Strong Early Season Performance
The Stanford Cardinal men have compiled an 8-2 record through early December 2025, with wins in exhibitions and non-conference games. Their schedule includes triumphs over Portland State (1-0), Montana (2-0), Montana State (3-0), and Louisiana (4-0), though a loss to Seattle U marked their only non-conference setback so far. Home games at Maples Pavilion have been pivotal, yielding a 5-2 mark.
Ahead lies a gauntlet of ACC foes, starting with Minnesota on CBSSN, followed by Portland, UNLV, and a key rivalry clash at Colorado. Upcoming tests against ranked teams like No. 6 Louisville, No. 18 North Carolina, No. 5 Duke, and No. 25 NC State will define their trajectory. This blend of West Coast familiarity and East Coast rigor prepares them for March madness.
Statistically, the team draws from prior leaders like Maxime Raynaud (20.0 PPG, 11.1 RPG) and Jaylen Blakes (4.7 APG, 1.8 SPG), with new additions building on that foundation for sustained excellence.
Key Players and Coaching Vision
Head Coach Kyle Smith guides the Cardinal through ACC integration, noting benefits like fewer trips but added rivalries with Pac-12 and Mountain West foes. In a recent interview, Smith highlighted scheduling Colorado for quality preparation against Eastern powerhouses, aiming for quad-one opportunities to bolster NCAA Tournament resumes.
Senior forward Chisom Okpara (6'8", 240 lbs, from Bronxville, N.Y., via Harvard) anchors the frontcourt with his sociology major and family ties—his sister, a Stanford tennis player, provides crucial support. Guard Benny Gealer embodies perseverance, evolving from walk-on to leader, preaching hard work and process over outcomes.
The roster blends experience and youth: freshmen like Myles Jones (G, Sacramento) and Kristers Skrinda (F, Latvia), alongside graduate student AJ Rohosy (F) and redshirt sophomores. This depth fuels their hot start and ACC aspirations.
Upcoming Schedule and Outlook
Stanford's slate intensifies with road games at San José State (CBSSN) and Virginia Tech, plus home tilts versus Notre Dame, Louisville, North Carolina, Duke, and California. The full ACC run includes Miami, Florida State, Clemson, Georgia Tech, and more, testing endurance across coasts.
With a current streak of one win and neutral/away success (3-0 combined), the Cardinal aim to climb standings. Coach Smith's strategy—leaning into rivalries while maximizing non-con wins—positions them for a deep postseason run through March 2026.