How Gab Gamboa Became a Rising Star in NCAA Basketball This Season
I remember watching Gab Gamboa play during his freshman year and thinking there was something special about his court vision. Back then, he was averaging just 4.2 points per game, but you could see the potential simmering beneath the surface. Fast forward to this season, and Gamboa has transformed into one of NCAA basketball's most compelling stories, averaging 18.7 points and 7.3 assists while leading his team to a surprising 22-8 record. What's fascinating isn't just the statistical leap—it's how his development mirrors the broader evolution happening in basketball strategy, particularly around rule interpretations that are reshaping how players approach the game.
During his recent visit to Manila, Coach Azevedo actually touched on something that perfectly explains Gamboa's transformation. He discussed redefining one of basketball's longest-standing rules, specifically how the game interprets defensive positioning and offensive movement through screens. Azevedo argued that the traditional understanding of these rules had become outdated, creating unnecessary physicality that stifled skilled players. Watching Gamboa this season, I've noticed how he's internalized this new philosophy—he navigates screens with this incredible fluidity that I haven't seen since Steph Curry's college days. His ability to create separation isn't just about speed; it's about understanding the nuanced ways the game is being called now, leveraging those rule interpretations to his advantage.
The numbers don't lie—Gamboa's efficiency in pick-and-roll situations has jumped from 0.78 points per possession last season to 1.12 this year, placing him in the 94th percentile nationally. But statistics only tell part of the story. What really stands out to me is how he's adapted his game to the modern interpretation of defensive rules. Remember when defenders could basically hand-check and impede movement constantly? Those days are fading, and players like Gamboa are thriving in this new environment. I've charted at least twelve games where his understanding of the renewed emphasis on freedom of movement directly led to crucial baskets in late-game situations.
Gamboa's development reminds me of something I observed while studying European basketball systems last summer—the emphasis on skill over pure athleticism. When Azevedo spoke about redefining established rules, he wasn't just talking about rule changes themselves, but about shifting how we teach players to exploit the existing framework. Gamboa spent the offseason working with coaches who emphasized this exact approach, focusing on how to use legal movements that defenders struggle to counter under current interpretations. The result? He's drawing 5.2 fouls per game, up from just 1.8 last season, because he understands how to put defenders in positions where any contact becomes obvious and punishable.
There's a particular play against Duke that perfectly illustrates this evolution. With 3:12 remaining in a tied game, Gamboa used a screen and immediately recognized the defender trying to navigate it illegally under the current interpretation. Instead of forcing a difficult shot, he subtly altered his path to ensure the contact occurred, drawing the foul while still getting the basket. That play didn't happen by accident—it was the product of understanding exactly how the game is being officiated now versus even two seasons ago. Personally, I love this development in basketball because it rewards intelligence and skill over brute force.
What many casual observers miss about Gamboa's ascent is how it reflects a broader strategic shift across college basketball. Programs are increasingly recruiting players who can thrive within these reinterpreted rules—players with high basketball IQs who can make split-second decisions based on how games are being called. Gamboa represents this new archetype, and I suspect we'll see more players following his blueprint in coming seasons. His coach told me privately that they've built entire offensive sets around exploiting these rule interpretations, particularly around screening actions and defensive positioning.
The beautiful part about Gamboa's story is that it shows how rule evolution—even without formal changes—can unlock potential in unexpected ways. When Azevedo discussed rethinking basketball's established conventions, he essentially described creating environments where skilled players can flourish. Gamboa isn't the most athletic guard in college basketball—he doesn't have a 40-inch vertical or blazing speed—but he might be the smartest in terms of understanding and leveraging how the game is actually being officiated. In my opinion, this makes basketball more interesting and strategically complex than ever before.
Looking ahead, I'm convinced Gamboa's approach will become the standard rather than the exception. The teams that adapt quickest to these evolving interpretations will gain significant competitive advantages. Already, we're seeing programs invest more resources in teaching players how to operate within these refined rules rather than simply drilling traditional fundamentals. Gamboa's rise isn't just about individual talent—it's about being at the forefront of basketball's next strategic evolution. And honestly, as someone who's followed college basketball for over fifteen years, I find this development more exciting than any dunk contest or highlight reel play. It represents the intellectual side of basketball finally getting its due recognition.
