5 Reasons Why Herb Sendek’s Santa Clara Broncos Are WCC’s Most Exciting Mid-Major Program

The Santa Clara Broncos men's basketball team has firmly established itself as a perennial contender in the West Coast Conference (WCC), moving past the days of being a dark horse to become a consistent mid-major powerhouse. As of December 15, 2025, the program is riding a wave of success built on a high-octane offensive philosophy and stable coaching leadership. The 2024-2025 season, in particular, solidified their status, delivering a major milestone that has fans buzzing about the future of Bronco basketball.

The Broncos concluded the 2024-2025 campaign with an impressive 21-13 overall record and a strong 12-6 finish in the competitive WCC standings. This achievement marked the third consecutive season the team surpassed the 20-win threshold, a historic feat for the program that signals a new era of sustained excellence under veteran Head Coach Herb Sendek.

Broncos Key Personnel and 2024-2025 Campaign Biography

The success of the Santa Clara Broncos program is deeply rooted in the stability of its coaching staff and the emergence of high-impact players who thrive in the team’s fast-paced system. The 2024-2025 roster featured a blend of experienced seniors and talented newcomers, all contributing to the team's top-25 national ranking in scoring.

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• Herb Sendek (Head Coach): Now in his ninth season leading the Broncos, Coach Sendek is one of the most successful coaches in Santa Clara basketball history. His coaching philosophy emphasizes a disciplined, yet high-scoring style of play, which led the team to a 4th place finish in the WCC in 2024-2025. Sendek is renowned for his program building, navigating the complexities of the Transfer Portal and NIL landscape while maintaining competitive excellence.
• Adama Bal (Senior Guard): The undisputed leader on the court for the 2024-2025 season, Bal was a key returning player and a top scorer for the Broncos. His stat line of approximately 14.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game made him an indispensable force in the WCC. Bal’s ability to create his own shot and distribute the ball was central to the team's offensive efficiency.
• Jason Ludwig (Associate Head Coach): A critical member of the coaching staff, Ludwig’s role involves player development and game planning, contributing significantly to the team’s consistent success.
• Scott Garson & Ryan Madry (Assistant Coaches): Garson and Madry round out the core coaching staff, providing valuable recruiting expertise and on-court instruction that helps the Broncos compete with perennial top-10 programs like Gonzaga and Saint Mary's.
• The High-Octane Offense: The 2024-2025 Broncos averaged a remarkable 81.9 points per game (PS/G), ranking them 21st nationally among 364 Division I teams. This offensive firepower, combined with a respectable defensive effort (73.0 points allowed per game), was the signature of the team’s identity.

The Five Pillars of Santa Clara's WCC Dominance

The Broncos' recent run of success is not accidental. It is the result of a deliberate strategy and a commitment to excellence that has shifted the competitive balance within the West Coast Conference. While Gonzaga and Saint Mary's often grab the headlines, Santa Clara has quietly built a foundation for long-term contention.

1. Consistent 20-Win Seasons: A New Standard of Excellence

The most compelling evidence of Santa Clara's rise is their streak of three consecutive 20-win seasons, culminating in the 2024-2025 campaign's 21-13 finish. This level of sustained winning demonstrates the program’s ability to reload and adapt year after year, a hallmark of elite college basketball programs. This consistency ensures the Broncos are always in the conversation for a potential NCAA Tournament bid, even if they were upset in the WCC Tournament Quarterfinals by Pepperdine.

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2. The Herb Sendek Effect: Veteran Leadership and Stability

Herb Sendek's longevity (9th season) and proven track record at multiple institutions provide the necessary stability in a volatile era of college sports. His ability to recruit talent that fits his system, combined with his strategic acumen, allows the Broncos to punch above their weight class against higher-budget programs. His deep knowledge of the WCC landscape is a major competitive advantage for Santa Clara University.

3. Elite Offensive Efficiency and Scoring Power

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The Broncos' 2024-2025 team was one of the nation's most potent scoring units, averaging nearly 82 points per game. This high-scoring identity makes them a must-watch team for college basketball fans. The emphasis on ball movement, three-point shooting, and transition offense ensures that the Leavey Center is a challenging venue for any opposing team, including perennial rivals San Francisco and the University of Pacific.

4. Strategic Use of the Transfer Portal

In the modern era of college basketball, success often hinges on utilizing the Transfer Portal effectively. Coach Sendek and his staff have been adept at identifying high-level talent from other programs—like Adama Bal—who can immediately step in and contribute to the Broncos’ winning culture. This strategic recruiting ensures the roster remains fresh and competitive, mitigating the losses of graduating seniors or players pursuing professional careers.

5. The West Coast Conference (WCC) Crucible

Playing in the WCC, which consistently features multiple top-25 teams, forces the Broncos to maintain a high level of play throughout the season. Regular matchups against the likes of Saint Mary's and Gonzaga prepare Santa Clara for any postseason competition. Finishing 4th in this conference is a significant achievement that speaks volumes about the team's quality and readiness for high-stakes games.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Bronco Basketball

The momentum from the 2024-2025 season sets a high bar for the future. The program's sustained success has elevated its national profile, making it a more attractive destination for top-tier recruits and Transfer Portal candidates. The focus for the upcoming seasons will be on translating regular-season success into a deeper run in the WCC Tournament and securing an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The foundation is solid: a proven coach, a winning culture, and an exciting style of play. While the WCC remains a challenging league, the Broncos have shown they possess the talent and coaching to compete at the highest level. Fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapter, hoping the team can break into the Field of 68 and make a statement on the national stage. The Broncos are no longer just a good mid-major; they are a program on the cusp of becoming a major player in the national college basketball conversation.