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A lot can change in four years, but the important things — such as love and family — remain constant.
Just four years ago, LSU of Alexandria coach Larry Cordaro was beginning to build the foundation of the brand of Generals basketball that fans have come to love to this day.
Tuesday, the Generals find themselves knocking on the door of a national championship when they take on Graceland in the NAIA Division I National Championship Game in Kansas City, Missouri.
"We've earned the right to play for a national championship," Cordaro said. "A win Tuesday will make Monday's win important. We cannot have any let up or have any type of thought that we've arrived. We've got unfinished business that it's very, very easy as a young college student-athlete to let one game impact the next."
Monday, LSUA defeated William Penn in the semifinals, 84-75, after being tied 37-37 at halftime.
"Credit to our players for weathering the 3-point storm," Cordaro said. "William Penn's a tough No. 1 seed and it came out and shot the lights out. But our players overcame some adversity and really buckled down the stretch."
No one could have fathomed this from the start four years ago.
Unlike most programs in the infant stage, LSUA hit the ground running with a Red River Athletic Conference title in the regular season and tournament and a trip to the NAIA Tournament in 2014-15.
The following season, it won a game in the tournament, but it was in 2016-17 when it made the best waves — winning its first 34 games and making a run at the title.
Yet, it was not to be as LSUA lost to Life University — spoiling the dream of a perfect season.
Not only did the loss last year sting, there were many changes, such as Brian Sylvester graduating and coaches Jay Smith and Casey Apetrei accepting other coaching jobs.
Although the Generals were still strong, the team lost its first games at The Fort — once to LSU of Shreveport and the second time to Smith's new team, Wiley. However, their confidence never wavered thanks to the support of their fans and seniors Brandon Moss, Joe Feraci and Jordin Williams.
"Our program has grown each year in the offseason," Cordaro said. "We lost some key players. Brian Sylvester's not in a General jersey. He's in street clothes and is a fan now cheering for us. This stretch that we've gone on is just a testament to all of the former players we've had and the family that we've built."
After that loss to Wiley, the Generals have rattled off 11 straight wins and won the RRAC Men's Basketball Tournament and that's been the family atmosphere LSUA's built.
"Someone asked me Sunday, 'Give me one word to describe your team,'" Cordaro said. "I said, 'Love.' They love each other and they love to compete. I wish the season wouldn't end, but if it does have to end, hopefully it does end with a national championship."
The NAIA title game between the Generals and Graceland will air on ESPN3 Tuesday.