The University of Texas at El Paso’s men’s basketball program is entering an unprecedented rebuilding phase. For the first time in recent memory the Miners will field a squad made up entirely of newcomers, with 13 fresh faces and no players carried over from the previous season.
A Fresh Roster Takes Shape
Coach Joe Golding emphasized that the team’s size, skill set and character are among its strongest assets. He noted the importance of trust and chemistry as the foundation for a unit that must gel quickly before the first Mountain West Conference games arrive.
First Workout Marks New Beginnings
The Miners held their first official workout on June 10 after several days of informal scrimmages. The session gave coaches and players a first look at how the new pieces might fit together on the court.
Trust and Chemistry at the Core
Golding repeatedly stressed that chemistry will be the differentiator. He said the players have already begun to bond, with guard Jace Whiting observing that there are no "knuckleheads" on the roster and that the group has clicked faster than expected.
The Miller brothers, Reece and Ryan, arrived together after spending a season at William & Mary. Their prior experience as teammates adds an extra layer of familiarity to the mix.
Global Connections and Local Roots
Three true freshmen — Isaiah Ward, Donovan Criss and Delano Tarpley — hail from San Antonio’s Brennan High School, bringing a local flavor to the squad. Sophomore point guard Leif Moeller, a native of Germany, already feels at home in El Paso and has quickly connected with his new teammates. Senior forward Augusto Cassio, who grew up in Brazil, stressed that spending time together off the court will be crucial for building relationships.
Eight Weeks to Build a Unit
The program has allocated eight weeks of training camp to refine chemistry, evaluate fit and develop cohesion. With two players listed at 6‑11 and another at 6‑10, the team’s physical presence is evident, but the real work lies in turning that size into chemistry on the hardwood.