement, particularly shooting from outside the arc, which was a noticeable weakness last season. Isaacs is optimistic that this year, his squad will be more consistent and confident in making shots.
One of the key players, sophomore guard Engel Gutierrez from Miami, shares that an active offseason has significantly boosted his confidence. He mentions, “Playing summer league back home helped me feel more comfortable and self-assured. We’re putting in daily effort to improve by just one percent each day.”
Meanwhile, redshirt sophomore forward Paora Winitana from Alpine, Utah, is eager to make a strong return after a year of readjustment. He states, “I’m really excited to get back on the court. Last year was about finding my rhythm again after taking some time off, but now I’m ready to contribute fully.”
With a solid core of returning players, a seasoned coaching staff, and a renewed emphasis on attention to detail, the Matadors are confident they possess the ingredients necessary to make a significant run in the playoffs once again. Will their focus on precision and resilience be enough to propel them to the top? Only time will tell—and fans will be watching closely as this promising team aims high.
