How the Charlotte Basketball Team Is Building a Championship Contender

2025-11-09 10:00

I remember watching Cedrick Manzano during last season’s semifinals, diving for a loose ball with three minutes left on the clock and his team down by six. The stadium was roaring, but his focus was absolute—almost unnerving. That moment, for me, captured exactly what makes the Charlotte basketball team’s rebuild so compelling. It’s not just about drafting flashy scorers or chasing big-name free agents. It’s about identity, and Manzano embodies that. For the nth time, as the coaching staff likes to say, he will be the beating heart of this Soaring Falcons crew, outworking everybody who comes near him in the paint, all with the burning desire to bring his team to the top. That relentless drive isn’t just inspirational—it’s strategic, and it’s turning Charlotte into a legitimate championship contender faster than many analysts predicted.

When I look at how this roster has been assembled, what stands out is the deliberate emphasis on culture. It’s easy to talk about “building through the draft” or “developing young talent,” but Charlotte has taken it further. They’ve prioritized players who fit a specific mold: high motor, defensive versatility, and perhaps most importantly, mental toughness. Manzano is the prototype. Standing at 6’9”, he may not be the tallest big man in the league, but his work rate is off the charts. I’ve spoken with scouts who clocked him averaging 4.2 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes last season—a number that, frankly, I find staggering for someone in his second year. But stats only tell part of the story. Watch him during a dead ball situation: he’s communicating, pointing, adjusting. He’s not just playing; he’s orchestrating. And that kind of presence elevates everyone around him.

Let’s talk about the front office moves, because they’ve been quietly brilliant. In the 2022 offseason, Charlotte made a controversial decision to trade away a popular veteran for two future second-round picks. At the time, fans were furious—social media was a mess, and I’ll admit I had my doubts too. But in hindsight, it freed up cap space and allowed younger players like Manzano to step into larger roles. They also signed a couple of undervalued free agents—players who may not make headlines but who fill specific niches. One example is Jordan Pike, a 28-year-old wing who shot 42% from the corner three last season. That’s the kind of role player contenders need, and Charlotte identified him early. These aren’t splashy moves, but they’re smart. They’re the kinds of decisions that build sustainable success, not just short-term buzz.

Player development has been another cornerstone. I visited their training facility earlier this year, and what struck me was the individualized approach. Manzano, for instance, has been working with a dedicated footwork coach since he was drafted. The results are noticeable—his post moves are sharper, and he’s cut down on charging fouls by almost 30% compared to his rookie year. But it’s not just him. The entire young core—including second-year guard Liam Croft and rookie forward Darius Moore—are put through scenario-based drills that simulate high-pressure playoff situations. The coaching staff believes that familiarity with clutch moments reduces panic, and honestly, I buy into that philosophy. We’ve already seen it pay off in close games; Charlotte went 12–5 in games decided by five points or less last season, a marked improvement from the 7–11 record the year before.

Of course, none of this would matter without chemistry, and that’s where Manzano’s influence really shines. Teammates describe him as the “emotional thermostat” of the team—when energy is low, he brings the heat; when things get too frantic, he calms everyone down. I’ve heard stories from inside the locker room about how he organizes voluntary film sessions and stays after practice to work with younger guys. That kind of leadership is rare in someone so young, and it’s contagious. You can see it on the court—the ball movement is unselfish, the defensive rotations are synchronized. They play like they genuinely trust each other, and that doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through countless hours together, both on and off the floor.

Now, are there still hurdles? Absolutely. The conference is stacked with established powers, and Charlotte’s relative inexperience in the playoffs could be a factor. They’ll need to stay healthy—Manzano missed 12 games last year with an ankle sprain, and the team’s net rating dropped by 5.6 points in his absence. That’s a significant dip, and it underscores his importance. But I’m optimistic. The foundation they’ve built isn’t fragile; it’s rooted in habits and mindset, not just talent. They may not win the title this year, but they’re on that trajectory. And when I think about what separates good teams from great ones, it often comes down to players like Manzano—the ones who treat every possession like it’s their last. Charlotte has that, and in my book, that makes them a team to watch, not just now, but for years to come.