TYLER, TEXAS – A new era of UT Tyler men's basketball is set to begin as the Patriots enter the 2026-27 season under first-year head coach Doug Karleskint.

Karleskint was named the sixth head coach in program history on March 16, 2026, bringing an extensive Division II coaching résumé to Tyler. He joins the Patriots after spending three seasons as an assistant coach at Abilene Christian, where he played a key role in defensive gameplanning and player development.

The Patriots finished 15-11 overall and 9-11 in Lone Star Conference play last season and return four players from that squad while welcoming 12 newcomers to the program.

"We're extremely excited about the group we've put together and the direction of our program heading into this season," Karleskint said. "Our staff has worked tirelessly throughout the summer recruiting, preparing, and finding the right pieces to build this team, and now we're ready to get everyone on campus and get to work."

Leading the returning group is senior guard Sean Emfinger, who was UT Tyler's leading scorer last season. Emfinger appeared in 23 games with 18 starts and averaged 12.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. He shot 51.8 percent from the field, 34.2 percent from three-point range and 82.2 percent from the free-throw line while earning Lone Star Conference Honorable Mention honors.

"Sean is going to be a big-time player for us this season," Karleskint said. "As a senior, we're going to rely on his experience, leadership, and talent, and we're excited to see him take another step forward this year."

Also returning are senior forward Greg Fowlds, sophomore forward Heath Tenner and redshirt freshman guard Trent Bowers.

Fowlds appeared in 20 games with six starts last season and shot 53.3 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three-point range. Tenner, a 6-foot-10 forward from Melbourne, Australia, shot 41.7 percent from three-point range while averaging 2.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. Bowers missed last season due to injury and enters the year fully healthy.

"Trent is a guy we're really excited to have back and fully healthy," Karleskint said. "He's a very skilled guard with a strong feel for the game, and you can see the hunger he has to get back on the floor."

The Patriots have added significant experience through the transfer portal, including senior guards Alex Bossinakis, Garrett Falls and Garrett Nuckolls, senior forward Oluwafemi Olaniyan Jr., junior guard Jameel Wesley II, and sophomore guards Alvin Breaux and Eric Arreola.

Bossinakis joins UT Tyler from UT Arlington and provides shooting, leadership and experience. Falls comes to Tyler from MSU Denver after shooting 40 percent from three-point range last season, while Garrett Nuckolls brings Division I experience from the University of Portland and a junior college national championship to the Patriots.

Olaniyan adds size and physicality to the roster after spending time at Southern University, while Wesley arrives from Henderson State with athleticism and versatility. Breaux joins the Patriots after Texas A&M-San Antonio, and Arreola comes to Tyler following his freshman season at LeTourneau.

"There's a lot of talent in this group, but we understand that talent alone isn't going to get us where we want to go," Karleskint said. "Our focus is going to be on coming together as a team, competing every day, and establishing the habits and standards that winning requires."

UT Tyler has also added a talented group of freshmen, including three-star guard Silas Rodriguez, along with Jacob Rosner, Gage Nuckolls and Tre Olatunbosun.

Rodriguez gives the Patriots a versatile scoring option in the backcourt, while Rosner adds perimeter shooting. Gage Nuckolls, a Tyler native, and Olatunbosun, a Houston native, provide additional young talent to the roster.

The Patriots' newcomers also include sophomore forward Henry Sisemore, who joins UT Tyler from East Tennessee State after being part of a Southern Conference regular-season championship team.

"He's an exceptional athlete who has worked extremely hard throughout the summer to continue developing his game," Karleskint said. "We're excited to see him showcase his abilities and believe his athleticism and upside can make a real impact for us this season."

Karleskint brings a wealth of experience to his first season in Tyler. Prior to Abilene Christian, he spent nine seasons as the head coach at Central Missouri, leading the Mules to three 20-win seasons, an MIAA Championship game appearance and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. Before that, he compiled a 90-34 record as the head coach at Arkansas Tech, leading the Wonder Boys to four consecutive conference championships and four straight NCAA Division II Tournament appearances.

Now, Karleskint and the Patriots look to establish a new identity in 2026-27.

"We want to be a tough, connected, disciplined basketball team that represents UT Tyler the right way both on and off the court," Karleskint said. "Our staff and players are hungry, and we're ready to get started."

The Patriots will open the 2026-27 season this fall as Karleskint begins his tenure at the helm of UT Tyler men's basketball.