University Of St. Thomas Celts Men's Basketball
The University of St. Thomas (UST) Celts Men's Basketball team is making waves in the collegiate basketball scene. Their recent success has catapulted them into the national spotlight, and they are quickly becoming one of the most talked-about teams in college basketball.
The Beginnings of UST Basketball
The UST Celts Men's Basketball team has a storied history. The program was founded in 1947 and has been a fixture on the Houston sports scene ever since. For many years, the Celts played in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) before joining the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in 1998.
During their time in the NAIA, the Celts had a lot of success. They won five conference titles and made nine appearances in the NAIA National Tournament. In 1986, they advanced to the Final Four before falling to eventual champions, Walsh University.
The Arrival of Coach Burrell
In 2015, the UST Celts Men's Basketball team hired a new head coach, Anthony Burrell. Coach Burrell had previously been an assistant coach at the University of Houston and had worked with several NBA players, including James Harden and Patrick Beverley.
Under Coach Burrell's leadership, the Celts began to turn things around. They won their first conference championship in 2017 and advanced to the NCAA Division III Tournament. The following year, they won another conference championship and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament.
The Current State of the UST Celts
The UST Celts Men's Basketball team is currently enjoying one of the best seasons in program history. They are undefeated in conference play and are ranked in the top 5 in the nation among NCAA Division III teams. Their success has been fueled by a balanced offensive attack and a stingy defense that ranks in the top 10 nationally in points allowed per game.
One of the key players on this year's team is senior guard, Will Lienhard. Lienhard is averaging 15 points per game and is shooting over 40% from three-point range. He has been named the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Player of the Week multiple times this season.
The Impact of UST Celts Men's Basketball on the Community
The success of the UST Celts Men's Basketball team has had a tremendous impact on the community. Their games are now some of the most well-attended events on campus, and the team has become a source of pride for both students and alumni.
Off the court, the players are heavily involved in community service. They regularly volunteer at local schools and charities, and have formed relationships with many of the people they have helped. The impact that the team has had on the community is immeasurable.
The Future of UST Celts Basketball
The future looks bright for the UST Celts Men's Basketball team. They have a talented roster that will return several key players next season, and Coach Burrell has proven that he has what it takes to build a winning program.
With their recent success, the UST Celts Men's Basketball team has put the rest of the NCAA Division III on notice. They are a team on the rise, and are quickly becoming one of the most respected and feared programs in college basketball.
Conclusion
The UST Celts Men's Basketball team is a shining example of what can happen when hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence come together. Their recent success has not only put their program on the map, but has also had a tremendous impact on the community. As they continue to build on their success, there is no doubt that they will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of college basketball.