Boise State basketball: A rollercoaster ride of emotions

The highs and lows of following the Boise State Broncos
As a lifelong Boise State basketball fan, I've experienced the full range of emotions that come with following your favorite team. From the elation of upset victories to the heartbreak of close losses, it's been a rollercoaster ride of emotions. But through it all, my love for the Broncos has never wavered.
The early years: Promise and potential
My fandom began in the early 2000s, when the Broncos were still a mid-major program. But there was a sense of excitement in the air. Coach Greg Graham had just taken over, and he had a reputation for winning. In his first season, the Broncos won the Big West Conference tournament and made their first NCAA Tournament appearance in over a decade.
The following year, the Broncos continued to impress, finishing with a 20-9 record and earning a spot in the NIT. It was clear that Graham was building something special in Boise.
The glory days: NCAA Tournament success
In 2008, the Broncos made their first NCAA Tournament appearance as a member of the Western Athletic Conference. They upset No. 12 seed Texas A&M in the first round, before falling to No. 4 seed Pittsburgh in the second round.
Two years later, the Broncos returned to the NCAA Tournament and made a historic run to the Sweet 16. They upset No. 11 seed St. Mary's in the first round, before knocking off No. 3 seed Kansas State in the second round. In the Sweet 16, the Broncos fell to No. 2 seed Duke, but they had made a statement to the college basketball world.
Recent years: Ups and downs
In recent years, the Broncos have experienced both highs and lows. They won the Mountain West Conference tournament in 2015 and made their fourth NCAA Tournament appearance. But they have also endured some tough seasons, including a 5-27 record in 2019-20.
Through it all, the Boise State faithful have remained loyal. They pack the ExtraMile Arena for every home game, and they travel to away games in droves. The Broncos have a special place in the hearts of Boise residents, and they are always hopeful that the next season will be the one that brings another NCAA Tournament run.
What makes Boise State basketball so special?
There are many things that make Boise State basketball so special. First, there's the atmosphere at the ExtraMile Arena. The fans are passionate and knowledgeable, and they create a hostile environment for opposing teams.
Second, there's the team itself. The Broncos are always well-coached and disciplined, and they play hard every night. They may not always be the most talented team on the court, but they always give their best effort.
Finally, there's the community of Boise. The Broncos are a source of pride for the city, and the community rallies around the team. Boise State basketball is more than just a game. It's a part of the fabric of the city.
The future of Boise State basketball
I'm optimistic about the future of Boise State basketball. Coach Leon Rice has done a great job of rebuilding the program, and he has a young team with a lot of potential. I believe that the Broncos are poised to make another run to the NCAA Tournament soon.
I'm grateful for the memories that Boise State basketball has given me over the years. I've laughed, I've cried, and I've made lifelong friends along the way. I can't wait to see what the future holds for the Broncos.