Practice, scrimmage, tip-off

The UTRGV men’s basketball team has been practicing for the upcoming tip-off against Texas A&M-Kingsville Nov. 2 at the UTRGV Fieldhouse in Edinburg.

After two weeks of conditioning in September, the Vaqueros officially began practice that month and recently held their first scrimmage game to simulate the team building process.

The expedition match was stepping grounds for the team to learn what does and doesn’t work in individual and team coordination.

Head coach Brandon Chambers said he is focused on building his player’s basketball skills, character and mental fortitude while establishing a team identity built around four words: “connected, resilient, relentless, and fearless.”

“I will say, as I had said before the scrimmage to [the players,] … from then on out, don’t tell me, show me,” Chambers said. “You’re gonna define who we are, that team identity should be on display every day. Not some days that you feel good, some days that the sun is out, you gotta be that way every single day.”

Despite the teams’ confidence, Chambers said the Vaqueros have room for improvement, including defensively and in transition.

“[The team doesn’t] think about those things, but there’s a reason you win. … This is where we need to get better, we win in the margins … and we have a long way to go.”

Redshirt junior guard Jace Posey said he has an appreciation for his team and trusts that he can rely on his teammates to get through the day.

“We had a scrimmage recently, short notice, so we had to put in a couple plays, but from what I know, I feel pretty confident,” Posey said. “I hope my team trusts me with the ball, and we’ve executed in practice, executed in a scrimmage, so I have full confidence in myself,” he said.

He said although practice can get repetitive, the Vaqueros show up every day trying to improve.

Senior guard Devon Pryor said he has a great sense of resoluteness in his ability to perform in all aspects of the game and understands his role in the team.

“Understanding where I can score the ball, what I can bring to the offensive side, I think my strength is my athleticism and defense,” Pryor said. “… I’ve been able to use that to get on the court, but now I feel like I can show my ability to score the ball as well.”

Teammates are an important factor for Pryor, crediting them for giving a helping hand in allowing him to perform at his best.

“I don’t like to shy away from anything, and over the summer I feel like I’ve been putting in a lot of hard work, especially just being around my team,” he said. “My team allows me to be the player I want to be.”

The Vaqueros will continue preparing for the season opener as they work to strengthen their chemistry, improve execution and establish a team identity on the court.

To access the schedule for the 2026-27 season, visit goutrgv.com