The UTEP men's basketball team is still undefeated in its 2023-24 season, still hasn't missed a free throw or a 3-pointer, and has a sense of confidence it expects will last nine more months.
The Miners began summer practice Monday at Franklin High as the Foster-Stevens Center air conditioner was broken early in the week, welcoming five new scholarship players to go with the seven returning from last year's 14-18 season.
"First days" have meant less over the years as basketball, like all college sports, has become year-round. Oct. 15 is no longer the magic number associated with tip-off of practice and at the moment, UTEP hasn't released a schedule with a first regular-season or preseason game on it, but this week had a special feel.