Oct. 30, 2009

The Great West Conference announced this past Thursday the 2009 Preseason All-Great West Conference selections with three of The University of Texas-Pan American men's basketball standouts earning the honors.

"I think it is a credit to those individuals and to what they have accomplished in the past. It's a great respect factor that other schools in the conference have for them as players," said head men's basketball coach Ryan Marks.

"One thing for sure is that we know other schools are going to be very aware of Nick, Nate and Ben because they are experienced players."

Junior Nick Weiermiller was named to the Preseason First Team All-Conference Team along with members from South Dakota (Tyler Cain, Louis Krogman), Chicago State (Carl Montgomery), and NJIT (Jheryl Wilson). South Dakota's Tyler Cain was also voted as the Preseason Player of the Year.

Weiermiller finished the 2008-09 season averaging 10.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. He was also the only Bronc to start in all 27 contests and led the squad in five different statistical categories.

Nathan Hawkins

Seniors Nathan Hawkins and Ben Smith were named Honorable Mention selections along with members from Houston Baptist (Mario Flaherty, Wendell Preadom), NJIT (Gary Garris), and Chicago State (Jon Montgomery).

Hawkins appeared in all 27 contests for UTPA and concluded the 2008-09 campaign averaging 9.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. Smith, also appearing in all 27 contests for the Broncs, concluded his junior campaign averaging 6.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 0.9 steals per game.

Ben Smith

As a team, the UTPA men's basketball team was predicted to finish last in the conference with South Dakota taking the championship title at season's end.

South Dakota received 41 points with three first place votes; Utah Valley took the runner up spot with 38 points and two first place votes; Chicago State received 35 points with one first place vote; Houston Baptist trailed CSU by three points as they received 23 points; and NJIT received 17 points followed by UTPA with 16.

The season will come to an end at the Great West Tournament on March 10-13, 2010 in Orem, Utah. The Great West champion will receive a bid to the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament.

UTPA Sports Information