The Trinity University Men’s Basketball team is gearing up for another promising season after one of the best campaigns in school history. Last year, the Tigers finished with an impressive 23-4 record but fell in the first round of the playoffs to UT Dallas.
While UT Dallas has since moved up to the Lone Star Conference, Trinity returns a talented roster led by head coach Jimmy Smith. The Tigers will be paced by standout players such as Christian Green, Braxton Barry, and Jacob Harvey. They also welcome the addition of highly touted recruit Javon Toliver, who comes to Trinity after starring at Cibolo Steele High School.
Toliver spoke about his transition to the Trinity program, highlighting the crucial role Coach Smith has played in helping him get acclimated. “Coach Smith has made sure I’m fitting in well with the team’s culture,” Toliver said. “The culture here is really special, and that’s what makes this team so great. I’m doing my best to embrace that culture and be a great teammate.”
Freshman Julian Dupertuis emphasized the high demands of the Trinity program but said he’s ready to do whatever it takes to contribute. “We know the expectations are extremely high, but that’s what drives us,” Dupertuis said. “It’s all about putting in the effort and being a great teammate, no matter what role I’m asked to play.”
Reigning D3Hoops.com National Player of the Year Christian Green is also back for the Tigers. Green, who won National Freshman of the Year honors the previous season, is eager to help guide Trinity’s newcomers. “Winning that national award was an incredible honor, but I’m focused on helping our freshmen have the same kind of success this year,” Green said. “The academic reputation of Trinity is also a big part of why I chose to come here, and I’m proud to be part of such a prestigious program.”
The Tigers will get their season underway in just five days with an exhibition matchup against UTSA at the Convocation Center in San Antonio. Tipoff is set for 7:00 pm, and Trinity will be eager to build on last year’s success and make another deep postseason run.
