Tuesday night, DU torched University of Colorado – Colorado Springs (UCCS), 129-93. Denver has two more road games remaining on their schedule later this month before starting conference play on December 31st against UMKC. Despite its numerous and well-documented problems with not only resource consumption but also general accuracy with some of the most basic commands, we were curious to know what Google AI thought, based on current statistics after 13 games, about what DU needs to do to compete for a Summit League conference championship this season. Not surprisingly, defense moves to the top of the list.

Here is what AI has to say about DU’s 2025-26  team:

Google AI Overview

To win the Summit League Basketball Championship in the 2025-2026 season, the University of Denver (DU) Pioneers need to focus on elevating their team defense, building on early-season progress with a strong non-conference finish (aiming for .500 or better), developing consistent scoring behind new leadership, and leveraging their key players to outcompete established Summit League powers like Omaha (Mavericks). Key statistical improvements should target defensive efficiency, rebounding, and converting their offensive opportunities, especially in close games, to climb the standings and secure a top seed for the tournament. 

1. Defense Wins Championships: DU’s defense is identified as a key vulnerability. They must become more disciplined and effective in transition and half-court sets to slow down high-powered Summit League offenses.
2. Finish Strong Non-Conference: Achieving a .500 record (around 6-6 or better) before league play starts builds confidence and shows significant progress, especially with a new roster.
3. Develop Consistent Scoring: With new players and coaches, DU needs reliable go-to scorers in crunch time, reducing reliance on one or two players.
4. Rebounding & Possessions: Controlling the boards and limiting turnovers will be crucial against teams that excel at second-chance points and efficient offense.
5. Learn from Last Year’s Run: DU made a surprise run to the title game last season; they need to learn from that experience and maintain intensity and focus throughout the long conference schedule. 

• Omaha Mavericks: The perennial favorites, DU must find ways to score against Omaha’s defense and contain their top players to upset them in the regular season and tournament.
• South Dakota State Jackrabbits & North Dakota State Bison: These teams consistently contend; DU needs to improve its efficiency and defensive execution against these strong, well-coached programs.

Statistical Focus:

• Defensive Metrics: Look to improve opponent field goal percentage, three-point percentage defense, and blocks/steals per game.
• Offensive Metrics: Focus on assist-to-turnover ratio, effective field goal percentage, and free throw rate to generate more efficient scoring opportunities.

By shoring up their defense and capitalizing on their offensive potential with this new roster, Denver can build momentum for a strong late-season push and challenge for the Summit League crown, aiming to secure that coveted NCAA Tournament bid.

To win the Summit League championship, the University of Denver men’s basketball team needs to improve its team defense, specifically by reducing opponent points per game and field goal percentage to better align with the top defensive teams in the league. The Pioneers also need to secure more rebounds and decrease turnovers.

Key Areas for Improvement:

• Defensive Efficiency: Denver is currently allowing too many points (85.4 PPG), and its opponents field goal percentage needs improvement. Top defensive teams in the league like North Dakota State and South Dakota State allow around 66-67 points per game. The Pioneers have a strong record when holding opponents under 70 points (14-4 under a previous coach), demonstrating that effective defense is a clear path to winning.
• Rebounding: The team ranks low in rebounds per game (32.3, 421st nationally). Competing for and winning the battle on the boards is essential for limiting second-chance opportunities for opponents and generating more possessions.
• Turnover Management: While the Pioneers have a solid offense and low turnover rate per game nationally (39th in 2024), turnover differential and assist-to-turnover ratio are often critical metrics for winning consistently. Maintaining their low turnover rate while forcing more opponents’ turnovers would provide an advantage.
• Consistency: The team has shown flashes of high-intensity, fast-paced play and balanced scoring, even setting a school record for points recently. The key will be to sustain this performance, especially on defense, throughout the entire season and through the single-elimination conference tournament, where one loss ends the championship hopes. 

By focusing on these specific statistical improvements, the Pioneers can build on their current offensive strengths, such as the high scoring of Carson Johnson and Jeremiah Burke, and position themselves for a championship run.

Current Denver and Summit League Leader Statistics:

Note: Denver currently holds a 6-7 overall record for the 2025-26 season before the start of conference play.

University of Denver men’s basketball team must focus on specific practice habits and in-game adjustments, including improving on-ball pressure, refining team rotations and communication, and significantly enhancing defensive rebounding and boxing out.

Key Areas for Defensive Improvement:

• Improve Rotations and Communication: A primary issue is defensive lapses due to slow switches and ball watching. Players need better communication on the court to ensure proper rotations, especially when defending pick-and-rolls or helping on drivers. Coaches should use drills, such as the 5v5 Whistle Change, to improve communication and proper defensive positioning.
• Enhance On-Ball Pressure and Perimeter Defense: The Pioneers have previously ranked very low nationally in allowing three-point accuracy. They must focus on getting defenders positioned properly on the perimeter, understanding when to challenge a shooter and when to force a driver. Drills like “Vegas Closeouts” can help players practice breaking down defensively, staying in front of their man without fouling, and closing out effectively to contest shots.
• Rebounding and Boxing Out: Denver must emphasize boxing out and securing defensive rebounds to prevent second-chance points. The team should incorporate drills that teach players to make contact with the offensive player, locate the ball, and high-point the rebound. This is crucial for completing defensive possessions and keeping opponents scoring low.
• Play Disciplined Half-Court Defense: Head Coach Tim Bergstraser emphasizes a disciplined, high-effort style of play. A more disciplined, half-court defensive approach, rather than relying solely on outscoring opponents, will help the team maintain energy throughout the game and avoid the “defensive lapses that allow big runs by other teams”.
• Minimize Turnovers: While primarily an offensive issue, high turnovers give opponents easy fast-break points, negating defensive efforts. By playing a more deliberate half-court offense and minimizing giveaways, the defense can get set and organized more consistently. 

To improve their defense and win the Summit League championship, Denver should transition to a disciplined half-court man-to-man defense that prioritizes high-energy help rotations and perimeter accountability.Current statistics show Denver allows an opponent three-point percentage of 43.1%, significantly higher than their own 35.6%. To correct this, the following defensive strategies are recommended:

• High-Energy Help Rotations
• The “Low Man” Concept: Implement a rotation where a “low man” from the weak-side corner consistently rotates to the paint to deter rollers or drivers. This prevents easy layups and dunks, which have historically been a vulnerability for DU.
• Active Communication: Improving verbal switches and identifying offensive patterns (pindowns, ball screens) will reduce the “ball watching” and slow switches that have hurt Denver’s perimeter defense. 

• Vegas Closeouts: Focus on closing out on shooters with discipline to reduce the number of wide-open three-pointers.
• Forcing Directional Play: Defenders should aim to make “shooters drivers and drivers shooters,” forcing opponents out of their comfort zones based on individual scouting reports. 

• Offensive Pace Management: Slowing down the offensive tempo can help the defense stay fresh and get properly set. A more deliberate pace reduces transition opportunities for opponents, forcing them into a half-court set where Denver’s defensive discipline can be more effective.

Based solely on available basic statistics for the current 2025-26 season, which do not fully capture on-ball defense effectiveness (such as defensive ratings or opponent shooting percentages when guarded by a specific player), players should focus on improving defensive engagement and reducing fouls to maximize their impact.

Specific players who should focus on general defensive improvement, based on their position and current basic defensive stats like steals per game (SPG), include:

• Zane Nelson (G): As a guard who is likely to be involved in perimeter defense and guarding the ball handler, Nelson has a low steal average of 0.7 SPG. Improving anticipation and on-ball pressure could lead to more turnovers forced.
• Logan Kinsey (F): While a forward, Kinsey is involved defensively and his steal average is slightly higher at 0.8 SPG. Given the team’s rebounding issues, focusing on on-ball defense during switches and perimeter scenarios when needed can help.
• Carson Johnson (G): As a key player and primary ball handler on offense, his defensive effort is critical. While he leads the team in assists, his defense on the perimeter needs to be a point of emphasis to avoid the team giving up “wide open 3s”.
• Jeremiah Burke (F): As a frontcourt player, Burke (17.0 Pts, 4.6 Reb) is crucial for interior defense and rebounding. Improving his defensive positioning to contest shots without fouling and increasing his rebound numbers will be vital. 

These players, along with the entire team, need to prioritize fundamental defensive skills such as communication, proper closeouts to the perimeter, and discipline in the half-court to limit opponent scoring.