Last year, the University of Texas-Pan American men’s basketball team’s record was good enough to allow the Broncs to establish Head Coach Bob Hoffman’s first two years at UTPA as the best back-to-back seasons since the 1988-89 and 1989-90 seasons.

This year, the Broncs hope that a deeper and stronger squad will make the difference to allow them to continue to advance.

“We’re excited about the different components that comprise our team this season,” said Hoffman. “This season, we have shooters, we have slashers, and we are stronger as well as deeper.”

With a talented group, the competition for starting positions will be keen, and none more keen than the battle to see who will earn the starting nod at the shooting guard and small forward positions.

The Broncs lost four starters, including Brian Merriweather, who twice led all NCAA Division I players in three-point field goals, and finished his career as UTPA’s third leading all-time scorer, and leader in three-pointers. However, the cupboard is certainly not bare.

The leading candidate to start at shooting guard is senior Mire Chatman. His quickness and tenacity on defense allowed him to rank 10^th among NCAA Division I players last season, averaging 2.8 steals per game. He was also UTPA’s second leading scorer, averaging 18 points per game, and was named  to the All-Independent Second Team, as well as Independent Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.

“Mire surprised a lot of teams and a lot of people last year, but he didn’t surprise us,” said Hoffman. “We were fortunate enough to be able to recruit him here. His abilities to get to the basket, to make other people foul him, and to incorporate other people into the play are truly unique. He can score in bunches, or he can give it up in bunches, depending on whatever the defense does. Last year, he was 10th in the nation in steals, while averaging 25 minutes a game, and he has a chance to lead us this season.”

Senior Joey Tate came off the bench last season, but he’ll be counted on to contribute heavily in 2001-02. Tate made 50 per cent of his shots from the field last year, and his versatility will be an asset this season.

“Joey will be called upon to play several different positions,” said Hoffman. “He is relentless pursuing the ball on the boards, and he’s going to get the opportunity to put his mark on Bronc basketball this year. He works ads hard as anybody we have, and he doesn’t care who does the scoring, as long as the team wins. You can win a lot of games with people who are willing to give of themselves as he does.”

Junior Tomas Sitnikovas joins the Broncs with impressive credentials. He starred at Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte, NE, averaging 13.6 points, five rebounds, four assists and 4.2 steals per game before his season was cut short due to an injury. The Broncs have high hopes for Sitnikovas.

“I think that as the year progresses, Tomas will become more comfortable in our offense, catch his rhythm, and really shine,” said Hoffman. “He is a big guy who can see over other people to make passes. He is willing to give the ball up, but he has the ability to either score off the dribble or catch and shoot. Tomas is going to be fun to watch.”

Another newcomer who will make his presence felt is junior Jon Nubine. Nubine earned All-Conference honors at Carl Albert State College in Poteau, OK, where he averaged 23 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and four blocked shots per game. A three-time All-State player at Putnam City North High School in the Oklahoma City area, Nubine should see plenty of action.

“Jon Nubine is a hard-nosed, slashing type of player who can really finish at the rim,” said Hoffman. “He’s explosive, he does everything that you ask him to do, and he tries to do everything perfectly. Jon’s going to be a great asset, and when he gets the opportunity to play, he will help us.”

Although freshman Eric Montalvo spent his first year at UTPA as a redshirt, he impressed people enough to be considered as one of UTPA’s better shooting guards.

“Eric surprised us in practice last year with his ability in transition to go from one end of the floor to the other,” said Hoffman. “Considering the way we’re hoping to play this year, it will help usa lot to have someone with the ability he has to stop on a dime and shoot a jump shot. Eric is a pleasure to coach, he just goes out and does his job every day.”

Another standout at Mid-Plains Community College is junior Mykolas Jasaitas, who will be part of UTPA’s rotation. Jasaitis was named second team All-Conference, averaging 11.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

“Mykolas is a very good shooter with as quick release,” said Hoffman. “He plays hard, is a tenacious defender, and will do whatever he has to do to give his team a chance to win.”

Sophomore Nick Traylor joined the Broncs last season as a transfer, and sat out the season as a redshirt. The only non-senior to start at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, he averaged eight points a game as a freshman and can play either of the guard spots.

“Nick has a great mind for the game, and he always wants to learn more,” said Hoffman. “He soaks up everything you tell him, and he’s one of those tough-minded guys. The fans will be excited about seeing how hard he competes.”

At  the point guard spot, the Broncs should be in good hands. Any of four candidates could step in and run the team.

Junior Kevin Mitchell comes from McLennan Community College, where he averaged 10 points, four assists and two steals per game and was named second team All-Conference.

“Kevin is very fast with the ball, and has a great ability to throw the ball ahead to his teammates to give them a chance to attack the basket,” said Hoffman. “We’re looking for him to be a floor leader. Being a Presidential Scholar, we’re looking for him to use his leadership skills. Kevin will have the chance to knock down open threes, because he can really shoot the ball.”

Junior James Davis will also fit into the picture. Davis saw action as a reserve last year. He joined the Broncs after a year at Westark College.

“James is the fastest player on our team,” said Hoffman. “He can guard like crazy, and we’re looking for him to use his quickness and his stick-to-itiveness to increase our ability to stop teams defensively.”

Senior Quinn Canada will also be a contributor. He was a backup point guard as a junior after coming frm Southern Union State College.

“Quinn is in great shape, and he has improved his ability to get up and down the floor,” said Hoffman. “As a senior, he will have an opportunity to play some minutes this year, because he’s a senior who is ready to step in and provide leadership.”

Sophomore Matt Hall, who came off the bench a year ago, will do so again at the point guard position.

“Matt gave us good minutes last year, contributing in a great way,” said Hoffman. “He works very hard, and has a tremendous ability to maximize his talents.” 

While the Broncs appear to be well set outside, they also have some talent inside, to man the power forward and center positions.

Junior Andrius Sakalys comes from Eastern Oklahoma State College, where he averaged 11.4 points per game. At 6-6, he can play inside or outside.

“Andrius Sakalys will make all kinds of hustle plays to make the Broncs successful,” said Hoffman. “It has been his forte wherever he’s been, and the reason that his teams have been of championship quality.”

UTPA’s only returning starter from last year is 6-7 junior Terrell Hill. Hill averaged 5.7 points a game last season, and was the Broncs’ leading rebounder, averaging 5.8 rebounds per game. He also paced UTPA with 27 blocked shots.

“Terrell will get valuable minutes in the post,” said Hoffman. “He is much stronger than he was last year, which was his first year of playing college basketball. He will continue to grow by leaps and bounds in terms of what he expects of himself, and what he can contribute to the team. He will do anything to be successful.

Last season, 6-9 senior Marcus Quinn made 55.4 per cent of his shots from the field, ranking him second among Broncs in that category. He averaged 5.4 points per game, and will see more action this year.

“Marcus is lighter than he was last year, and his foot speed and quickness has greatly increased,” said Hoffman. “He always had touch and could shoot. His stamina will be improved, and it will lead to easy baskets for him and for our team.”

Senior DeFrance Gurley made 50 per cent of his field goal attempts last year, while coming off the bench. At 6-7, his size is an asset.

“DeFrance has increased his strength, and he’s one of our fastest post players, going up and down the floor,” said Hoffman. “We’ll need him to use his speed and quickness against some of the bigger teams we’ll play this year.”

The tallest Bronc is 6-10 freshman Josh Autenrieth, who redshirted last year. Autenrieth was an honorable mention McDonald’s All-American at Columbia High School, averaged 16.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.

“Josh works very hard, and is continuing to improve,” said Hoffman. “He should gain valuable experience this season that will lead to success in the future.”

The Broncs’ added depth will serve them well, because their schedule is loaded. UTPA plays its first four games at home, with Southland Conference foe Southwest Texas State among the visitors. The Broncs also host Mountain West Conference rival Air Force, Sun Belt foes New Mexico State and Middle Tennessee State, and in-state rivals Lamar and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

After playing their first four games at home, the men will visit Northern Iowa and Big Ten power Minnesota, then head west to take on Portland of the West Coast Conference and Washington State of the Pac Ten. UTPA will face a strong field at the San Juan Shootout in Puerto Rico December 20^th through the 22^nd, beginning with a matchup against Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference power Niagara. The Broncs visit in-state rival Texas of the Big 12 January 2^nd, and also travel to play in-state foes Rice, Southwest Texas State, and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

Hoffman is optimistic that the Broncs’ added depth and talent will allow them to be successful. “I think our quickness and ability to play together will be right up there,” said Hoffman. “I sense that our unselfishness and willingness to do things for the good of the team is at a high level. Wherever I’ve been, that has always led to success. I believe that our tenacity and tough-mindedness will be the difference that will help us make the next stride in our program.” With the Broncs’ success in the past couple of years, another good year would be no surprise at all.