Sola Adebisi, a player for The Citadel men’s basketball team, spoke with Dave Friedman on the Field of 68 podcast about the team’s progress during Southern Conference play. Adebisi highlighted how increased trust among players and belief in the coaching system have contributed to the Bulldogs’ improved performance.
“Honestly, everybody’s just trusting each other and trusting the system that coaches put in,” Adebisi said. “We’ve just been able to work it out.”
He described how this trust has become more apparent during conference games, which have included comeback victories and challenging road wins. According to Adebisi, these experiences have fostered internal growth within the team through stronger defensive efforts and better communication.
Reflecting on last season’s close losses, Adebisi explained that those challenges provided valuable lessons. “It was definitely pretty frustrating,” he said. “We’d go into every game believing we had a chance, and we had multiple opportunities that could have gone our way. Me and the other returners were able to use those experiences and learn from them to help us win this year.”
A significant moment for Adebisi came after an overtime win against Western Carolina. “I was pretty emotional after the game because that’s something I hadn’t done in my time here, win a SoCon game,” he said. “It was a great feeling, and I knew we’d be able to carry that momentum.”
In January, The Citadel secured five victories—their highest total for that month since 2008–09—demonstrating continued improvement throughout conference play.
Adebisi’s performance has been central in several key games. At VMI, he led with eight rebounds and two blocks as The Citadel controlled the contest early on. Days later against Furman, trailing by 19 points in the second half, Adebisi scored a career-high 22 points on efficient shooting. He made a crucial three-point play near the end of regulation to tie the game before The Citadel completed one of its largest comebacks with a 77–75 overtime victory.
“That was another emotional game,” he said. “Coach told us to keep sticking with it. Knowing anything can happen in college basketball, we kept fighting and were able to get it done.”
The Bulldogs have played four overtime games this season—opportunities that have tested their resilience under pressure.
“Coach always emphasizes how physical we play and getting into the other team’s legs,” Adebisi said. “If the game goes into overtime, we feel like we’re at an advantage, especially with the depth this team has. We have 10 or 11 guys who can really play in our rotation. We know we’re the fresher team.”
A recent win at Chattanooga reinforced their identity as a competitive group in conference play.
“That was a great feeling,” he said. “Last year we had a close game with them and lost by two or three points. It was nice to be able to go back in there and get a win this time.”
Adebisi noted ongoing improvements both offensively and defensively: “We’re playing a lot more connected on offense and defense,” he said. “Our defense has picked up… Everybody’s connected, and we’re all just playing as one.”
He credited head coach Ed Conroy for setting expectations through his energetic leadership: “Coach Conroy is really passionate,” Adebisi said. “He’s energetic, and that energizes the team.” This energy extends beyond games into practices and preparation sessions.
Discussing his arrival at The Citadel in Charleston as a graduate student-athlete, Adebisi recalled being drawn by genuine coaches and strong team camaraderie: “The coaches were genuine… you could tell the group was tight,” he said.
Outside basketball activities include exploring local food spots or visiting nearby beaches when not practicing or competing.
Teammate relationships are also important amid cadet responsibilities: “There’s a lot that comes with what they do every day… Whether it’s after practice or just finding time to connect, we stay tight as a group.”
Support from alumni has grown alongside improved results: “Coach Conroy told us when we start winning, McAlister Field House will start to fill up… we’ve seen more alumni and supporters around the program…”
With tournament play approaching in Asheville soon, earning favorable seeding remains top-of-mind for players like Adebisi: “That would mean a lot… It’s something we’re working toward every day.”
He recognized contributions across The Citadel roster—including Braxton Williams’ scoring consistency; Carter’s impact; Logan Applegate’s shooting off-the-bench; Simeon’s rebounding—and emphasized collective effort: “Everybody contributes… anyone on floor can impact game.”
As postseason approaches, core values remain unchanged—trust within group ranks high among reasons behind steady improvement.
