UTRGV men’s basketball is entering a new era. The Vaqueros are looking to build chemistry quickly and compete for a conference championship. Sebastián Espino has more on the new-look team and its expectations for the upcoming season.
A new coach, 13 new players and a completely different look, that’s the reality for UTRGV men’s basketball heading into the new season.
Head coach Brandon Chambers took over the program this offseason, but just one day after his introductory news conference, the transfer portal opened.
That left Chambers with only two returning players and the challenge of bringing in 13 new faces.
“We’re in a race against the clock,” Chambers said.
Instead of immediately focusing only on basketball, Chambers says the coaching staff made building relationships and establishing a team culture the priority.
The Vaqueros have focused on three key values: energy, effort and enthusiasm. And so far, Chambers says the players have impressed him.
“I realized very early on that we had really, really good DNA in our guys,” Chambers said.
One of those new players is graduate senior BB Knight, a 6-foot-6 shooting guard from Houston who transferred from Lamar University.
Knight says the large number of new players hasn’t stopped the team from developing chemistry.
“I feel like we definitely do get along and get along on and off the court, honestly.” Knight said.
Knight says the team’s goal is to compete for a conference championship and make it to March Madness.
But for him, success isn’t just about his own performance.
He wants to help his teammates get better and see the entire team succeed.
Another new face is Houston native Devon Pryor. The 6-foot-8 small forward previously played at the University of Texas in Austin and Oregon before coming to UTRGV.
Pryor says the Valley has given him a different environment from the larger college programs he experienced before.
He describes the area as more relaxed, family-friendly and down to earth.
But when it comes to basketball, Pryor says the expectations are high.
“I’m expecting a huge jump this season, as far as just team success.” Pryor said.
And that success will depend not only on the players, but also on the support from the Valley. Knight says he wants fans to make the Fieldhouse a difficult place for opponents to play.
“Show up, be rowdy. Support us, you know, ’cause we’re gonna need it,” Knight said.
Chambers says he wants that connection with the community to become part of the team’s identity.
“I want this to really be the Valley’s team,” Chambers said.
This is Sebastian Espino for Vaquero Radio.
