Front of UTRGV Field House. Picture by Sebastian/Vaquero Radio
With their season opener against Texas A&M–Kingsville scheduled for November 2, the UTRGV men’s basketball team is using preseason practices to build a strong foundation on and off the court.
After a recent scrimmage, the coaching staff saw encouraging signs of aggression and teamwork, while also identifying areas that need improvement before the season begins.
“Don’t tell me, show me,” Chambers said challenging players to demonstrate their team identity consistently in practices and games.
To strengthen those connections, the team participated in a retreat in South Padre Island, where players took ownership of defining what the four values mean to them. The group also watched a documentary about the 2004 Detroit Pistons, a team the coach highlighted for its toughness and ability to succeed through contributions from players in different roles.
The coaching staff is also focused on improving the small details that can determine the outcome of games. Despite the positive signs during preseason, the team still has work to do defensively, at the free-throw line and in transition.
“We win in the margins,” Chambers said
For Devon Pryor, maintaining that standard will require consistency, trust and a willingness to improve throughout the season. He expressed confidence in the team’s direction while acknowledging that there is still room to grow.
“I feel like the team knows what we need to do,” “There’s a lot we can work on.” Pryor Said.
Building chemistry has also been important as players arrive from different programs and backgrounds. Chambers pointed to the way new teammates have embraced the program and the community, helping establish a culture centered on accountability and teamwork.
As the November 2 opener approaches, UTRGV will look to turn that connection into on-court progress. With preseason practices continuing, the Vaqueros’ focus remains on improving each day, responding to adversity and making their team identity a consistent part of their performance.
This Sebastian Espino for Vaquero Radio.
