Well, better late than never right? As reported by KTSM (among others) and noted in the FanShots by Lebowsky, the UTEP Miners hoops squad signed 6'10 center Hooper Vint from Van Buren, Arkansas. Here's what Tim Floyd had to say on UTEP's newest big man.
"I'm really thrilled with our latest addition," UTEP coach Tim Floyd said. "I definitely believe he is going to be a guy who impacts winning at some point of his career. His best basketball is in front of him but his base can carry him a long way. He catches the ball and runs the floor well. He has the ability to face up from 15-18 feet to the three-point line and shoot the ball, and he is a developing post player. I love his ability to pass the basketball. Given our situation with the players we lost, he has a great opportunity to play next year. He is a tremendous student and is accountable. He is mature beyond his 18 years, which is extremely important to any player's future development."
No way to not be excited about this. Vint has told the press that he is working hard to add 15-20 pounds of muscle this summer and hopes to play at 235 as a freshman. Vint is not rated by Rivals.com or Scout.com. A diamond in the rough? A 6'10 guy that has good passing skills and a strong desire to get bigger and stronger might is definitely worth the gamble.