For the upcoming season, the Miners will floor no returning players. So far, they’re brought in four freshman and nine transfers from the portal. The Miners are also preparing for their first season in the Mountain West Conference. UTEP officially joined the Mountain West on July 1, 2026.

Dozens of fans packed the gym at the Foster Stevens Center during the open practice, observing the team go through drills.

Head coach Joe Golding said the practice also served as a great opportunity for all the new coming players to get to know and embrace the miner fan base that will be cheering them on come hoops season.

“We talked to [players] about that in recruiting. We talked about the move to the Mountain West, and the opponents are going to be coming in here that haven’t been here a long time, and the old rivalries,” Golding said. “And when they came out here today, I think they were shocked to see, the fan base. So I think it’s good for them to see it. I think it’s good for them to feel it, see it, meet them, and feel the passion. Because ultimately that’s who you’re playing for. You’re playing for this university and you’re playing for this passionate fanbase in the city.”

Ryan Jackson Jr — a junior guard and one of several transfers — said he enjoyed being surrounded by many fans during the open practice.

“the open practice like this, I loved the environment. Everybody coming around the walls. You hear people saying your name, knowing who you are. … I love it, they came out for sure. I loved it a lot,” Jackson Jr. said.

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