UVU Coaches Honor a Supporter
During the WAC game against Southern Utah at the UCCU Center in Orem on March 1, 2025, UVU head coach Todd Phillips and his staff wore special “JST” shirts in memory of Jeffrey Tolk, who recently passed away. Tolk was the husband of UVU president Astrid Tuminez and a strong supporter of Wolverine athletics.
Roster Rebuilding at UVU
In men’s college basketball, the competitive nature often requires Utah Valley head coach Todd Phillips to rebuild his team each year. As a prominent mid-major program, UVU sees its star players recruited by larger conferences, leading to significant roster changes after a successful year. Last year’s impressive performance, which included a 25-9 overall record and a regular season title, added extra pressure on Phillips and his recruiting team.
Key Departures and New Additions
Big losses include WAC Player of the Year Dominick Nelson, Tanner Toolson, and Carter Welling, all of whom transferred to higher-profile programs. Other notable departures include Ethan Potter and Cory Wells. Returning players like junior point guard Trevan Leonhardt and sophomore forward Jackson Holcombe will be critical to the team’s success. UVU’s 2025-26 roster is now complete, featuring 13 scholarship players and two walk-ons.
Leadership and Team Culture
Holcombe emphasized the importance of veteran leadership for integrating new players, advocating for a culture where all players contribute to the team’s success. Coach Phillips’ positive reinforcement and trust in the players are crucial for creating an environment conducive to teamwork.
Focus on Post Players
Coach Phillips aims to strengthen the roster with skilled post players. Isaac Davis, a 6-foot-7 forward from Utah State, is expected to make an immediate impact, along with other key recruits like the 6-10 Isaac Hawkins from College of Southern Idaho and 6-11 Joul Karram from the University of Utah.
New Talent on the Guard Line
The loss of talented guards necessitated the recruitment of new wing players. The addition of Tyler Hendricks from UCF, former Skyridge guard Brayden Housley, and AJ Riggs from Fort Lewis College brings depth and skill to the team. Phillips expressed optimism about the team’s new athleticism and depth compared to the previous season.
Seeking Scheduling Success
As a mid-major program, UVU faces challenges in scheduling competitive games. Coach Phillips mentioned that while proximity to in-state rivals may be limited, efforts are being made to secure games against major conferences. He remains hopeful for a successful upcoming season as UVU transitions to the Big West in 2026-27.
