Basketball season is in full swing this fall, with many nonconference games and tournaments coming up for head coach Steve Henson and the Roadrunners.
The Paisano sat down with Henson in an interview to talk about the new team and the upcoming season.
There are only three returning players this 2023-24 season, with 11 entirely new faces.
“Fresh start, and we’re excited about it,” Henson said. “A nice mix of Division I transfers, Division II transfers, junior college and one [player] coming from high school.”
Guard Jordan Ivy-Curry is a two-time transfer. Ivy-Curry was with the ‘Runners from 2020 to 2022 before he transferred out to the University of The Pacific. Although he is back in orange and blue, there may still be some time until we see him out on the court again. As an athlete who is a two-time transfer, he will likely have to sit out this upcoming season.
Henson also discussed the bond of this group and the team dynamic.
“We’re still learning about each other on the court, even though we’ve been together for several months now,” Henson said. “The chemistry of this group was very good from the start.”
On Monday, Nov. 6, the Roadrunners came out with a win in overtime as they went up against the Western Illinois Leathernecks 78-68. This game also marked Henson’s 100th win at UTSA.
“A little dramatic. We should’ve had the game in hand there,” Henson said. “You never know how the guys are gonna respond to that, but as soon as they tossed the ball [for overtime] they responded very well. A good start, you know so many new guys, you don’t know what to expect, but the level of competition went up dramatically.”
On top of a first win at home, the crowd showed up to kick off the season.
“For a first game that early in the season, I was really thrilled,” Henson said. “The atmosphere was terrific. I appreciate everyone that made that happen.”
Going into their next game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, coach Henson said it would be a tough one.
“They’re big, strong, physical just like you’d expect a Big Ten team to be. It’s a good opportunity on the road for us,” Henson said.
Despite the loss ending 102-76, the ‘Runners will not allow one loss to determine their season.
Veteran Christian Tucker went to X to say, “I gotta be a lot better if I wanna help my team win. But one loss isn’t gonna change the course of our season. Great opportunity to bounce back on Tuesday.”
The ‘Runners will play 13 nonconference games until their AAC debut on Jan. 2 as they go head-to-head with the UAB Trailblazers at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Convocation Center. This includes the Cardinal Classic that UTSA will host shortly after Thanksgiving. Although conference play is still some time away, Henson did touch base on playing in the AAC.
“We’re not talking about that too much internally, simply because we gotta focus on the present. It’ll be a big challenge for us, but it’s exciting. A big positive benefit of this league is that fans will be able to follow us on the road as these games are streamed on ESPN+,” Henson said.
When asked about what he is most excited about this upcoming season, Henson elaborated on the group as a whole.
“One of the joys of coaching is to watch the individuals grow and the group come together,” Henson said.
UTSA men’s basketball will face Lamar at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Beaumont.
