CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Sola Adebisi recently joined Dave Friedman on the Field of 68 podcast to discuss the growth of The Citadel men's basketball program and its evolution during Southern Conference play. In the interview, Adebisi reflected on a team that has become more connected, confident and competitive as the season has progressed.

"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."

That trust has taken shape in conference play, marked by comeback victories, overtime battles and big road wins.

For Adebisi, the progress reflects internal growth more than anything else. He points to improved defensive intensity, clearer communication and a shared belief within the locker room. The Bulldogs have committed to making the next play, defending with purpose and relying on one another in key moments.
 
Built Through the Battles
Adebisi emphasized that experience and maturity have helped shape this group's mindset.

"It was definitely pretty frustrating," he said of several tight games last season. "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."

One of the most emotional moments came in 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."

That belief carried through what became a defining January for the Bulldogs. The Citadel recorded five wins during the month, its most in January since the 2008–09 season and matching its highest total since 2001–02.

The growth showed itself on the road at VMI. The Bulldogs took control early and maintained it, handling the environment inside Cameron Hall with confidence. Adebisi anchored the interior with a team-high eight rebounds and two blocks, setting a physical tone that carried through the second half and reflected the composure he described.

That poise was tested again days later against Furman in one of the most dramatic comebacks in program history. Trailing by 19 points in the second half, Adebisi delivered a career-high 22 points on 9-of-10 shooting, steadying the rally in the paint. With under 10 seconds remaining in regulation, he powered through contact for a three-point play to tie the game and force overtime, helping secure a 77–75 victory that marked the second-largest comeback in program history.

"That was another emotional game," Adebisi 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."
 
Depth and Defensive Identity
Four of The Citadel's contests have required overtime this season, giving the Bulldogs repeated opportunities to grow in pressure moments.

"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."

That confidence continued to travel. The win at Chattanooga reinforced the identity the Bulldogs were building 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."

As the season has progressed, that growth has become more consistent. The improvement has shown on both ends of the floor.

"We're playing a lot more connected on offense and defense," Adebisi said. "Our defense has picked up. We're able to pressure teams and make them do things they don't want to, and on offense we're taking more balanced shots. Everybody's connected, and we're all just playing as one."

That cohesion, Adebisi believes, starts at the top. The energy begins with head coach Ed Conroy, whose presence on the sideline sets the tone.

"Coach Conroy is really passionate," Adebisi said. "He's energetic, and that energizes the team."

Adebisi noted that Conroy's intensity extends beyond game nights. It carries through practices, film sessions and daily preparation, reinforcing the standard the staff expects. That consistent urgency has helped shape a team that plays with purpose and responds in big moments.
 
Finding the Right Fit
When Adebisi arrived in Charleston, he quickly felt aligned with the direction of the program.

"The coaches were genuine, and when I met the players, you could tell the group was tight," he said. "That sense of connection stood out to me."

As a graduate student, he has embraced both basketball and the city.

"When I have free time, I like to go to different food spots," he said. "Anywhere you go in Charleston, it's always great food. I get good food, spend time outside, go to the beach when I'm not playing basketball."

He has also formed meaningful bonds with teammates who balance basketball alongside the structure and responsibilities of cadet life.

"There's a lot that comes with what they do every day," he said. "We respect that, and we make sure we're there for each other whenever we can be. Whether it's after practice or just finding time to connect, we stay tight as a group."

That shared understanding has strengthened the locker room, reinforcing a culture built on accountability, support, and genuine brotherhood.

As the team's performance has improved, so has the atmosphere around games and team events.

"Coach Conroy told us when we start winning, McAlister Field House will start to fill up," Adebisi said. "We've seen more alumni and supporters around the program, and that support means a lot to us."
 
Trusting the Process Down the Stretch
With the Southern Conference tournament approaching, the Bulldogs are focused on positioning themselves for a strong showing in Asheville.

"That would mean a lot," Adebisi said of earning a first round bye. "Just thinking about that opportunity is exciting. It's something we're working toward every day."

For those watching The Citadel, Adebisi believes the strength of the group stands out.

"Braxton Williams has been scoring the ball consistently," he said. "Carter has been big for us too. Logan Applegate brings shooting off the bench, and Simeon is a strong rebounder inside. Really, it's our whole group. Everybody contributes, and anyone on the floor can impact the game."

As the season continues, the Bulldogs remain grounded in the principles that have fueled their growth: trust, toughness, and togetherness. For Adebisi and his teammates, the focus is simple: keep building, keep competing, and continue representing The Citadel the right way.