As fans know, the landscape of collegiate athletics has changed. Through NIL (name, image, likeness) and the transfer portal, mid-major programs such as Kent State are now faced with unique challenges, but also opportunities.
The challenge to retain and recruit players to a program has never been more of a challenge than it is now.
Kent State men’s basketball Head Coach Rob Senderoff’s approach through these changing times has been to create the best atmosphere, do the best he can for the players, and create an environment that’s hard to want to leave.
“The way we’ve approached it is just each season, we’re going to try to do the best that we can in terms of putting together our roster, having the experience be as positive as it can be for each player that’s here at Kent and do the best for them in terms of their development and improvement throughput their time here,” Senderoff told Dane Richardson on Flash Talk last week.
The Blue and Gold Collective was officially launched in July of 2022. Kent State alum and local business owner Mike Beder and his associates founded the collective to help advance the men’s basketball program, and all of the programs at KSU.
The collective has several exciting things planned for members, and that process has already started. ESPN NBA writer and Kent State alum Brian Windhorst was recently on campus in September doing a Q & A with B & G members and those fans were also treated to viewing an open workout from Team 109. An open practice is scheduled for October 27.
Other exciting perks for members include members only meet and greet with the team, an in depth look at the scouting report of the rival Zips as prepared by the KSU staff, a post-game party at Lake House Kitchen and Bar following the team’s home opener on November 8 against Miami-Hamilton, and several more exciting opportunities.
The access that Head Coach Rob Senderoff and his program are providing members is tremendous, and unique to other programs in the country.
Speaking of Senderoff, the winningest coach in Kent State history, he knows a thing or two about success for his players on and off the court. A fixture at KSU for over 20 years as both an assistant and head coach, Sendy knows how to get it done.
But in this ever-changing landscape of college basketball, in order for KSU to remain near the top of the Mid-American Conference and have winning seasons (27 straight years without a losing season), the collective is a necessary resource the program must have operated fully.
“Hopefully all of the freshmen that we bring in will stay here for three, four or five years and see that development through. It may not always be that way moving forward, but certainly when we recruit guys that’s the plan, and then obviously when we lose guys the more support we have through NIL, the better our chance to retain people and the better our chance to replace those that do leave with quality players,” Senderoff continued.
Senderoff hopes fans recognize the exciting things that are planned, and that they realize this is a necessary resource to help aide the program and keep the winning tradition going.
“So anyone who does want to help us in that area, we have a guy in town who runs a collective for the whole department and again the more help we have the better off we are, it’s called the Blue and Gold Collective so anyone who is interested in helping us in that way or helping any sport here at Kent in that way can contact Mike Beder from the Blue and Gold Collective.”
Fans can call 330-815-0747 or email BlueAndGoldCollective@gmail.com to get involved.
