Hello, Mavericks. Welcome to the 2023 Shorthorn Basketball Preview.
I’m Isaac Appelt, the sports editor at The Shorthorn. Over the last month, we’ve worked to produce articles that will prepare you for the upcoming basketball seasons. Read up about various teams’ schedules, previews of their season and the players to watch out for.
The men’s basketball team returns to College Park Center with a new coach, looking to win a conference championship for the first time since 2008. Read about KT Turner, the new coach, and how he came to UTA to begin his first head coaching position.
For the women’s basketball team, they’re looking to return to the NCAA Tournament after last year’s championship defense fell short with a first-round conference tournament exit. Transfers like senior forward Avery Brittingham will look to lead UTA back to the NCAA Tournament.
For the Movin’ Mavs, the road to national championship No. 11 is underway after the team hosted their opening tournament at College Park Center on Oct. 27 and 28. The team is led by head coach Aaron Gouge in his second season, and you can read about how their first tournament went as well as what they’re looking to take away before they head on the road for their next tournament.
The Lady Movin’ Mavs began their quest for a third national championship during that home tournament as well. Led by head coach Morgan Wood in her second year, the team won three of its four games at their tournament.
These four teams will dominate The Shorthorn’s sports coverage for the next four months. Their seasons run until March and attendance to every game is free for students.
If you’re already a basketball fan, perfect. This is the place to be. But if you’re not, I ask that you give these teams a chance. They’re made up of students like you and they all want your support at their home games. If you’ve got some time, I encourage you to go to a game and see for yourselves what these teams do on a daily basis.
Thanks for checking out our annual Basketball Preview, and I hope to see you at a game or two this year.
Best,
Isaac Appelt
@isaacappelt