Bobcats look to defend their crown this upcoming season

Sun Belt Media Day was in its second day as all 14 of the mens’ basketball programs took to the podium to discuss the upcoming season.

Texas State head coach Terrence Johnson and senior guard Mason Harrell said it’s about unfinished business as the two took the podium on Wednesday.

Last year, the Bobcats brought home their second consecutive Sun Belt regular season title before falling in the first round of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament.

Texas State then lost in the first round of the NIT Tournament in a thrilling overtime loss to North Texas 67-63.

Johnson believes the key to the Bobcats’ success has been their commitment to what he and his coaching staff have made.

“The credit goes to the players,” Johnson said. “Just the level of buy-in, belief in me, and the system and culture we put out there. I have a great staff of guys who are willing workers that do a really good job of disturbing the culture in which we hang our hat on.”

But Johnson didn’t stop there as he also thanked the Texas State administration in giving him the resources to be successful.

“At the end of the day, coach Kelvin Sampson always says ‘Coaches win games and administration wins championships,’” Johnson said. “I’m blessed to be a part of a great administrative department that has invested in the game of basketball and our program.”

As Texas State looks to defend its regular season crown and qualify for its first NCAA Tournament since 1998, the Bobcats look to finish what they started.

“For me it’s unfinished business for us,” Johnson said. “We have to control the controllables and at the end of the day, we have to play the game that is in front of us. Our guys do feel a certain way on how that ended (the 2021-2022 season). I certainly expect that to be at the forefront of our minds moving forward. But it was a blessing to get there and perform the way we did up and down the stretch but when you come up short you want to focus on doing better the next year.”

The challenge won’t be easy for the Bobcats as they look to replace several key starters from a year ago.

But Johnson is confident that his team can step up and seize their moment.

“It’s going to be tough,” Johnson said. “It reminds me of when we took over two years ago. We had a lot of new faces in new places. Even though we have a lot of returners, we have guys that have not been playing particular roles. So the opportunity is knocking and sometimes when you have been praying for something for a long time and you get that opportunity you have to accept the things that come along with it. I’m hoping these guys understand that this is their opportunity to step up and take full advantage of what has been given to them.”

One of the key players returning for the Bobcats is senior guard Mason Harrell who returned for another year with the team.

Harrell ranks fifth in Bobcat Mens’ Basketball history in assists and is currently 21st in points with 1,049.

“I can’t speak about him enough,” Johnson said. “I remember his freshman year when I was asked about him saying ‘He is going to be a fan favorite and a guy everyone is going to remember here.’ It’s because of his work ethic. He comes in early and stays in late. He is fully committed to the grind and the process of the game. There is nothing he can’t do to be honest just because of sheer will, determination, and discipline.”

The key for Harrell is the mindset of improving your game each day.

“It’s just about getting better everyday,” Harrell said. “It’s taking the mindset of Coach TJ. One of the first things he told me was ‘You want to be better every year’ so that was something I focused on. It’s just coming in here (gym), working on my craft, watching film, and dedicating myself to the game.”

Harrell is also chasing history as he looks to etch his name in Texas State Mens’ basketball history.

“It means everything to me,” Harrell said. “This is the school that I choose and they choose me. That’s what I wanted to do when I first came here is to make history and be remembered. I’m glad I can look up to Nijal and chase those records.”

The all-time leading scorer in Bobcat Mens’ basketball history, Nijal Pearson, has been a great influence for Harrell as the two players still remain close to this day.

“Nijal is like my big brother,” Harrell said. “Since the day I stepped on campus, he took me underneath his wing. He does everything right and he is a perfect example. He is a great person, father, basketball player and just a great overall person.”

Texas State’s season tips off Nov. 7 at Washington State.