Nov. 11, 2005
Contact: Rick Nixon, 210-458-4551
UTSA Men's Basketball hosts Concordia University in Saturday exhibition game
SAN ANTONIO - Looking to work a number of new faces into the lineup, the UTSA Roadrunners will host Concordia University in an exhibition game this Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. in the UTSA Convocation Center. The game can be heard live on KKYX Radio (680 AM) beginning at 6:45 p.m.
The Roadrunners are coached by Tim Carter, who is beginning his 11th season on the UTSA sidelines. UTSA is coming off of a 15-13 season that saw the Roadrunners claim fourth place in the Southland Conference with a 10-6 mark. Carter will use Saturday's game with Concordia to get a look at eight newcomers to his roster, that includes five freshmen and three junior college transfers.
Concordia is coached by former East Central High School and Texas Tech standout Stan Bonewitz. Last season the Tornados went 6-19 and have three starters and eight lettermen returning off of that team.
UTSA will open the regular season on Saturday, Nov. 19 with a 2 p.m. home game against Angelo State.
A Quick Look at the 2005-06 Roadrunners
The Backcourt
Senior Andre Owens is UTSA's leading returning scorer, having averaged 11.2 points per game last season that included 14 double-figure scoring outings in 2004-05.
The left-hander will be joined by junior Kurt Attaway, who will be looking to overcome an injury-plagued sophomore campain that saw him miss nine games a year ago. A steady ball handler and playmaker, Attaway was awarded the 2004 SLC Freshman of the Year honor. Last season he averaged 3.8 points per game, and in two seasons he has dished out 160 assists.
Sophomore sharp shooter James Peters played in only one game a year ago and will be looking for additional playing time as a shooting guard.
Additional depth will be provided by a handful of newcomers including freshmen Timothy Maiden, Aldric Reynolds and Eric Young.
Maiden, a 6-2 point guard from Scottsdale (Ariz.) Christian Academy, is known for his court savvy and will serve as a backup to Attaway. Reynolds is a 6-2 speed demon from Houston Nimitz High School who averaged 17.0 points per game as a senior last year. Young, a shooting guard, also comes from Houston, attending Eisenhower High School where he posted 15.0 points per outing a year ago.
Up Front
With no starters returning up front, Carter will be playing a variety of combinations looking for the right fit.
Junior center Dwain Hall will get a chance to man the center position. Hall, 6-10, shot 58.3 percent from the field last season and is primarily known for his tough man-to-man defense in the post.
He will be backed by freshman Nkem Ojougboh from Scottsdale (Ariz.) Christian Academy. A mobile 6-9 shot blocker, Ojougboh averaged 12.0 points and 11.0 rebounds as a senior last season in leading Scottsdale to the Arizona state championship.
Forward will be in the hands of returnees Roderick Rodgers and Abe Donlon, along with newcomers Gabe Bernard, Kyile Byrd, Jon Flansburg and Chris Thompson.
A 6-4 sophomore, Rodgers missed 17 games last season due to injury. Known for his physical style and hustle, Rodgers averaged 2.9 points per game last season.
Donlon, a 6-8 sophomore, received extensive minutes last season as a freshman, playing in all 28 games, and this should pay dividends in 2005-06. He had five games with eight-or-more points en route to a 2.7 points per game average.
Bernard is a 6-6 junior college transfer from Pierce (Calif.) Community College who averaged 14.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game last season.
A physical inside presence, Byrd will use his 6-6, 240-pound frame to make a difference inside. A power forward from Lon Morris Junior College, Byrd averaged 10.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game last year.
At 6-8, Flansburg has the ability to step outside and make a shot. The freshman from San Antonio Reagan High School will provide depth at power forward.
Thompson, a 6-5 junior college transfer from Blinn Community College, averaged 14.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game last season. A high flyer, Thompson loves to finish above the rim.
For ticket information please call 210-458-8872.