Top three players to watch out for this UTSA basketball season

Welcoming 14 new players to its roster, UTSA men’s basketball will look entirely different from years past. Built for speed with an emphasis on guard play, the Roadrunners are poised to play at their fastest pace since coach Austin Claunch took over three years ago. Numerous players will have the opportunity to thrive in the new system, with a handful spearheading the offensive and defensive efforts. The team’s leaders will be the driving force behind UTSA’s success this season, initiating offense, hunkering down defensively and unifying the team through hard work. While each player will undoubtedly contribute to the win column, these are the top three breakout players to watch for UTSA throughout the year. 

Dorian Hayes

Coming off a decent freshman campaign in which he averaged nearly 10 points per game, sophomore guard Dorian Hayes will be one of the breakout stars for this year’s Roadrunners. Hayes has already racked up a year’s worth of experience under Claunch’s system, excelling late in the season with numerous double-digit performances. The guard is an elite offensive threat capable of getting his shot off from anywhere on the floor. While Hayes took a backseat to other ball-dominant guards last year, his offensive output will likely see a dramatic increase in his sophomore campaign. As a true freshman, the guard scored 19 points against the University of Tulsa, 18 against East Carolina University and Rice University. Hayes has all the makings of a breakout star. He can shoot from nearly anywhere on the court, put the ball on the floor and score efficiently on a minimal amount of attempts. Fans should expect the lone returner to be one of the team’s leading men throughout the year. 

Josiah LeGree

A sophomore transfer from Morehead State University, Josiah LeGree looks to be the perfect initiator for Claunch’s fast-paced offense. The guard averaged 7.5 points along with 3.3 assists in 17 minutes for the Eagles last season. An expert in high pick-and-roll situations, LeGree is an astute ball handler with an ability to get downhill and command defensive attention. His quickness and attentiveness on the defensive side of the ball also make him a fast break threat nearly every possession. LeGree possesses elite court vision, posting numerous 10-assist games last season. While he has a knack for finding open teammates, LeGree is also an excellent finisher at the rim. The guard will be a double-double threat every night for UTSA. His service as a pass-first point guard who can score when necessary will be crucial to the Roadrunners’ success this season. 

Mike Broxton Jr

Last but certainly not least is freshman commit Mike Broxton Jr. Standing at 6-foot-10, Broxton brings a much-needed toughness to this year’s ‘Runners. The forward is tenacious on both sides of the ball, possessing an elite touch around the rim and an innate shot-blocking ability. His motor is relentless, and his energy will likely be one of the driving forces for UTSA’s success. Broxton will serve as the perfect pick-and-roll partner for LeGree and other guards. Though the freshman is dominant finishing inside the paint, Broxton also can step out, stretch the floor and knock down shots when necessary. His established post game and well-rounded offensive arsenal will tremendously help UTSA’s scoring output. On the defensive side of the ball, the freshman will be the anchor the Roadrunners have longed for in previous seasons. Broxton is incredibly smart defensively, with an ability to quickly move his feet and correctly time shot contests. His raw talent and seemingly high ceiling will make him must-see throughout his tenure with UTSA.

Each of these three will be key factors for the Roadrunners throughout the season. Hayes’ offensive leap will help fill the scoring void left by former guard Jamir Simpson and Austin Nunez. LeGree’s ability to effectively run the point position will free up teammates and ensure the offense runs as intended. Broxton will provide the dominant paint presence UTSA has longed for in seasons prior. The three will likely be the team’s leaders on the court and in the locker room. Though lineups and starters have yet to be announced, fans and students should expect the trio to make nightly impacts as the season progresses. 

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