UTRGV Men’s Basketball Season Preview: Insights and Expectations for the Upcoming Season

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October 30, 2025

Vaqueros Basketball Team Eyes Continued Success with New Roster and Championship Goals

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TX – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros men’s basketball program is poised for the 2025-26 season, building on the momentum of a winning record achieved last year, the program’s first since 2018. Head Coach cahill Fennell is steering the team toward even greater achievements, aiming for back-too-back winning seasons – a feat not accomplished since the 1989-90 campaign.

A Culture of Winning Under Coach Fennell

Coach Fennell has instilled a comprehensive approach to success, extending beyond the court.He emphasized a mindset focused on winning every aspect of readiness,from workouts and practices to recovery sessions,creating a foundation for peak performance during competitions. The team is intently focused on advancement and goal setting, albeit with some objectives held privately within the program

Can UTRGV’s success hinge on Justin Johnson’s scoring consistency and ability to limit turnovers?

Key Returning Players & New Additions

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Men’s Basketball team enters the 2025-26 season with a blend of experienced leadership and exciting new talent. A core group of returning players, coupled with a promising recruiting class, positions the Vaqueros for potential success in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).

* Justin Johnson (senior, Guard): expected to lead the team in scoring, Johnson’s perimeter shooting and playmaking ability are crucial. He averaged 18.5 points per game last season and is a key component of UTRGV’s offensive strategy.

* Elijah claritt (Junior, Forward): A versatile forward, Claritt provides rebounding and defensive intensity. His improved offensive game makes him a double-double threat.

* Marcus Sheffield (Sophomore, Guard): Sheffield showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman and is poised for a breakout season. His quickness and ball-handling skills will be vital.

* Newcomer – Jamal Watson (Freshman, guard): A highly-rated recruit from Houston, Watson brings athleticism and scoring potential to the backcourt. He’s expected to contribute instantly.

* Transfer – David Martinez (Graduate Student,Center): Martinez,a transfer from Northern Arizona,adds much-needed size and experience in the paint. His presence will improve UTRGV’s interior defense and rebounding.

Offensive Outlook: Style of Play & Key Strengths

UTRGV’s offense under Head Coach Kyle Keller is typically fast-paced and focused on three-point shooting. Expect a continued emphasis on pushing the tempo and creating open looks from beyond the arc.

* Three-Point Shooting: The Vaqueros were a top-50 team in three-pointers made last season. Maintaining this efficiency will be paramount.

* Transition Offense: Keller prioritizes getting out in transition, utilizing the speed of Johnson, Sheffield, and Watson.

* Ball Movement: Improved ball movement and off-ball cutting will be key to unlocking the offense’s full potential.

* Post Play Growth: Integrating Martinez into the post offense will be crucial. Developing a reliable inside-outside game will make UTRGV more difficult to defend. Focus will be on high-post entries and pick-and-roll opportunities.

Defensive Strategy & Areas for Improvement

While UTRGV’s offense has been a strength, defense has been an area needing improvement. Keller has emphasized a more aggressive defensive approach, focusing on forcing turnovers and limiting opponents’ second-chance points.

* Pressing Defense: Expect to see UTRGV utilize full-court and half-court presses to disrupt opposing offenses.

* Rebounding: Improving rebounding, notably defensive rebounding, is a top priority. Martinez’s addition should help significantly.

* Perimeter Defense: Containing opposing guards and limiting open three-point shots will be critical.

* Defensive Rotations: Sharper defensive rotations and communication will be essential for success.

WAC Conference Landscape & Key Opponents

The WAC is becoming increasingly competitive. UTRGV will face tough challenges from several teams vying for the conference title.

* Grand Canyon University: The Antelopes are consistently a top contender in the WAC and will be a major test for UTRGV.

* California Baptist University: CBU has quickly established itself as a strong program and will present a difficult matchup.

* Utah Valley University: UVU is always a threat with its physical style of play.

* New Mexico State University: A traditional WAC power,NMSU will be a key conference game.

Schedule Analysis & Potential Non-Conference Tests

UTRGV’s non-conference schedule includes several challenging matchups designed to prepare the team for WAC play.

* Early Season Tournaments: Participation in early-season tournaments will provide valuable experience against a variety of opponents.

* Regional Rivalries: Games against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and other regional rivals will generate excitement and test the team’s resilience.

* Potential Power conference Opponents: A game against a Power Five conference team would provide a significant measuring stick for UTRGV’s progress.

Projected Team Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths:

* Experienced Backcourt: Johnson and Sheffield provide a dynamic and experienced backcourt duo.

* Improved Size: Martinez’s addition addresses a significant need in the frontcourt.

* Fast-Paced Offense: UTRGV’s offensive system is well-suited to its personnel.

* Coaching Stability: Kyle Keller’s continued leadership provides consistency and direction.

Weaknesses:

* Defensive Consistency: maintaining a consistent level of defensive intensity will be crucial.

* Frontcourt Depth: Beyond Martinez, the frontcourt lacks significant depth.

* Turnover Margin: Reducing turnovers will be essential for maximizing offensive efficiency.

* Road Performance: Improving performance in road games will be key to conference success.

Key Stats to watch