As the new basketball season looms, Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) head basketball coach Steve DeMeo faces a unique challenge: constructing a championship contender from scratch. Known for his past successes, including a national title and another national championship game appearance, DeMeo has always set the bar high for the Raiders. However, this season presents a fresh challenge—none of the players from last year’s roster who made a deep run in the NJCAA playoffs have returned to score for the team.

DeMeo, unfazed by the roster overhaul, is clear that the expectations remain unchanged. “We have three goals every year: win a conference championship, a state championship, and a national championship,” DeMeo said. “We can’t lower our expectations here in Northwest Florida.”

Despite the absence of returning scorers, DeMeo’s squad is made up of a collection of new faces, two of which are freshmen right out of high school. These younger players will need to grow quickly if the Raiders hope to meet their traditional high standards. “We’ve got two 18-year-olds in our top seven, and we’ve got to fasten the process with those guys,” DeMeo acknowledged. “Every year is different, and we have to adjust as coaches.”

The Raiders will get an early test when they open the season with a tough non-conference schedule. According to DeMeo, their competition will include matchups against top teams from across the country, including Daytona, Trinity Valley, and South Georgia Tech. “Our schedule is going to be one of the top two or three in the country again,” DeMeo said, noting that the first few games will provide a critical gauge of where the team stands. “We’ve got seven or eight games to start our schedule that’ll really determine what we need to do to get better.”

While DeMeo remains candid about the uncertainties that come with an inexperienced team, he is optimistic about the Raiders’ potential, particularly because of their chemistry. “This group is unique. One through 13, they all like each other, and they all get along,” DeMeo shared. “We have more depth this year, and while we may not be as strong at the top as we were last year, I think this group will be pretty special by the end of the season.”

On the court, DeMeo emphasizes that individual development is key. “When guys are really good as individuals, they’ll help the team collectively,” he explained. With a focus on the fundamentals—dribbling, passing, and shooting—he believes the rest will follow, including their defensive play. Off the court, he credits his coaching staff for fostering a positive environment. “If the staff works well together, it trickles down to the team,” DeMeo said, expressing confidence in his assistant coaches, many of whom he expects to move on to Division I programs in the near future.

As the Raiders gear up for what promises to be a competitive season, DeMeo is clear about the road ahead. “We’ve got to get more mature fast as basketball players and not let little things get to us,” he said. “If we can do that, I think we’ll have a chance to be in the conversation.”

For the fans of Northwest Florida State, the excitement is building. With home-court advantage for the conference tournament and a group of eager, coachable players ready to make their mark, the season holds plenty of promise. DeMeo knows that in basketball, just like in life, success comes from growth. “You want it to be there in March,” he said. “That’s all you can ask for as a coach.”

As NWFSC embarks on another season, one thing is clear: under DeMeo’s guidance, the Raiders won’t be backing down from the challenge.