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Smith, Hopkins Pace Mean Green Past Baylor, 73-69 DENTON (12/9/03) -- A pair of veterans, senior forward Will Smith and junior guard Leonard Hopkins, sparked North Texas with a powerful inside-outside presence Tuesday night as the Mean Green battled past Baylor, 73-69, at the Super Pit. Smith grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds and finished with a double-double while Hopkins connected on 4-of-7 three pointers and led the Mean Green with a season-high 19 points as North Texas ended a four game losing streak against the Bears (3-3) to improve to 3-2 this season. Four North Texas players scored in double figures as Smith finished with 10 points to go with his 13 rebounds, Ron Harris chipped in with 13 points and Jerome Rogers ended with 12 points. "This was a great win for us tonight against a quality opponent," said North Texas head coach Johnny Jones. "I thought our guys did a good job. This was a total team effort. I thought Will Smith was big for us, and Leonard Hopkins played his best game since injuring his foot last year." In a tight first half, the lead bounced back and forth before a three-pointer NT's Marqus Mitchell with 3:33 left lifted the Mean Green to a two-point advantage at 27-25. NT never relinquished the lead and owned a 32-28 halftime edge. Three unanswered three pointers at the start of the second half by North Texas -- including two by Hopkins and one by Michael Jones -- widened the Mean Green's lead to 11 and North Texas eventually went up by as many as 14 points. But Baylor, in the Bears' first road game of the season, fought back and went ahead, 52-50 at the 10:04 mark on a lay-up by Terrance Thomas. A couple of free throws by NT's Harris tied the game moments later before the Mean Green grabbed the lead for good on a Rogers three-pointer. Baylor got as close as a point, at 62-61 with 3:57 left and again at 64-63 with 2:52 on the clock, but North Texas was able to hold off the Bears for the win. In addition to Smith setting a career high with his rebounding and reaching a season high with his 10 points, he also set a season high with two blocked shots. It was his second career double-double. Hopkins was sizzling from the outside, connecting on 6-of-10 field goals, including 4 of 7 from three-point range. His 19 points, along with two assists, were both season-high efforts. The Mean Green knocked down 10 three-pointers, one shy of their season high and the team's 15 assists tied a season high mark. NT's seven total blocked shots -- Ty Thomas led with three -- also set a new season high. North Texas now faces a four-game road swing that begins with a game at TCU in Fort Worth on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. -Box Score-

NT's Edwards Nets Career-High 20 Points in 72-62 Loss to A&M COLLEGE STATION, Tex. (12/6/03) -- Freshman forward Kelsie Edwards scored a career-high 20 points, but it wasn't enough as the North Texas women's basketball team fell to Texas A&M, 72-62, Saturday afternoon at Reed Arena in front of 1,726. Toccara Williams scored a game-high 20 points to lead the Aggies. Williams added eight rebounds and five steals as the Aggies (4-2) won their third straight game. North Texas dropped to 3-3. The Aggies committed a season high 22 turnovers and North Texas committed 31 turnovers which is the most by an A&M opponent this season. The Aggies scored 26 points off of turnovers, while NT managed 19 points. Edwards, a true freshman from Mansfield, reached her career-high 20 points on eight of 14 shooting. She was the only North Texas in double figures, as Jill Medlock added eight points along with a team-high seven assists and Jamie Armstrong and Kennethia Wilson each added seven points. NT's leading scorer for the season, senior Kim Blanton, was held in check with five points. However, she led North Texas in rebounding with seven. A&M used a 19-5 run to start the game with five of six Aggies scoring points. North Texas answered with a 12-0 run over the next 7:40 as Edwards came off the bench for NT to score eight points. NT pulled within two points at 23-21 with 1:32 to play before A&M took a 27-21 lead at halftime. A pair of Mindy Garrison three point baskets to start the second half gave the Aggies’ a pair of 9-point leads, 30-21 and 33-24. The Aggies then started working the ball inside to Janae Derrick and Lynn Classen who lifted A&M to a 13-point lead, 39-26. Classen scored six points and grabbed four rebounds in the first 6:12 of the second half matching her scoring and rebounding effort from the first half. Classen finished with eight second half points enroute to 14 points. She grabbed a career best nine rebounds. The Aggies led by as many as 18 points in the second half as they used improved shooting from the field with a 53 percent showing. A&M shot 46 percent for the game. North Texas is scheduled to play it second consecutive Big 12 opponent on the road next Sunday when it faces Texas in Austin on December 14. -- Box Score

North Texas comes up two points short 08:52 PM CST on Sunday, November 30, 2003 From Staff Reports VESTAL, N.Y. – North Texas couldn't hold a four-point lead in the final minute and lost to Binghamton in the championship of the Time Warner Classic on Sunday. Binghamton (3-1) put five players in double figures to win its third in a row – the team's longest win streak since the 2001-02. With North Texas ahead, 57-56, with 11 seconds remaining, Kate Townley drove to the basket and was fouled. After making both free throws she rebound a North Texas miss at the other end and was fouled again. With three seconds left, she made another foul shot for the final margin. A last-second North Texas 3-pointer was just off the mark. Townley was the tournament MVP. North Texas was led by junior guard Jill Medlock, who scored 11 points and had eight rebounds. Medlock and sophomore forward Jamie Armstrong were named to the all-tournament team. Other members of the team were Lonnie Brown (Canisius) and Amaka Agugua (Hofstra). Binghamton 59, North Texas 57 NORTH TEXAS (3-2) – Blanton 3-7 2-2 8, Armstrong 1-7 8-10 10, Haskin 0-3 0-0 0, Bobo 3-8 0-0 6, Medlock 3-7 2-2 7, Wali 0-0 0-0 0, Williams 1-4 0-0 3, Wilson 2-4 3-4 7, Edwards 1-6-2-2 4, Klat 3-8 0-0 6, Ajekwu 1-1 0-0 2. Totals 18-55 17-20 57. BINGHAMTON (3-1) – Wegwerth 5-7 1-2 11, Hibler 0-4 0-0 0, Blues 4-7 0-0 10, Laws 4-11 3-5 11, Townley 2-5 6-8 10, Deemand 0-2 0-0 0, Haubrich 1-8 1-3 3, Lindgren 0-2 0-0 0, Thompson 0-0 0-0 0, Dypolt 6-6 2-4 14, Forkey 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 22-52 13-22 59. Halftime– North Texas 32, Binghamton 30. 3-point goals– North Texas 4-10 (Medlock 3-5, Williams 1-2, Edwards 0-2, Armstrong 0-1), Binghamton 2-5 (Blues 2-2, Deemand 0-1, Haubrich 0-1, Lindgren 0-1). Fouled out– none. Rebounds– North Texas 41 (Medlock 8), Binghamton 35 (Townley 10). Assists– North Texas 10 (Armstrong 4), Binghamton 13 (Townley 5). Total fouls– North Texas 19, Binghamton 17. A– 863. Search DallasNews.com The Archives Archives: More information on this or other topics from The Dallas Morning News. Subscribe to The Dallas Morning News.

Basketball: Trip to Beaumont will be familiar for UNT’s Jones Mean Green coach went to Lamar games as child 08:05 AM CST on Saturday, November 29, 2003 By Brett Vito / Staff Writer North Texas men’s basketball coach Johnny Jones will make a familiar journey Saturday when the Mean Green take on Lamar in their second game of the season. Jones once attended Lamar’s home games when his brother Trennis played for the Cardinals from 1970-73. Billy Tubbs was beginning his coaching career as an assistant at Lamar at the same time. Tubbs will be waiting to meet Jones once again Saturday. The legendary coach, who has also guided the TCU and Oklahoma men’s basketball teams, returned to his alma mater this year to coach the Cardinals. "Coach Tubbs is an old friend," Jones said. "I have followed his career through the years and have a great deal of respect for him." Tubbs’ team figures to provide UNT a gauge for how far the Mean Green have progressed this season. UNT beat Northwestern Oklahoma State in its season opener, 57-47, at home. "This game will give us the opportunity to see what our weaknesses are and work on them," Jones said. "We will get a chance to see how good we will be defensively in the post." The UNT women will face a test of their own across the country. The Lady Eagles will look to build on a win over Sam Houston State on Tuesday when they travel to New York for the Binghamton/Time Warner Classic. UNT will open the event with a game against Canisius, which beat rival Buffalo for the first time since the 1993-94 season in its opener. The Lady Eagles (2-1) have already posted an impressive win over Indiana State earlier in the season. UNT’s only loss came against Indiana in the Indiana Tournament. Senior forward Kim Blanton is averaging 15.7 points a game to pace UNT, while junior guard Jill Medlock is averaging 12.7 points a game. Junior forward Michael Jones led the UNT men in its first game of the season with 13 points, while senior forward Michael DeGrate scored 12. The Mean Green might have a chance to increase their output against Lamar and Tubbs, a coach who Jones says likes to push the ball up the floor. Jones’ style differs in some ways from Tubbs, but he said he has learned a great deal while watching his brother’s former coach from afar. "He is still out there recruiting like he is an assistant coach," Jones said. "You would think he is still in his 20s the way he works. I have always admired him and the way his teams play." BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. UNT basketball Men vs. Lamar, 7 p.m., KWRD-FM 100.7, KNTU-FM 88.1 Women vs. Canisius, 2 p.m., KNTU-FM 88.1

Can't you people see it is "dangereous" to play there. You can run into a brick wall 2 steps past the Basket, you can step into an orchestra pit if you go 4 to 5 steps past the sideline. On the other sideline the players feet on the bench are only 1 or 2 steps off the sideline. I don't call that snobery.

North Texas Battles Past Canisius 81-79 To Move Into Title Game BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (11/29/03) The North Texas women's basketball team held off the Canisius Golden Griffins in the first round of the Time Warner Tournament 81-79 to move into the championship game. The win gives North Texas their third straight 3-1 start to the season. North Texas saw a 20-point lead evaporate in the second half when the Golden Griffins cut the lead to one-point at 75-74 with 1:59 left in the game. With North Texas leading 77-76 sophomore guard Erika Bobo saved the day for the Mean Green when she came up with a steal with less than 15 seconds remaining off a missed free throw. Freshman Mia Ajekwu made both free throws to make it 79-76 with eight seconds remaining. Canisius turned the ball over on the ensuing possession and junior guard Jill Medlock iced the game for the Mean Green with two free throws. North Texas had four players score in double figures led by Medlock with 19 points, seven rebounds and five 3-point baskets. The Mean Green controlled the game from the onset with an early 9-2 run to begin the contest. North Texas extended their lead to 26-11 midway through the first half and enjoyed a 50-36 halftime lead. The second half saw the Golden Griffins cut into the Mean Green lead but Canisius was never able to get any closer than one-point. North Texas will face the winner of Hofstra-Binghmanton in the title game tomorrow at 2 p.m.

NT should never play UTA in Arlington. Have you actually sat in the seats on the stage? If a player runs 2 steps pass the end of the court he hits a brick wall behind each basket. If they go 5 steps off the auditorium side of the court they step into a orchestra pit. Its flat dangerous. Secondly: Have you ever set on the stage behind the visitors side and seen what they do or at least did when I attended the last NT game there. They can lean over the railing, each out with a metal garbage can lid (over the top of a visiting players head) and bang the lid with a tire tool. I have seen them reach out and hold dead chicken corpses over a players head with blood dripping on the player. Yelling racial taunts at the black players including our black coach at the time Jimmy Gales. I taught at UTA full time for three years back then and later had a CPA practice in Arlington, was even Treasurer of the Pecan Bowl there....but I would never want my NT team to play them in Arlington in that "place" they use for a BB court.

Official Basketball Box Score Official Basketball Box Score Sam Houston State vs North Texas 11-25-03 7 p.m. at Super Pit; Denton, TX -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VISITORS: Sam Houston State 0-1 TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS ## Player Name FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN 22 SHEA, Lee........... f 1-6 1-4 4-4 2 4 6 2 7 1 2 0 0 32 21 KEE, Haley.......... c 1-2 0-0 4-5 1 3 4 5 6 1 2 0 0 16 04 TRACHIER, Stephanie. g 2-5 0-1 4-4 0 1 1 1 8 0 1 0 1 25 12 ALLEN, Stacy........ g 0-7 0-3 5-6 0 0 0 4 5 3 5 0 1 25 13 KRAMER, Kelley...... g 4-7 4-5 1-2 1 8 9 3 13 1 5 1 1 33 05 JACKSON, Crystal.... 2-4 0-0 0-0 3 2 5 2 4 1 6 0 0 17 10 PETTIT, Nikita...... 0-2 0-1 0-0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 9 20 PARKER, Erica....... 1-6 1-1 0-0 1 3 4 1 3 1 2 0 0 14 23 BETTS, Roshunda..... 3-6 0-0 1-3 1 3 4 5 7 0 0 3 0 16 25 SINGLETON, Shauna... 0-2 0-0 2-2 0 2 2 4 2 0 1 0 0 9 45 BARCLAY, Katrina.... 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 4 TEAM................ 1 9 10 Totals.............. 14-47 6-15 21-26 10 36 46 27 55 10 25 4 5 200 TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 5-25 20.0% 2nd Half: 9-22 40.9% Game: 29.8% DEADB 3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 2-6 33.3% 2nd Half: 4-9 44.4% Game: 40.0% REBS F Throw % 1st Half: 10-12 83.3% 2nd Half: 11-14 78.6% Game: 80.8% 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HOME TEAM: North Texas 2-1 TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS ## Player Name FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN 03 Blanton, Kim........ f 6-15 0-0 5-9 5 6 11 2 17 1 2 1 2 37 13 Armstrong, Jamie.... f 5-11 0-1 5-7 4 7 11 2 15 0 7 2 2 33 52 Haskin, Karolyn..... c 1-4 0-0 4-4 0 0 0 2 6 1 1 0 0 15 01 Bobo, Erika......... g 3-10 0-4 1-2 0 1 1 3 7 3 2 1 4 27 24 Medlock, Jill....... g 2-11 2-9 6-6 1 5 6 2 12 1 0 1 1 31 10 Wali, DiDi.......... 0-1 0-1 0-0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 11 Mireles, Natalie.... 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 23 Williams, Mian...... 0-2 0-2 2-2 0 1 1 2 2 0 0 0 1 12 30 Wilson, Kennethia... 0-1 0-1 1-2 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 7 34 Edwards, Kelsie..... 0-6 0-1 0-0 5 1 6 3 0 1 0 1 1 14 40 Klat, Dorota........ 0-0 0-0 1-4 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 4 55 Ajekwu, Mia......... 1-3 0-0 0-0 0 2 2 4 2 0 2 0 3 10 Team................ 3 1 4 Totals.............. 18-64 2-19 25-36 19 26 45 23 63 8 15 6 14 200 TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 8-29 27.6% 2nd Half: 10-35 28.6% Game: 28.1% DEADB 3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 1-10 10.0% 2nd Half: 1-9 11.1% Game: 10.5% REBS F Throw % 1st Half: 10-12 83.3% 2nd Half: 15-24 62.5% Game: 69.4% 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Officials: John McAndrews, Curtis McMinn, Cody Robinson Technical fouls: Sam Houston State-None. North Texas-Team. Attendance: 314 Score by Periods 1st 2nd Total Sam Houston State............. 22 33 - 55 North Texas................... 27 36 - 63 Points in paint: NT 16 SHSU 20;Fast break pts: NT 8 SHSU 6 Pts off turnovers: NT 14 SHSU 13;Second chance pts: NT 6 SHSU 0

NT Women Hold Off Sam Houston State, 63-55 DENTON (11/25/03) -- North Texas scored the game's final six points to pull away from Sam Houston State and take a 63-55 non-conference victory in NT's 2003-04 home opener Tuesday night at the Super Pit. In what was the Bearkats' season opener, Sam Houston cut the game to a two-point NT lead at 57-55 with 1:59 left before North Texas responded with the game's final six points -- on a Jamie Armstrong lay-up and free throws by Jill Medlock and Mia Williams -- to claim its second win of the young season. North Texas improves to 2-1 while SHSU is 0-1. Armstrong and senior forward Kim Blanton sparked North Texas with double-double performances. Blanton finished with a team-leading 17 points and 11 rebounds while Armstrong, a sophomore guard, chipped in with 15 points and 11 boards. Medlock also scored in double figures for North Texas with 12 points. It was a tight game most of the way, with North Texas breaking out to a quick 9-0 lead before Sam Houston bouncing back with a 20-3 run over the next nine minutes to take a 20-12 lead. North Texas eventually tied the game with 4:21 left in the first half and went on to post a 27-22 lead at halftime. In the second half, the Bearkats fought back and got to within two points at 35-33 with 11:15 left, but NT answered by battling back and widening the gap to 10 points at 52-42 with 6:17 on the clock. SHSU outscored NT 13-5 over the next four minutes to cut the margin to 57-55 with just under two minutes to go. North Texas, which finished as the runner-up at the Indiana Tournament last weekend, is scheduled to participate in the Binghamton Time Warner Tournament this weekend at Binghamton, New York. NT opens tournament play on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. against Canisius. - Box Score

Official Basketball Box Score Official Basketball Box Score North Texas vs Indiana State 11-22-03 8 p.m. at Assembly Hall (Bloomington, Ind.) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VISITORS: North Texas TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS ## Player Name FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN 03 Blanton, Kim........ f 7-11 0-0 4-6 2 2 4 3 18 1 2 0 2 29 13 Armstrong, Jamie.... f 4-11 0-1 3-5 4 6 10 4 11 4 7 0 2 28 52 Haskin, Karolyn..... c 1-3 0-0 1-1 1 0 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 7 01 Bobo, Erika......... g 3-7 0-1 4-6 0 5 5 3 10 3 3 1 1 32 24 Medlock, Jill....... g 4-8 4-5 8-8 0 3 3 1 20 3 5 0 1 36 10 Wali, DiDi.......... 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0+ 23 Williams, Mian...... 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 1 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 22 30 Wilson, Kennethia... 1-2 0-0 0-0 0 2 2 1 2 1 1 0 1 4 34 Edwards, Kelsie..... 3-13 1-2 1-2 5 7 12 3 8 2 1 3 0 28 55 Ajekwu, Mia......... 6-6 0-0 2-3 3 1 4 1 14 0 1 0 0 14 Team................ 2 4 6 1 Totals.............. 29-61 5-9 23-31 17 31 48 19 86 15 22 4 7 200 TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 15-34 44.1% 2nd Half: 14-27 51.9% Game: 47.5% DEADB 3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 0-2 0.0% 2nd Half: 5-7 71.4% Game: 55.6% REBS F Throw % 1st Half: 7-10 70.0% 2nd Half: 16-21 76.2% Game: 74.2% 3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HOME TEAM: Indiana State TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS ## Player Name FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN 31 Rhodes, Erin........ c 6-7 1-1 5-5 3 3 6 5 18 0 1 0 2 15 10 Verhoff, Jessica.... g 2-8 0-4 0-0 2 2 4 3 4 1 2 0 2 29 11 Lisch, Stephanie.... g 8-17 0-1 3-4 3 8 11 3 19 1 4 0 1 29 15 Weddle, Kristen..... g 3-9 0-3 0-0 1 2 3 1 6 3 1 0 1 24 24 Verhoff, Lisa....... g 2-12 0-4 1-2 0 1 1 2 5 4 0 0 2 26 14 Thatcher, Anne...... 1-5 1-4 0-0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 1 13 20 Galbraith, Lindsay.. 1-1 0-0 0-0 0 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 1 7 22 Boeglin, Melanie.... 0-8 0-6 4-4 1 1 2 3 4 2 4 0 1 21 23 Maenpaa, Rachel..... 4-5 0-0 2-3 3 0 3 5 10 0 3 0 0 16 45 Hlebovy, Celeste.... 1-3 0-1 0-2 1 1 2 1 2 0 0 1 0 11 50 Hendrickson, Erin... 0-1 0-0 0-2 2 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 9 TEAM................ 3 1 4 Totals.............. 28-76 2-24 15-22 19 20 39 26 73 11 16 1 11 200 TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 12-34 35.3% 2nd Half: 16-42 38.1% Game: 36.8% DEADB 3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 0-12 0.0% 2nd Half: 2-12 16.7% Game: 8.3% REBS F Throw % 1st Half: 3-8 37.5% 2nd Half: 12-14 85.7% Game: 68.2% 5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Officials: Dennis Mayer, Bruce Morris, Steve Martin Technical fouls: North Texas-Bobo, Erika. Indiana State-TEAM. Attendance: Score by Periods 1st 2nd Total North Texas................... 37 49 - 86 Indiana State................. 27 46 - 73

Defense Keys NT in Season-Opening Win Over Indiana State BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (11/22/03) -- Showing off a stifling defense, the North Texas women's basketball team opened the 2003-04 season with an impressive 86-73 win over Indiana State in the opening round of the Indiana Tournament here Saturday night. Last season North Texas set a new school record in field goal percentage defense. That smothering defense picked up where it left off as the Mean Green held Indiana State to 36 percent shooting and just two of 24 from beyond the arc en route to its first-round win over the Sycamores. The win sets up the Mean Green in a Sunday match-up against host Indiana in the championship game at 3:00 p.m. The Hoosiers advanced to the title game with a 75-41 victory over Cornell in the other first-round game Saturday. Junior transfer Jill Medlock led all North Texas scorers with 20 points, including four three-pointers in the second half. Senior Kim Blanton scored 18 points while Jamie Armstrong registered her first double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Stephanie Lisch led Indiana State with 19 points and 11 rebounds. North Texas led 37-27 at the half and went up by 44-32 with 18:26 to play before the Sycamores went on a 14-6 run. NT freshman Kelsie Edwards' only three-pointer of the night gave the Mean Green a 53-46 lead but Indiana State would not go away. A two-minute scoring drought by the Mean Green combined with a 13-3 Indiana State run gave the Sycamores a 63-61 lead with 7:20 to play. That's when Medlock connected on the first of her four three-pointers. Moments later, with NT trailing 73-72 with 2:14 to play, another three by Medlock triggered a 14-0 North Texas run to end the game. The Mean Green has faced Indiana one other time in school history. That game came last season when the Hoosiers posted a 51-43 win at the Super Pit. - Box Score

North Texas 86, Indiana St. 73: In Bloomington, Ind., Jill Medlock scored 20 points, and Kim Blanton added 18 as North Texas won its season opener in the first round of the Indiana Classic. Medlock made four of five 3-point attempts, and all four came in the second half as UNT held off Indiana State after taking a 10-point halftime lead. UNT will meet host Indiana on Sunday.

Basketball: Bobo’s game comes easier now Blanton’s, Bobo’s experience gives Lady Eagles good base for opener 08:13 AM CST on Saturday, November 22, 2003 By Brett Vito / Staff Writer To Erika Bobo, the game of basketball seems easier these days. Setting up the North Texas women’s basketball team’s offense and finding the open player are that much simpler now that she has one year of experience on the college level. Bobo was one of several young players who filled prominent roles for UNT last season when she started at point guard. Bobo will be back in that position once again Saturday when UNT opens its season at the Indiana Tournament with a game against Indiana State at 8 p.m.. UNT enters its opener hoping the added experience Bobo and a series of other young players gained will help the Lady Eagles improve on a 12-16 campaign last year. "There was a lot of pressure last year when I started as a freshman that has been taken away," Bobo said. "I feel more comfortable. There are a lot of players on the team who are stepping up." Finding players to fill critical roles is one of UNT’s main concerns heading into the season. The Lady Eagles have a pair of starters returning in Bobo and All-Sun Belt Conference forward Kim Blanton, but need to round out their lineup. Bobo ranked among the top 10 players in the Sun Belt Conference in steals and assists in her first collegiate season. Blanton averaged 12.5 points and 5.2 rebounds a game. Outside of those two, UNT had only a few players who started games last season. One of the most encouraging developments of the preseason for UNT was the emergence of a few players who might be able to fill those roles. Junior college transfer Jill Medlock posted a double-double in each of the Lady Eagles exhibition games. Sophomore Jamie Armstrong also showed signs of having a breakout season when she scored 19 points in UNT’s first exhibition game. "We had players who were capable of scoring last year, but sometimes we were scared to take advantage of opportunities," Blanton said. "This year we are thinking to shoot or drive as soon as we catch the ball. Everyone is looking to score." The prospect of having more players capable of scoring is a development Blanton welcomes because it could take pressure off of her inside. UNT adapted quickly to its new-look lineup in its exhibition games, both of which it won handily. "We are excited about our chemistry, which looks good for this early in the season," UNT coach Tina Slinker said. "We also have solid depth." The Lady Eagles’ depth and chemistry will be tested this weekend when they travel to the Indiana Tournament. UNT will open with a game against Indiana State, which captured the Missouri Valley Conference championship before falling to Ball State in the first round of the Women’s National Invitational Tourn-ament last season. UNT will be better prepared to face the challenge of playing a team like Indiana State than it was in the early stages of last season. Slinker said UNT’s players are making better decisions and are more efficient on offense this season. Both are key reasons the Lady Eagles believe they can be a better team. Bobo played a critical role in helping UNT get off to a quick start in the exhibition season. She believes the start is one the Lady Eagles can carry into the regular season. "We have good team chemistry," Bobo said. "Everyone contributed to our last exhibition win. The added depth will help us this season." BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. North Texas Women at a glance ROSTER Erika Bobo G 5-8 So. Kim Blanton F 6-1 Sr. Jamie Armstrong F 5-11 So. Jill Medlock G 5-7 Jr. Karolyn Haskin C 6-3 Sr. Mia Ajekwu F 6-3 Fr. Marquita Carter F 5-11 So. Kelsie Edwards F 6-0 Fr. Dorota Klat C 6-4 Jr. Natalie Mireles G 5-6 So. Talicia Sanders G 6-2 Fr. Didi Wali G 5-9 Fr. Mian Williams G 5-8 So. Kennethia Wilson F 5-10 So. SCHEDULE NOVEMBER Sat. 22 vs. at Indiana State 8 p.m. Sun. 23 vs. at Indiana or Cornell TBA Tues. 25 Sam Houston State 7 p.m. Sat. 29 vs. Canisius 2 p.m. Sun.30 vs. Binghamton or Hofstra TBA DECEMBER Sat. 6 at Texas A&M 2 p.m. Sun. 14 at Texas 1 p.m. Tues. 16 at Weber State 6:45 p.m. Fri. 19 Houston 7 p.m. Sun. 21 SMU 2 p.m. Wed. 31 at TCU 2 p.m. JANUARY Fri. 2 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 7 p.m. Sat. 10 at New Mexico State 8:05 p.m. Thurs. 15 at Denver 8 p.m. Mon. 19 at Florida International 6 p.m. Thurs. 22 Arkansas-Little Rock 7 p.m. Sat. 24 Arkansas State 7 p.m. Thurs. 29 at New Orleans 7 p.m. Sat. 31 at South Alabama 7 p.m. FEBRUARY Thurs. 5 at Louisiana-Lafayette 7 p.m. Sat. 7 New Mexico State 7 p.m. Thurs.12 at Middle Tennessee 7 p.m. Sat. 14 Western Kentucky 7 p.m. Thus. 19 Denver 7 p.m. Sat. 21 Louisiana-Lafayette 7 p.m. Thus 26 New Orleans 7 p.m. Sun. 28 South Alabama 7 p.m. MARCH 6-9 at SBC Tournament TBA

Mean Green Battles Past Northwestern Oklahoma St., 57-47 DENTON (11/21/03) -- Senior forward Michael DeGrate scored nine of his 12 points in the second half to help ignite the North Texas Mean Green to a season-opening 57-47 victory over Northwestern Oklahoma State at the Super Pit on Friday night. DeGrate and junior transfer forward Michael Jones, who led NT with 13 points, were the only Mean Green players to score in double figures as North Texas overcame a sluggish first half and was able to open the 2003-04 season with a win -- marking head coach Johnny Jones' third consecutive season-opening victory. DeGrate and Jones were the offensive bright spots for the Mean Green, who shot 44 percent (21 of 47) and trailed by a point at halftime before out-scoring the Rangers by a 36-25 margin the second period. DeGrate connected on four of nine field goals and four of five three throws. He also shared rebounding honors for NT with five and led with five assists. Jones, a transfer from McLennan Community College, was making his debut in a Mean Green uniform and hit five of seven field goals, including going two-for-two from three-point distance. He also had four rebounds and North Texas' only blocked shot. After a slow start -- in which North Texas didn't score its first field goal until the 16:32 mark -- the Mean Green battled back and lead throughout most of the first half. After building as much as an eight-point margin, 13-5, midway through the period, the Mean Green led the lead slip away and trailed by 22-21 at halftime after Northwestern Oklahoma State (2-2) connected on a three-pointer with 1:02 remaining. The Rangers widened the gap to as many as six points in the first three minutes of the second half, but North Texas fought back and regained the lead for good at 36-35 with 10:15 left on a lay-up by sophomore guard Scott Roniger. Every North Texas player in uniform scored in the game, with senior Jerome Rogers adding seven points and a game-high four steals, and Justin Barnett and Roniger each finishing with six points. NT plays its next two games on the road, beginning with a trip to Beaumont to play Lamar on Nov. 29.

Basketball: Depth at post is concern for UNT as season begins 09:02 AM CST on Friday, November 21, 2003 By Brett Vito / Staff Writer Justin Barnett felt like he had more to give during his first two years as a member of the North Texas men’s basketball team. The Mean Green’s upcoming season might very well depend on the accuracy of the sophomore center’s suspicions. UNT will open its season Friday night with a game against Northwestern Okla-homa State, and Barnett will be in the starting lineup as one of the few healthy post players the Mean Green have left on its roster. Barnett will get help eventually from a series of other players who are either out with injuries or are waiting to become eligible. How Barnett performs be-fore then could have a major impact on the way a UNT team hoping to recover from a disappointing season fares. The Mean Green are coming off of a 7-21 campaign and lost their top player in Chris Davis. "I am very pleased with the way we are playing right now," UNT coach Johnny Jones said. "The underclassmen have done a good job of carrying this basketball team throughout the early part of the season." Several of UNT’s young players should play critical roles for the Mean Green this season, when the team will be without Davis for the first time in four years. The guard finished his career as the second-leading scorer in school history and was among the top 10 players in the Sun Belt Conference in scoring, rebounds and assists last season. Jones said UNT will feature a more balanced scoring attack this season, one that will depend on several new players to step into key roles. Guard Marqus Mitchell and forward Michael Jones both scored in double figures in each of UNT’s exhibition games. Both were all-region players in junior college last season. "We will depend on the new players somewhat," Mitchell said. "We will fill some roles that they didn’t have players for in the past, but we will depend a lot on the veteran guys who have played and know what it takes to win in this league." Michael DeGrate, one of the few holdovers from last season’s team, should be one of the Mean Green’s top players. DeGrate averaged 8.7 points and 4.2 rebounds a game last season. Leonard Hopkins’ return will give UNT another guard capable of scoring. The junior was averaging 12.7 points when he injured his foot in the ninth game of last season. The injury kept Hopkins out the rest of the year. Hopkins’ return gives UNT a wealth of guards and small forwards. Where UNT is shorthanded is in the paint. Senior forward Will Smith is out for 3-4 weeks with a knee injury and LSU transfer Shawnson John-son will not be back until January. Johnson will regain his eligibility at the end of the first semester. His return will be delayed by hernia surgery. UNT’s injuries will leave Barnett as one of the few players capable of playing in the paint early in the season. That prospect would have been daunting the last two years, when Barnett struggled with back and foot injuries. Those injuries have not been a problem so far this season, partly because Barnett came back to school in better shape than ever before. "I was hoping to play an increased role this year," Barnett said. "I worked hard this summer to get into better shape. I was disappointed in the way I played last year. I am hoping to do more to help the team." Barnett averaged 2.6 points and 3.1 rebounds a game last season. UNT’s coaches are confident they will get much more from the 6-10 sophomore. Jones calls Barnett one of the team’s most improved players. Barnett took a redshirt year his first year at UNT and then battled injuries last year. "It may have been a blessing that Justin took a redshirt year," Jones said. "It helped him mature. He has great feet, large hands and does an excellent job in the paint. He is becoming a more skilled player." Barnett will need to be at his best early in the season when UNT hopes to turn its fortunes around with a solid start. A few wins early in the season could build UNT’s confidence and make the Mean Green an even better team when Smith and Johnson return later in the year. "It’s very important for us to get off to a good start," Jones said. "We have some tough games early, but if we play well and get some chemistry going they are games we are capable of winning." North Texas men’s roster, schedule ROSTER Player Pos Ht Cl Michael DeGrate F 6-8 Sr. Will Smith F 6-7 Sr. Jerome Rogers G 5-10 Sr. Marqus Mitchell G 6-0 Jr. Michael Jones F 6-7 Jr. Ron Harris F 6-7 So. John Franklin G 6-0 Sr. Scott Roniger G 6-2 So. Leonard Hopkins G 6-3 Jr. Ty Thomas F 6-6 So. Calvin Watson G 6-5 Fr. Adrian Awasom F 6-5 Jr. *Shawnson Johnson F 6-9 Sr. Justin Barnett C 6-10 So. *note – Johnson is not eligible to play until the second semester SCHEDULE NOVEMBER Fri. 21 NW Okla. State 7 p.m. Sat. 29 at Lamar 7 p.m. DECEMEBER Wed. 3 at Southern Univ. 7 p.m. Sat. 6 Hardin-Simmons 7 p.m. Tues. 9 Baylor 7 p.m. Sat. 13 at TCU 7:05 p.m. Wed. 17 at UT-Pan Am. 7:30 p.m. Sat. 20 at St. Bonaventure 3 p.m. Mon. 22 at SE Mo. St. 7:30 p.m. Mon. 29 Indiana 7 p.m. JANUARY Sat. 3 at Arkansas 12:30 p.m. Thurs. 8 UT-Pan American 7 p.m. Sat. 10 New Mexico State 7 p.m. Thurs. 15 Denver 7 p.m. Mon. 19 Florida Int. 7 p.m. Thurs. 22 at Ark.-Little Rock 7 p.m. Sat. 24 at Ark. State 4:05 p.m. Thurs. 29 New Orleans 7 p.m. Sat. 31 South Alabama 7 p.m. FEBRUARY Thurs. 5 at La.-Lafayette 8 p.m. Sat. 7 at N.M. State 8 p.m. Thurs. 12 Middle Tennessee 7 p.m. Sat. 14 at W. Kentucky 7 p.m. Thurs. 19 at Denver 8 p.m. Mon. 23 La.-Lafayette 7 p.m. Thurs. 26 at New Orleans 7 p.m. Sun. 29 at South Alabama 1 p.m. MARCH Sat. 6- at Sun Belt Conference Tues. 9 Tourney

Freshman recruit Calvin Watson has a foot injury also.

Barnett, Mitchell Lead Mean Green in Final Exhibition Win DENTON (11/14/03) -- Sophomore center Justin Barnett collected his first-ever double-double and newcomer Marqus Mitchell poured in a team-leading 20 points Friday night as the North Texas men's basketball team battled past the Texas Blue Chips, 87-83, in a final exhibition tune-up at the Super Pit. The Mean Green now prepare for their 2003-04 season opener at home against Northwestern Oklahoma State, scheduled for next Friday, Nov. 21 at 7:00 at the Super Pit. Although five North Texas players scored in double figures in claiming their second exhibition win in a week, it didn't come easy. The Mean Green led by just two points, 34-32 at halftime, and held as little as a one-point lead with 4:01 left in the game. Mitchell connected on nine of 18 field goals to pace the Mean Green with 20 points in his second game in a NT uniform. The 6-0 junior transferred to North Texas after playing two seasons at State Fair Community College. Barnett, meanwhile, finished with 13 points along with 11 rebounds to register the first double-double of his North Texas career. He hit four field goals and went 5-of-7 at the free throw line for his 13 points. Eight of his team-high 11 rebounds came on the offensive end. Also scoring in double figures for the Mean Green were Scott Roniger and Michael Jones with 13 apiece and Ron Harris with 10. Michael DeGrate ended with nine points and nine rebounds. Roniger also led the team in assists (4) and steals (3) while Ty Thomas came up with a team-high three blocked shots in the game.

Balanced Scoring Powers NT to 85-44 Win in Final Exhibition DENTON (11/14/03) -- Sparked by the play of three newcomers, the North Texas women's basketball team overpowered the Oklahoma Flyers in a 85-44 exhibition game victory Friday night at the Super Pit. Junior transfer Jill Medlock notched a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds while true freshmen Kelsie Edwards and DiDi Wali contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively, as NT claimed its second exhibition win and now focuses on the 2003-04 season opener Nov. 22-23 at the Indiana Tournament. In addition to the three new members of the women's team finishing in double figures, North Texas had three other players finish with nine points, including Erika Bobo, Kennethia Wilson and Mia Ajekwu. Every North Texas player in uniform scored, with Karolyn Haskin adding eight points and Jamie Armstrong ending with six. North Texas battled to a comfortable 43-20 halftime lead and shot 43 percent (34-79) for the game. NT also connected on nine of 19 from three-point range, led by Edwards and Wali with three three-pointers each. NT did most of its damage in close, outscoring the Flyers by a 42-18 margin in the paint. North Texas also ended with a 59-44 edge in rebounds. North Texas opens the regular season on Nov. 22 with a first-round game against Indiana State in the Indiana Tournament. NT's first home game is Nov. 25 against Sam Houston State.

I saw Sturns play as a soph at Oakridge...he played on both the JV and the varsity...I tell you he could hit the basket from anywhere and was very quick. My grandson played on the same two teams and from what I understand he was receiving attention from college coaches all over the US at that time. Tried to get info from Rivals hoops...they show him getting 5 offers...but I couldn't find who from as I am not a paid subscriber. You realize you can look up any FB or BB player by name and pull up a list of the schools he is interested in...free. just one at a time with two extra clicks to view list and to close windows on each player.

North Texas Women's Basketball Adds Three Players In Early Signing Period DENTON (11/12/03) - The North Texas women's basketball team signed three players to national letters of intent Wednesday on the first day of the early signing period. North Texas added Erica Howard, a 6-3 post from Morrilton, Ark. along with 6-2 forward Amber Jackson and 5-7 point guard Amanda Quattrocchi from Indianapolis, Ind. "This is a great day for North Texas Women's Basketball. I am truly excited about these three young ladies. It is certainly one of our most impressive signing classes. I credit my staff for, not only finding, but successfully recruiting three of the best recruits our program has ever signed" said North Texas head coach Tina Slinker. "I believe each of these young ladies brings something very special to our program both on and off the court. We competed against some tops programs in the country and signed three nationally known recruits". Howard was named the Class 4A State Tournament Most Valuable Player along with being voted all-state and all-conference as she led Morrilton High School to the state title her junior season. Howard, a two-time all-state selection, averaged 22 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks a game last season as she chose North Texas over Arkansas, Mississippi, Mississippi State, and Memphis. "Erica is a tremendous sign for our program. To beat out three SEC schools proves that we have signed a difference maker in Erica Howard. She is explosive, quick, and has an innate ability to score" said Slinker. Jackson and Quattrocchi both attend Brebeuf High School and were recently named All-America Honorable Mention by Street and Smith magazine. Jackson averaged 11 points and nine rebounds last season and was named to the ICGSA-all state team (Indiana Coaches Girls Sports Association) her junior season. Jackson was also named to Region Roundball's Top 13 players in the state of Indiana. "Amber is an extremely talented young lady. Her ability to get to the basket makes her a threat inside and out. She is very versatile and her quickness fits in well with our up-tempo style of play. Amber has the ability to make an impact right away" said Slinker. Quattrocchi was named to the ICGSA-all state team her junior season after leading the state in 3-point shooting at 51 percent. Quattrocchi averaged 10.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.7 rebounds a game last season. Quattrocchi and Jackson have been named to the pre-season all-state team at Brebeuf. "Amanda is a pure point guard. She understands the game and has great court sense. She is one of the best 3-point shooters in the country and will fit in nicely with our style of play. I am thrilled to have Amanda in our program" Slinker said. North Texas begins their 2003-04 season on Saturday, November 22 against Indiana State in the first round of the Indiana Classic. Amber Jackson, 6-2, Forward, Indianapolis, Indiana (Brebeuf High School) Jackson averaged 11 points and nine rebounds last season and was named to the ICGSA-all state team (Indiana Coaches Girls Sports Association) her junior season. Jackson was also named to Region Roundball's Top 13 players in the state of Indiana. Jackson has been named to the pre-season all state team by Hoosier Basketball Magazine, and she has also been named a Top 25 Super Senior by Region Roundball Review. Jackson chose North Texas over Rice, New Mexico, and Southern Mississippi. Erica Howard, 6-3, Post, Morrilton, Arkansas (Morrilton High School) Howard was the Class 4A State Tourmament MVP as she led Morrilton High School to the state title and a 28-1 record her junior season. She averaged 22 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks per game last season as she was named to the Arkansas All-State team. As a sophomore Howard was named to the Arkansas All-State team along with the Arkansas All-Sophomore teams. She averaged 18.4 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks per game. She has also been a two-time all-conference selection. Amanda Quattrocchi, 5-7, Guard, Indianapolis, Indiana (Brebeuf High School) Quattrocchi was named to the ICGSA-all state team her junior season after leading the state in 3-point shooting at 51 percent. Quattrocchi averaged 10.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.7 rebounds a game last season. Quattrocchi has been named to the pre-season all-state team at Brebeuf. Quattrocchi is a pre-season all-state selection and a Top 25 Super Senior. She has also been listed as one of the Top 25 point guards nationally by All-Star Girls Report. Quattrocchi chose North Texas over Michigan, Dayton and Bowling Green.

Mean Green Basketball Signs Two High School Recruits Early DENTON (11/12/03) - The North Texas men's basketball team signed high school standouts Quincy Williams and Michael Sturns to national letters of intent on the first day of the early signing period Wednesday. Williams is a 6-8, 215 pound forward that is set for his senior season at Carl Albert High School in Midwest City, Okla., while Sturns is a 6-4, 175 pound guard that will help lead No. 2-ranked North Crowley in Fort Worth during the upcoming season. "We are excited that Quincy and Michael have chosen to be a part of the University of North Texas Mean Green family," said North Texas head coach Johnny Jones. Williams transferred to Carl Albert High School for his senior season after averaging 10 points and seven rebounds at Midwest City High School last season. Due to high school transferring rules in Oklahoma, Williams will not be eligible to compete with Carl Albert until the end of the fall semester. CAHS posted a 21-5 record last year and advanced to the area round of the playoffs. "Quincy is a great person," said Carl Albert head coach Jay Price. "His size and ability around the basket will help us in the post. He can post up big and play around the basket, or step outside and be a threat. He's agile and can run the floor, but we can post him up as well." "With his size, passing ability, rebounding and soft touch around the basket, Quincy will bring a much needed offensive presence to our team in the post," said Jones. "Quincy comes from a great family and high school program. We are delighted he chose North Texas. He is the younger brother of Sheldon Williams, who starts for the Duke Blue Devils." Despite missing 15 games due to a broken wrist in 2002-03, Sturns was still selected First Team All-District and an All-Region nominee at North Crowley. He averaged 12.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. The 6-4 guard averaged 3.8 assists per game and had better than a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. "Michael has a chance to be a really good basketball player in the Sun Belt," said North Crowley head coach Tommy Brakel. "He has a knack for getting the ball to the goal and is a great scorer that can do it from both the inside and outside." "Michael's size and ball-handling skills could make him the most versatile player on our team next year," said Jones. "We feel like he is one of the best recruits in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area and we are excited that, along with his family and high school coach, he chose North Texas." Williams and Sturns will help North Texas replace the loss of senior forwards/centers Will Smith and Shawnson Johnson at the end of this season, as well as senior guard Jerome Rogers and senior forward Michael DeGrate. "This is a great start for us in recruiting, securing two top-notch high school players," said Jones.

NT Women Open Season With 88-73 Exhibition Win DENTON (11/6/03) -- Sophomore Jamie Armstrong and junior transfer Jill Medlock recorded double-doubles to lead the North Texas women's basketball team to an 88-73 win over the Houston Jaguars in an exhibition game Thursday night at the Super Pit. Armstrong shared team-high scoring honors with 19 points to go along with her team-leading 13 rebounds. Senior forward Kim Blanton also finished with 19 points while Medlock, a junior transfer, finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Blanton, one of two seniors on the team this season, connected on seven of 13 field goals and also hit five of seven free throw attempts. In 26 minutes she also had 4 of the team's 16 steals. Armstrong shot eight of 20 from the floor and dropped in two of four free throws. Medlock, a newcomer who transferred to North Texas from Arkansas-Fort Smith, finished one assist shy of notching a triple double in her first game in an NT uniform. She led the team with nine assists and also had a team-high six steals in the game. North Texas battled to a 10-point lead in the first half before the Jaguars cut the deficit down to one point at 34-33 with 3:19 left in the period. NT outscored Houston 10-2 over the remainder of the half to post a 44-35 lead at the intermission. After the first eight minutes of the second half North Texas had the game in control by staking a 20-point lead three different times in the period. Houston, who was led by Nekesha Henderson's 33 points, fought back and pulled to within six points, at 79-73, with 2:43 left in regulation. A Blanton free throw followed by baskets by Blanton, Dorota Klat and Armstrong that went unanswered quickly build the cushion back to 13 points with 24 seconds left. The North Texas women's team will hosts its second and final exhibition game next Friday, Nov. 14, at 6:00 p.m. at the Super Pit in the opening game of a doubleheader with the Mean Green men's team.

Five NT Players Score in Double Figures in 94-71 Exhibition Win DENTON (11/6/03) -- In his debut in a Mean Green uniform, junior transfer Michael Jones registered a double-double and was one of five players to score in double figures as North Texas raced past Dallas Slam, 94-71, in a men's exhibition basketball game Thursday night at the Super Pit. Jones, a 6-7 forward, scored 14 points and grabbed a team-leading 11 rebounds to help lead the Mean Green to a win in the first of two exhibition games the team will play prior to the opening of the 2003-04 season. Sophomore Ty Thomas led the Mean Green with 17 points and was joined in double figures by junior Marqus Mitchell with 15, Jones and senior Will Smith with 14 and sophomore Justin Barnett with 11. Thomas, Barnett and sophomore Ron Harris also contributed eight rebounds each, helping North Texas to a dominating 59-32 edge on the boards. Jones connected on six of 12 field goals, including one three-pointer, to notch his 14 points. In addition to his team-high 11 rebounds, Jones also led the team with five assists. Thomas reached his team-leading 17 points on eight of 10 shooting. North Texas controlled the game from the start, posting a 43-30 lead by halftime. The Mean Green shot 51 percent (41-80) for the game compared to the Slam's 35 percent. The Mean Green will host its final exhibition game against the Texas Blue Chips next Friday, Nov. 14, at the Super Pit at 8:00 p.m. in the second game of a doubleheader with the women's team.

Basketball teams play exhibitions tonight DENTON – The UNT men's and women's basketball teams will play an exhibition doubleheader Thursday at the Super Pit. The UNT women will face the Houston Jaguars at 6 p.m., with the men's game against the Dallas Slam at 8 p.m. The UNT men will be without guard Calvin Watson, who had surgery on his foot and will be out 6 to 8 weeks. The 6-5 freshman averaged 16.9 points his senior season at Houston Madison. Brett Vito

Basketball: UNT’s Wilson decides to leave team 07:23 AM CST on Tuesday, October 28, 2003 By Brett Vito / Staff Writer North Texas junior guard Mark Wilson has left the team for personal reasons, UNT coach Johnny Jones said Monday. Wilson was a second team junior college all-American last season at Highland Community College (Freeport, Ill.) before signing with the Mean Green. "Mark had some personal things he needed to take care of," Jones said. "He won’t be back." Jones, 6-3, 210, averaged 22.2 points and 9.4 rebounds a game as a sophomore at Highland. He ranked among the top 25 junior college players in the country in both categories. UNT still has five guards on its roster, including Leonard Hopkins. The junior started eight games last season and averaged 12.7 points a game before a foot injury cut his season short. Those players are expected to help the Mean Green make up for the loss of three starters, including guards Chris Davis and Lee Green. Davis averaged 19.0 points and 7.2 rebounds a game last season and is considered one of the best players in UNT history The Mean Green is looking to bounce back from a 7-21 finish last season. UNT added five players since the end of last season, including four transfers. Wilson scored 11 points in UNT’s Mid-day Madness scrimmage to kick off practice for the upcoming season Oct. 18. "With all of the guys we have coming back we will be fine," Jones said. "It’s unfortunate, but we will move on." BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870.