I had held out a dim hope that Senter and Wilson would use basketball with our rich history to make a statement about themselves, UTEP, UTEP Athletics, a vision for a much better public image regarding UTEP athletics and so on. I suppose they did. Shouted it in fact . They had a chance to go big. They didn?t. They had a chance to put a head coach in place at an historical ground breaking school that once made a statement, nay, an announcement about right and wrong regarding opportunity based on ability that is more reflective of society and the advancement of it. So, I am disappointed but certainly not surprised. Dr. Natalicio was a woman on a mission and she realized it. Wilson is a caretaker. Be a good soldier or airman airwoman whatever and hold down the fort. Senter has an anchor around his neck already with Dimel. So, I am disappointed but not surprised.
As for our new basketball coach, I really think that it is hard to tell what we have gotten based on his past because of the different levels but we?ll see what happens pretty quick. Players will be coming and going and that will give us an idea. But only time will tell.
It could have been worse. It could have been us just being a short term retirement home in the good old boy fraternity. At least we have a potential up and comer and not a sure down and goer.
So, I welcome our new coach and wish him great success. Based on the game I saw his team play, and my belief in defense as the starting point of a team?s identity and focus we people who would rather see our team force a turnover or shot clock violation than make a three pointer or slam dunk may be in for a treat.