Texan Basketball: What to know about this season

BY ALEXIS GONZALES

Multimedia Journalist

As basketball season approaches next month, here is a preview of what is to come from both the men’s and women’s teams this season.

Both teams will be hosting a Big 12 Conference team at the new EECU Center. The men’s basketball team will be hosting Texas Christian University on Oct. 19 in exhibition play.

Jordan Mizell is a returning player on the men’s basketball team.

“It will be an unbelievable feeling to open up the new arena hosting a Big 12 team,’’ Mizell said.

The women’s team will be hosting Kansas State University in exhibition play on Oct. 27.

“Playing a Big 12 team in general is always exciting,” senior guard Jakoriah Long said. “It’s a huge opportunity not only for the athletes but the overall program and institution. It was super challenging and fun last year, so I can’t wait.”

After those games, the men’s team will be on the road for Southern Methodist University and Louisiana State University.

“I am looking forward to the SMU, LSU and Cincinnati games for non-conference. I am also excited for every single conference game as well,” Mizell said.

The women’s team will be at home until Nov. 13, when they play Texas A&M in College Station.

“Most preseason games are pretty exciting, so [I’m] mostly excited about those,’’ Long said. “It’s fun to play on a bigger stage and showcase your skills, along with being able to compete at a higher level with your team.”

On Dec. 29, conference games will start up on both sides, and that is where the true potential of these new teams will be revealed.

“I feel very confident about this year’s team and feel like we can have a lot of success this season,” Mizell said.

The women’s team is coming in with only three returners and the men’s team with five.

“I’m super excited to see the full potential of what this team is going to turn out to be, and this year is going to be special,” Long said.

This season, Mizell said he has two main goals.

“My team goal for this season is to win the WAC and make March Madness. My personal goal is to make the All-Conference defense,” Mizell said.

Long’s main goal is also to make the NCAA tournament this year.

“I want to win a championship. I absolutely love and appreciate the coaching staff I have had while being here, and I want to be able to say we brought it home with them,”  Long said.