Looking ahead to 2016, UTEP will have to replace the scoring, and shooting abilities that Earvin Morris etched his name as that guy for UTEP as well as an All C-USA candidate.
But Austin, Texas guard Armoni Brooks could very well be that missing part to step right in as a freshman if he chooses the Orange and Blue.
Brooks is a 6'4, 170 pound senior-to-be combo guard for McNeil High School and is considered one of the best shooters in the state of Texas, but he considers himself way more than just a clutch in crunch-time shooter.
"I could bring scoring." Brooks said of his strengths. "I'm not just a shooter. I rebound well to be a guard that can translate and I'm a good leader with high IQ."
Coming off a very strong AAU showing over the summer, Brooks exploded on the recruiting scene over the past month, and no-stars or lofty rankings are needed to prove the dynamic guard can play at a high level based off his offers and the exposure Brooks' hard work earned himself from his summer showing.
Houston, Kansas State, Creighton, Rice, Boise State and Indiana State have all offered, while Brooks is expected to visit UTEP in September.
"The process came really fast, and it's a process well worth going through." Brooks said of his rise on the recruiting map. "UTEP is an intriguing offer because I'll have an opportunity to play right away and are definitely an option for me."
Even with the rise in personal gains in the recruiting process, Brooks still has the team in mind when speaking of his potential goals for the upcoming season at McNeil.
"Personal goals aren't for a sport like basketball if you ask me." Brooks said, "It's a team sport and it will always be like that. Personal goals transform into selfishness."
The unselfishness helped lead his team last season to the state's regional tournament, earning the Austin American Statesman's 13-6A newcomer of the year after averaging 16 points per game, to go along with six rebounds per game.
His hard work, and determination to be a good teammate makes him one of the best players in the state of Texas and the recognition is starting to become full circle in terms of potential in becoming an impact D-1 prospect.
"I work on my shooting a lot show it just shows me that my hard has been paying off and I can compete with the best players in the state. "
And even living an eight and half hour drive from El Paso, Brooks knows about the mystique, and special place that is the Don Haskins Center, and the UTEP basketball program.
"I knew of the National Championship Team." Brooks said of his knowledge of UTEP's history, "The only team in Texas to have a national title in Texas."
The coaching staff, and UTEP fans would probably both agree that seeing this happen in the Don in 2016 and beyond could continue that proud tradition.
#SCtop10 Armoni Brooks McNeil High School https://t.co/71YoOAE4K4
— L.M.E. Official (@scottygibs02) January 22, 2015