UTD is entering an important era in its athletic department. As the transition period into the NCAA’s Division II Lone Star Conference approaches its end, Comets now face stronger competition and higher expectations.
For junior Jordan Balderaz and sophomore Peyton Dulin, these challenges are more than welcome.
“We might have just made this transition, but we’re as good as [everyone else],” Balderaz said. “Our goal is to prove that and prove to them we’re not here to just get killed every game.”
Last season, the Comets went 15-10, but were not allowed to compete for a conference championship because of their still-pending transition to Division II.
Balderaz has been playing for the Comets’ basketball team since his freshman year in any role his team needs. Last season, he was top five on the team in points, assists, rebounds, steals and blocks.
“I wouldn’t say I’m a huge scorer, but I’m gonna do everything else,” Balderaz said. “I’m gonna do all the dirty work, I’m gonna rebound and make the right play. I take pride in being a dependable teammate that my teams can lean back on and trust.”
I’m gonna do all the dirty work, I’m gonna rebound and make the right play.
— Jordan Balderaz, UTD Comets forward
Alongside Balderaz, Dulin made an instant impact in his freshman year, nabbing top three in points, assists, rebounds, steals and blocks. Most impressively, he had 43 steals to lead the team, nearly doubling the next closest.
“I would grade it as a successful season, coming in as a freshman and just doing what I can to help the team win,” Dulin said. “Everyone has to buy into the culture. One of our biggest statements this year is having a better culture than we ever had, all the guys being close with one another, doing everything out of what benefits the team more than themselves.”
With a full season behind him, Dulin mentioned taking more of a leadership role as one of the areas he hopes to improve and expand in.
With key contributors from last year leaving the team, such as guard Nick Donnelly, voids have been left that other returning players are looking to fill. Dulin mentioned guards Kris White and Christian O’Connor as players returning from injury that are looking to contribute as well.
“Also Zach Spitzer,” Dulin said. “I feel like he’s gonna have a phenomenal year just with the way he plays and the way he holds himself.”
Alongside some familiar faces, the team has had an infusion of new blood through freshmen and transfers joining. A name both Dulin and Balderaz both mentioned was a Junior College transfer, guard Jaden Jefferson.
“He’s gonna be extremely impactful for us,” Balderaz said. “Arguably one of our most talented players, he’s gonna shock a lot of people. He’s gonna be fun to watch.”
He’s gonna shock a lot of people. He’s gonna be fun to watch.
— Jordan Balderaz, UTD Comets forward
While basketball is important in the lives of these athletes, at a STEM-focused school like UTD, education takes priority. While some athletes manage, most have to make sacrifices to maintain that at the forefront.
“It takes a lot of time and effort to understand that school comes first,” Dulin said. “On road trips you’re gonna have to study for hours and do homework. It’s just part of the student-athlete role, but being a student always comes first. Being able to balance that with your time throughout the day is huge in order to be successful.”
As Balderaz, Dulin and the rest of the Comets prepare to enter a new frontier, they have a great challenge ahead of them — one they have been looking forward to since the school moved up a conference. There is no way to predict exactly how the season will go, but that is part of the journey the athletes are excited to undertake.
“Be on the lookout for UTD men’s basketball,” Balderaz said. “We’re gonna shock a lot of people this year; we’re gonna be flying around, dunking, hitting threes and getting after it. We’re gonna be entertaining to watch, so please come out to the games.”