UVSC builds around core group of players

OREM — Though the Wolverines lost their first two games on the road, the Utah Valley State men's basketball team defeated Boise State on Saturday night, giving head coach Dick Hunsaker a positive outlook on this season.

After two years of coaching teams with little experience, Hunsaker has a group of seasoned players he thinks he can finally build around.

"Having returners that are completely sold on our program is an invaluable asset," he said. "It has really helped us facilitate our practice schedule."

Hunsaker returns Ronnie Price, Pierre Thomas, Russell Wesley and David Heck from last year's team. Price, Thomas and Wesley have been with Hunsaker for his entire three years, while Heck is just a sophomore.

UVSC finished 23-5 last season in the school's first year as a Division I program. The Wolverines finished the season by winning the Division I Independent Provisional tournament, which includes all of the teams provisionally waiting for full Division I status.

This year marks the first season in which the Wolverines will play an entire Division I schedule. The win over Boise State was UVSC's first over a Division I opponent.

Along with the Broncos, Oral Roberts — the preseason favorite to win the Mid-Continent Conference — and Weber State will visit the McKay Center this year.

"I measure this season on truly individual improvement and the collective growth we make as a team," Hunsaker said.

Hunsaker welcomes eight newcomers to this year's team, including freshman guard Josh Cottle, a two-time Utah Class 3A MVP and state champion from Wasatch High School in Heber City. Other newcomers are Richard Troyer, Matt Peterson, Paul Rinehart, Chike Ekweozor, Ben Devoe, Kenny Foster and Sylvester Allison.

"Our newcomers have showed persistence through the early practice sessions," Hunsaker said.

Price has emerged as the Wolverines' true leader this season. He led UVSC in nearly every statistical category last year, averaging 20.2 points per game to go along with 3.1 assists and nearly two steals.

Price scored 34 points to go along with eight rebounds, seven steals and five assists against Boise State.

"Ronnie is a guy on the uptick," Hunsaker said. "It's rare for really talented players to continue to make marked improvements. Ronnie is doing that. He's our best on-the-ball and off-the-ball defender. That's an unusual trait."