Independents report

SportsLine.com Report
April 15, 2000

After finishing as the lowest ranked Independent in Division I, the Broncs turned it around in 1999-00. Things didn't start out smoothly however, as coach Delray Brooks was dismissed shortly before the season under dubious circumstances, forcing UTPA to scramble for a new coach, eventually making Bob Hoffman the choice.

It appears he was the right choice, as Hoffman installed a new attitude around UTPA, riding Brian Merriweather's 20.4 points per game average to a very respectable 12-16 record, including victories over the likes of Pacific, Rice, Oral Roberts, and Washington State.

Merriweather again led the way, though the nation's leading returning scorer didn't get as many shots as he was used to under Brooks. Merriweather did nail 114 3-pointers, but he had plenty of help, as four others averaged at least seven points per game.

The team also got plenty of quality competition, facing UTEP, Colorado, UAB, Colorado State, and NCAA Tournament participants Louisiana-Lafayette, Gonzaga, Arkansas, and Illinois.

With only one senior on the team, the young Broncs hope they started a winning foundation under a new coach whose initial success could be just the tip of the iceberg of what is to come.

A glance at 2001

With only center Matt Palmquist gone, the Broncos are looking forward to continuing the success enjoyed last season. After more than doubling their win total of the year before, the Broncs will have lofty goals for next season, hoping to get as far as an Independent can in this day and age -- the NIT. That in itself is very much a longshot, but then again, most dreams are.

The Coach

Hoffman was one of the most successful coaches in the nation at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) over the last decade at Oklahoma Baptist and will now try to make his mark at the NCAA Division I level.

Hoffman served as coach of the Bison for the nine seasons and posted a record of 242-79 (.754). During that time, he took OBU to the NAIA Tournament six times, including two trips to the NAIA National Championship game. He has now been a collegiate coach for 10 years, averaging over 25 victories per season.

Who'll Be Back

The team will be filled with juniors and seniors next year. Kwasinda Curtis returns to run the point opposite Merriweather, giving Hoffman a reliable senior backcourt. Watara Banks is the third guard in the three-guard lineup, while the diminutive Bernard Preston and swingman Carlos Haywood will add depth. Up front, Kyle Sanders and John Braxton should hold down the forward slots, with Gary Booker, 6-11 Croatian Reggie Kuzet, and two newly signed arrivals providing depth.

Who's Gone

Palmquist, a part-time starter who gave the team an interior presence with his 6-foot-9, 210-pound frame, completed his eligibility, while little-used forward Gabe Rhoads and guard Machi Warner won't return.

Key Newcomers

Marcus Quinn, a 6-9, 230-pound forward/center, transfers over from Eastern Oklahoma State Junior College, where he led the Mountaineers to the Region II semifinals. Quinn averaged 16 points, seven rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game as a sophomore. Quinn attended Cal Albert State College for one year prior to his time at EOSJC. He'll be a much-needed addition in the post.

Joey Tate, a native of San Antonio who played at Temple Junior College over the last two years, became Hoffman's first recruit at UTPA. A 6-4 small forward, Tate was named first team all-conference and second team all-region last season for TJC. He averaged 13.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.7 steals per game for TJC last season.