Colgate Basketball: Revival of Raiders program and the future ahead

By Shea Irish | Apr 19, 2022

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 20: Jeff Woodward #55 of the Colgate Raiders slaps hands with teammate Jack Ferguson #13 during the first half against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome on November 20, 2021 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images) /

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Colgate Basketball (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images) /

How Colgate’s unique style works to its benefit

Colgate basketball is predicated on a fast-paced tempo while relying on fundamental ball movement and great passing ability to find the best shot available on each possession. They play a truly special brand of team-oriented basketball, you can recognize it in the chemistry they share and how much fun they have playing together. Langel’s offensive system features one big, surrounded by four shooters that spread the floor with incredible spacing.

As a player at the University of Pennsylvania, Langel was an elite shooter that made 70 3-pointers in the 1999-00 season, becoming an Ivy League 1st-Team selection. The approach of his coaching philosophy is no different.

This style has led to one of the most prolific 3-point shooting teams in the country over recent seasons. Last year, they finished 2nd in the nation with a 40.4% mark from deep and connected on 347 three-pointers, which was the 7th best. The season before, Colgate finished 3rd in the country with a 40.3% rate from 3-point land. In 2019-20, the Raiders connected on 346 three-pointers, the 4th most in all of college basketball.

Colgate players have thrived under Langel, a credit to the culture he has established and the ability to recruit players that fit his scheme perfectly. Every player knows their role and buys into it for the ultimate goal of winning championships.

Over the last five campaigns, they have experienced the top four winningest seasons in school history. The only other season during that stretch was the covid shortened 2020-21 season, in which Colgate finished an incredible 14-2. Much individual success has been achieved along the way, with a number of players breaking into the Colgate record books.

Two players, Will Rayman and Jordan Burns have recently placed themselves into the top 5 for most points scored in a Colgate career. Rayman finished 2nd in school history with 1,836 points and 3rd in rebounding with 900 for his career. Burns pumped in 1,666 points himself; good for fourth in the program, while also ending his career as the all-time assist leader with 503.