Location: El Paso, Tex. | Founded: 1914 | Enrollment: 18,542 | Colors: Dark Blue, Orange and Silver
Coach: Tony Barbee | Home Court: Don Haskins Center | Capacity: 12,500 Record:
(19-13, 8-8
Conference USA)
In his second season as UTEP's coach, Tony Barbee appeared to establish a higher standard of effort and expectations that helped the Miners improve from 14-17 in 2006-07 to 19-14 in 2007-08 and earn a postseason invitation.
What the Miners didn't do on a consistent basis was rebound and shoot effectively. More important, they often got bounced around by bigger, stronger and tougher teams.
Those shortcomings were evident in UTEP's final game, an 81-69 home loss in the first round of the College Basketball Invitational.
"It's no secret that we've got to get better individually and get stronger," Barbee said. "We've lacked toughness, and toughness starts in the weight room. I'm looking forward to next year. I think we're going to improve our overall size, depth and strength considerably."
While the Miners do lose four starters, only point guard Marvin Kilgore will be difficult to replace, mostly for his leadership and experience. Freshman Julyan Stone saw significant playing time at the point and combines with freshman shooting guard Randy Culpepper to form a duo with a promising future.
In the more immediate future, the real concern is whether or not junior guard Stefon Jackson will return or attempt to go pro. Jackson, a 6-5 wing, led C-USA and set a conference scoring record for juniors with 23.6 points per game and ranks fourth on UTEP's all-time scoring list with 1,548 points.
"Whether I'm here or not, this team is headed for greatness," Jackson told the El Paso Times. "This was good for our young guys. Hopefully, we can carry it over to next year."
Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
So our only hop Stephan jackson was arrested earlier on in the week for some BS reason, the allegations are pretty serious you think he will still be at UTEP next season? Also i just read today that our head coach is in the running for the coaching position that just opened up at U Mass. Any thoughts?
Since we got bounced out of the NIT, and we have no basketball to discuss I thought I would open the discussion to my second love: Food. I just wanted to throw down my favorite late night dollar menu.
Jack in the box has the goodness with the two tacos for 99 cents but it's too easy to get distracted from the 99 cent menu.
UTEPplayed arguably the best game of their season, yet no one posts, except some crybaby B****H Houston fan. Stephon was clutch, Kilgore had the half of his life, and you just saw next season in Culpepper, Stone, and McCulley, along with Britton (if he can get in shape). If Jackson sticks around the Miners have to be considered second to Memphis come next pre-season picks. Tulsa tomorrow!!!!!
...(more)
Miner fans, I am sad to report, if you did not catch the game, one heck of a second half performance, only to have the air go out of their tires in overtime. After falling behind 13 pts to start the game, Stephon Jackson rallied his troops and almost led us to a date with Memphis, hitting clutch shot after clutch shot, but not having his number called at all in overtime. Culpepper ove
why does tom penders have to suck so badly we lost to you guys again, I mean we play with no heart whatsoever, no way we should have lost, we were the last hope for c-usa getting multiple bids, now where a one bid lead, I don't get how you guys can be so happy about it, I mean you do want the c-usa to get stronger right??? Or do you only care about your team, thanks alot.
Here is hoping that the Miners take it to the Mustangs, then get a back to back W out of Houston to set up a what may be a sleeper alert against Memphis....i'd like to see UTEP in the NIT, and heaven forbid they run the tables and take a berth away from another team come dance time, I just don't think the height or depth is there so do so. Watcha think? Pick 'em!
