UNK men’s basketball team ended last season 12-16, the first year under coach Marty Levinson. The Lopers lost close games and ended up 10-9 in the conference.
However, the team would work together and find something that would click at the right place and right time.
“We went 10-9 (in the conference) and that was still when we were just trying to find the formula that works,” Levinson said.
It took time for the team to click. With only two returners from the 2022-23 season and 13 transferring in, UNK made the MIAA tournament, losing to Pittsburg State.
This season, the Lopers are returning nine players, three of them being starters, including MIAA third-team guard Ja’Bryant Hill. UNK also brought in four recruits and four transfers.
“At this point, it is all about growth and what is next for this team,” Levinson said. “We have some new faces but some returners that we are excited to see come back.”
6-foot-5-inch senior guard Wade Williams is a transfer from Central Baptist College (Arkansas), whom Levinson has known for a couple of years and seems excited to bring him to the team. Williams averaged 12 points in the 33 games he played.
“He (Williams) has an impressive basketball resume,” Levinson said. “Wade has played in the NAIA championships and has hit big shots in the Municipal Arena. He has some big shoes to fill in that shooting guard position, but we are looking for him to come in and give us instant help.”
Williams was brought in to fill the shooting guard position after the Lopers lost Allen Taylor due to graduation.
“I know I have some big shoes to fill,” Williams said. “But, I know exactly what I need to do and that’s continuing to play the game that I love.”
For the team, they have created connections on and off the court, some dating back to middle school for some.
“Thinking about the team culture, there is a special connection on the team,” Levinson said. “Taylor Harrell and Wade actually played basketball together before meeting back at UNK.”
6-10 junior center Taylor Harrell and Williams, both from Huntsville, Texas, played basketball together before continuing their collegiate careers.
“Transferring to UNK, the team has a brotherhood like no other,” Williams said. “We are all here with a common goal and are excited to kick off the season.”
UNK starts its season at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, against Angelo State in Billings, Montana. The Lopers will also face Colorado School of Mines at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, as well as MSU Billings at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, all in the D2CCA Tipoff Classic at the Trailhead.
