TYLER, TEXAS – UT Tyler men's basketball is just days away from tipping off their 2024–25 campaign as they open the season on the road in Colorado, taking on Regis and Colorado School of Mines.
LAST SEASON
The Patriots finished the year 8–20 overall and 5–17 in Lone Star Conference play, but the record didn't capture the full picture. UT Tyler battled in tight contests throughout the season, with 12 of their 28 games decided by 10 points or fewer. The Patriots also earned two end of the season honors, including the Lone Star Conference Male Athletic Performance Athlete of the Year and one All-LSC Honorable Mention.
Head coach Tim Moser believes those close battles have shaped the team's mindset heading into the new year.
"There is a thin line between losing and winning. Hard work, talent, skill level, toughness, and intelligent play are obvious factors that can mean the difference in close games. But the last couple years have made it clearer than ever that winning happens way before the game. Winning happens in recruitment, in practice, in the film room and in the locker room. We need to wear our competitive spirit on our sleeves. This is our focus this year, and so far our group has done a great job focusing on getting a little better each day."
SOLID RETURNERS AND KEY NEWCOMERS
UT Tyler returns two major contributors in Sam Phipps and Hudson Anderson, both of whom played significant roles last season and continue to provide leadership, maturity, and competitiveness.
"Sam and Hudson are great young men. They are honest, kind, hardworking, intelligent, and accountable. They model everything that UT Tyler wants in their student-athletes. Their experience and work ethic has given them a voice of influence in our locker room."
The Patriots also bring in a large group of newcomers expected to make an immediate impact. Four junior college transfers — Chris Carpenter, Xavier Williams, Sean Emfinger, and Kyle Morgan — arrive from strong programs and bring winning habits and toughness. UT Tyler welcomes five freshmen from Australia, each with the potential to contribute early, along with transfer guard Boston Caldwell, who has produced at both the junior college and Division III levels.
"This is a brand new team. We have a roster full of competitive young men who have gelled quickly and believe in themselves. We believe we have upgraded our shooting and skill level, but most importantly, we have recruited proven winners and gym rats. This has been a very fun group to coach so far."
THE NON-CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
The Patriots begin the year with a challenging two-game road trip to Colorado. UT Tyler will take on Regis on November 21 at 8 p.m. CT before facing preseason No. 10 Colorado School of Mines on November 22 at 6 p.m. CT.
"We open with two very tough regional opponents on the road. Colorado School of Mines has been one of the best teams in our region year in and year out and Regis is coming off a national tournament bid. These two games should show us our potential."
In December, the Patriots will head to the Puerto Rico Classic just before the holiday break. The trip provides both competitive opportunities and valuable team-building.
"Playing before Christmas break is always a challenge. As a coach, you hope your team isn't already thinking about gingerbread cookies and Santa Claus. But we scheduled this trip to Puerto Rico because we believe it will be a great bonding experience for our team. We hope to create a lot of momentum headed into the new year and into the bulk of conference play."
TOUGH STRETCH
Once again, the Lone Star Conference presents one of the toughest slates in Division II. Moser expects every night to demand focus and toughness.
"Every night will be a battle. Quite frankly, we do not have a rival in this league because we haven't been good enough to create one. Hopefully, this year and this team can change that."
TEAM IDENTITY
UT Tyler's identity this season will be rooted in toughness, unity, and daily growth.
"Our ethos this year is trust, growth, and toughness. Our players want to take full advantage of the time they have together. Our goal this year is to become a team that competes every night and improves every night. We want to become a team full of tough-minded young men."
Moser believes the culture continues to strengthen and the program is trending in a promising direction.
"I believe our program is in a good place. We have great young men who possess the character and competitive spirit that represents UT Tyler. This team will, in my opinion, be an easy team to support and root for."
BIG OPPORTUNITY AHEAD
UT Tyler opens its season on November 21 against Regis before taking on Colorado School of Mines the following night. With a retooled roster, experienced returners, and tough early tests, the Patriots look to turn last season's narrow losses into meaningful steps forward in the 2024–25 campaign.
