The University of St. Thomas men’s basketball program in Houston is currently enjoying a remarkable season, standing proudly at No. 4 in the nation within Division III rankings. The Celts, aiming for their eighth consecutive championship, have built their success on a foundation of relentless defense, a mantra echoed by players and coaches alike.
“We’re the best defense we’re going to play against,” remarked UST guard Corey Thompson, whose background at Hightower High School instilled in him a tenacious defensive mindset. This sentiment is shared among teammates, including Angel Johnson from Atascocita, who emphasized the camaraderie and collective effort, stating, “We’re a family; we play together, we play hard, we know what we gotta do on the defensive end.” The philosophy of defense-first is not merely a tactic but a core identity for the team, as Reyce Allen from Summer Creek noted, “Flying around, you know, just applying pressure all the time; it’s the best.”
At the helm of this championship program is Anthony Medina, a four-time Coach of the Year and proud UST alumnus. His coaching style fosters a unique environment where players take ownership of their roles both on and off the court. “It doesn’t come from me all the time,” Medina explained. “It comes from them. They manage the locker room, they manage the huddle, they manage the team. I’m just the guardrails.” This empowering approach has yielded impressive results over the past five seasons, with the Celts boasting a record of 112 wins against only 20 losses, including just eight conference defeats.
Medina’s strategy focuses heavily on defense, believing that limiting the opponent’s points is the key to success. “I don’t think that we overanalyze the offensive end nearly as much as we do defense because we feel like if we can keep you from scoring enough points, we’ll figure out how to get them on the board to get a win,” he stated. This defensive discipline is evident in the way the Celts approach each game, creating a culture where every player is committed to the team’s success.
The recent game against Texas Lutheran College was not just a showcase of athletic prowess; it also served as a poignant tribute to Dr. Jack Follis, a beloved figure in the UST community. Described as the university’s biggest athletics fan, Dr. Follis was an alumnus and an Associate Professor of Mathematics who made it a point to attend every athletic event, often standing in the same spot during games. “He genuinely supported them in the things that they cared about,” Coach Medina reflected. “He showed up for them in the things that they loved, and he made their passion his passion.”
Though Dr. Follis will no longer be physically present at games, a plaque commemorating his dedication will be displayed in the spot he frequented, ensuring his legacy endures within the UST community. “That’s a big one right there in the community,” Johnson noted. “He’s beloved here.”
As the Celts continue their pursuit of another championship, they do so fortified by a strong sense of community, a commitment to defense, and the enduring spirit of those who have supported them along the way. Whether on the court or off, the essence of teamwork and dedication to the sport remains at the heart of the University of St. Thomas basketball program.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research
