Navigating the Current Storm: A Season of Rebuilding for Green Bay Basketball
The University of Wisconsin–Green Bay Phoenix men's basketball program, known to fans as
Green Bay Basketball, is currently traversing a challenging period. As of mid-December 2024, the team's record stands at a concerning 2-11, mired in a seven-game losing streak. A particularly stinging defeat came at home against Division II Michigan Tech Huskies (70-72), highlighting the depth of the struggles. With a 1-5 home record, 1-6 on the road, and 0-3 in Horizon League play, the initial stretch of the season has presented significant hurdles for the Phoenix faithful.
These struggles, while undoubtedly disheartening, are not without context. The 2024-25 season marks a pivotal transition for the Phoenix, with a brand-new coaching staff at the helm and substantial roster turnover. Such changes are often precursors to turbulent seasons, especially at the mid-major level where resources can be tighter, and established systems take time to implement.
The Doug Gottlieb Era: A New Vision for the Phoenix
May 2024 heralded a new chapter for
Green Bay Basketball with the appointment of Doug Gottlieb as the 10th head coach in the program's NCAA Division I history. Taking over after the abrupt departure of Sundance Wicks, Gottlieb stepped into a situation ripe for rebuilding. His inaugural season (2024-25) concluded with a 4-28 record, a testament to the magnitude of the task at hand.
Coaching changes inevitably trigger roster upheaval. The Phoenix roster, composed of 17 players, sees only five returning veterans from the previous season. This level of turnover means Gottlieb and his staff are effectively starting from scratch, integrating a host of new recruits and transfers alongside a small core of experienced players. The challenge lies in quickly fostering chemistry, instilling a new system, and competing in the demanding Horizon League. The 2025-26 season, Gottlieb's second, is widely anticipated as a crucial period for the team to consolidate its identity and begin to showcase the fruits of this rebuilding effort, aiming to successfully blend the returning talent with fresh faces.
A Glimpse into the Past: Green Bay's Legacy of NCAA Division I Play
While the present might seem daunting, the history of
Green Bay Basketball offers a sturdy foundation of resilience and past success. The program, which began in 1969 at the NAIA level, ascended to NCAA Division II in 1973 before making the crucial leap to Division I in 1981. They've been a proud member of the Horizon League (formerly the Midwestern Collegiate Conference) since 1994, competing fiercely within a competitive mid-major landscape.
Over their 44 seasons in Division I, the Phoenix have compiled an all-time record of 672-672, a commendable .500 winning percentage. This history includes some truly golden eras. The team has made five appearances in the prestigious NCAA Division I tournament (1991, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 2016), etching their name in March Madness lore. The 1995-96 season stands out as particularly remarkable, with the Phoenix finishing 25-4 overall and earning an impressive eighth-seed berth under head coach Mike Heideman, a testament to the program's potential. Notable figures like coach Bennett also shaped the team's success in the 1990s, leading them to three NCAA berths. For a deeper dive into their historical achievements, read about
Green Bay Phoenix: A History of NCAA Division I Basketball Success.
Identity and Home Court Advantage: The Phoenix Spirit
The very identity of the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay's athletic programs, the "Phoenix," adopted in 1970, symbolizes renewal and rebirth – a fitting metaphor for the current basketball team's aspirations. With official colors of green and white, reflecting the university's branding, and Phlash the Phoenix as their mascot, the team embodies a spirit of enduring change and rising from challenges.
Playing most of their home games at the Kress Events Center, especially starting from the 2025-26 season, provides
Green Bay Basketball with a crucial home-court advantage. A vibrant home crowd can be a significant motivator and a formidable obstacle for visiting teams. The program operates under the watchful eye of Josh Moon, the Mark Murphy Endowed Director of Athletics, whose contract extension through 2029 signals a commitment to long-term stability and growth for all UWGB athletics. Despite operating at funding levels among the lowest in the Horizon League and nationally for Division I programs, the commitment from leadership remains a beacon of hope for fans.
The Path Forward: Rebuilding, Recruitment, and Horizon League Ambitions
The journey back to consistent competitiveness for
Green Bay Basketball will be neither quick nor easy, but it is certainly achievable. The "Phoenix Rising" narrative is built on several foundational pillars:
- Patience is Key: Fans and stakeholders must understand that successful program rebuilding, particularly after a coaching change and significant roster turnover, is a multi-year endeavor. Instant gratification is rare in college basketball.
- Strategic Recruitment: Coach Gottlieb and his staff face the critical task of identifying and attracting talent that aligns with their system and culture. This involves a delicate balance of recruiting promising high school athletes, leveraging the transfer portal for immediate impact players, and potentially exploring international talent pools.
- Player Development: Beyond recruitment, dedicated effort must go into developing the skills, athleticism, and basketball IQ of every player on the roster. Individual improvement is foundational to collective team success.
- Building a Winning Culture: This encompasses establishing clear team values, fostering strong locker room chemistry, instilling discipline, and cultivating a competitive, resilient mindset. A strong culture can often overcome disparities in raw talent or funding.
- Maximizing Horizon League Potential: As a mid-major program, the Phoenix must consistently punch above their weight. This means excelling in conference play, seizing opportunities against higher-profile opponents, and making the most of every scholarship and resource.
The 2025-26 season, marking Gottlieb's second year, will be crucial. It's the period where his vision should begin to manifest more clearly on the court as new recruits are integrated and returning players become more accustomed to the system. To understand the strategic roadmap, explore
Green Bay Phoenix Rebuild: Gottlieb's Vision for 2025-26.
In conclusion, while the current season has tested the resolve of
Green Bay Basketball fans, the spirit of the Phoenix is one of resilience and renewal. With a new coach committed to a rebuilding process, a rich history of NCAA tournament appearances, and a passionate community, the hope for a resurgence is very real. The path ahead demands patience, strategic execution, and unwavering support, but the potential for Green Bay to rise once again and soar high in the Horizon League remains a powerful and inspiring vision.
