With UTSA basketball more than halfway through its season, players from the men’s and women’s teams have taken big leaps in their athletic performances. Here is a look at the top five players in UTSA Basketball.
- Jonnivius Smith
Standing at 6-foot-9, redshirt senior forward Jonnivius Smith has been a true defensive anchor for UTSA this season. The transfer from the University at Buffalo has become a vital piece on the defensive front for the Roadrunners this season. His length and quick reflexes allows him to be the team’s best rebounder and shot blocker. Smith leads the men’s team in rebounds with 7.7 and blocks with 1.6.
- Nina De Leon Negron
What makes graduate guard Nina De Leon Negron so important to the women’s basketball team is that she is able to spread the ball around to her teammates while being able to force turnovers on defense with her quick hands. The graduate guard transfer from the University of the Incarnate Word has helped the women’s team tremendously. She currently averages 5.3 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Having a player who can find open teammates on offense and force turnovers on defense is extremely valuable. De Leon Negron provides both while being second on the team in minutes with 31 per game.
- Raekwon Horton
Senior forward Raekwon Horton is a special defensive player. He is able to defend opposing teams’ best perimeter players due to his length and lateral quickness, which allows him to be a versatile defender. Since transferring from James Madison University, the senior forward has caused havoc on the perimeter. Standing at 6-foot-6, he is able to defend both shorter guards and bigger forwards. With Horton being second on the team in steals per game with 1.9, he has shown UTSA fans that he is the team’s best perimeter defender
- Jordyn Jenkins
What makes redshirt senior forward Jordyn Jenkins so great for the women’s basketball team is that she is an all-around player. She is able to score, rebound and block shots for the Roadrunners. Jenkins currently averages 18.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, all of which lead the team. Jenkins’ ability to play offense and defense at a high level has propelled UTSA to an American Athletic Conference-best 18-3 record.
- Primo Spears
Primo Spears is able to be UTSA’s best high-volume scorer while still being able to make plays for his teammates. The senior guard transfer from Florida State University has made an immediate impact on this season. Spears leads the Roadrunners with 20.5 points and 3.8 assists per game. His ability to score at-will while spreading the ball around to his teammates is what makes him the offensive engine for the ’Runners. On top of Spears being an offensive force, he is also fourth on the team in steals per game with 1.6 while playing a team-high 36.2 minutes per game.
