Scoop Winters
Published Jun 14, 2025
By Scoop Winters, SIBA Senior Columnist
Kansas City, MO — At 48-12 and riding a six-game winning streak, the Kansas City Koyotes are no longer sneaking up on anyone in the SIBA. They're not just contenders—they’re tone-setters. With a +10.3 point differential, an offensive attack ranked in the league’s top five (112.3 PPG), and a defense that allows just 102.0 points per night, Kansas City has been the model of balance and depth.
So how did they get here? I sat down with the architect of this resurgence, Head Coach Demario Cox, who’s building more than just a contender—he’s crafting a culture.
“We ain’t just hoopin’, Scoop,” Cox begins with that signature Kansas drawl. “We’re building trust, accountability, and chemistry. It’s taken time, but these guys believe in each other now.”
That belief is easy to see on the court. Cox has taken what could be considered a “no-true-superstar” roster and weaponized it into a system of constant motion, unselfish ball movement, and aggressive defense. But don’t get it twisted—there are stars here. Quiet killers.
Matt Foster, the steady PG, is averaging 18.2 points and 7.1 assists while shooting 43.1% from deep. “Matt’s our brain,” Cox says. “The moment he walks on the floor, we all relax. He’s the pulse.”
But the heartbeat? That’s Abaeze Okagbare. The powerful forward is putting up 21.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. “There’s a reason we call him ‘Atlas,’” Cox says, smiling. “He carries us.”
The real surprise, however, has been Stefan Skrzypinski. Once viewed as a volume scorer, he’s evolved into a complete player under Cox’s system—averaging 22.9 PPG, 8.3 boards, and 6.1 assists. “He bought in. Defends now. Moves the ball. He’s finally not chasing numbers, he’s chasing wins.”
This evolution is happening throughout the roster. Role players like Bart Paige (a sniper at 57.6% from three) and Roy Ramsey (12.3 PPG in just 21 minutes) have been pivotal.
“I told the front office, ‘Give me high-IQ guys who aren’t afraid of the moment.’ They listened. Now we’ve got depth that can win playoff series.”
Still, Cox isn’t letting his squad get comfortable.
“Look, man, the playoffs ain’t won in February or March,” he says. “That’s when you sharpen your blade. Come June, that’s when we swing it.”
There’s also the matter of managing egos and minutes.
“You got young players like David Young, Ronald Akers—guys who don’t get the shine but never stop working. They’re the backbone. That humility? That’s what makes a contender.”
When asked about the franchise’s $211 million payroll and the $53 million over the cap number, Cox brushes it off.
“We’re investing in winning. Simple. That’s a front office thing. My job’s to get every cent of value out of those contracts.”
With just a few games left in the regular season and postseason home-court likely secured, the pressure is mounting. But Cox seems unfazed.
“I love this. Every practice, every timeout, every late-game draw-up—it’s why I coach. If we stay healthy and stay locked in, ain’t a team in this league we scared of.”
He pauses, leans back in his chair.
“You ever seen a pack of Koyotes hunt together? It’s organized chaos. That’s us.”
Believe him. The hunt is on. (edited)
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