UTEP men's basketball team has announced key changes for the 2026-27 season. Coach Joe Golding has added Patrice Days and Joseph Jones as assistant coaches, and promoted Drew Lakey to full-time assistant. Days joins after four successful years at Mississippi State, contributing to three NCAA Tournament appearances. Jones arrives following a fruitful tenure at Tarleton State, which included a school-record 25 wins and a WAC Coach of the Year award. Lakey, previously a player development coach at Ole Miss, will take on more responsibilities in the program.

By the Numbers
  • Days led Mississippi State to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
  • Jones achieved 23 wins as acting head coach of Tarleton State in 2023-24.
State of Play
  • UTEP is gearing up for a transition into the Mountain West Conference.
  • Golding's staff aims to leverage collective experience to enhance team performance.
What's Next

The UTEP basketball staff is expected to focus on player development and recruitment leading into the new season. As they integrate new members, performance metrics and chemistry will be essential for early success. The community will be keenly watching the team's adaptation to the Mountain West.

Bottom Line

The new hires and promotions bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to UTEP basketball, offering optimism for the upcoming season. With a focus on recruitment and player development, the Miners seek to build a competitive roster as they embark on their journey in the Mountain West.