The Southland Conference: A Rich History of Basketball Excellence

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros men’s basketball team is set to make their impact in the Southland Conference (SLC) in 2024-25. The Vaqueros, along with Stephen F. Austin, will make the SLC 12 teams deep with McNeese, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Nicholls, Lamar, Southeastern Louisiana, Northwestern State, Texas A&M-Commerce, New Orleans, Houston Christian, and Incarnate Word.

A symbol of excellence in college basketball

Since the beginning of the SLC in 1964, there have been 19 different regular season champions. In 2023-24, McNeese swept the regular season and tournament championships, representing the SLC in the NCAA Tournament. McNeese finished the season 30-4 and 17-1 in SLC play.

“The Southland Conference has a rich history of producing talented teams and players, and we’re excited to be a part of it.” - UTRGV Head Coach

The SLC has seen their own success in the NCAA Tournament with conference representatives picking up 14 wins in the big dance. The most recent came from the Islanders after defeating Southeast Missouri State in 2023. Lamar has the most wins in the NCAA Tournament in SLC history with five victories while also tying for the most NCAA Tournament appearances with six.

Lamar University has a strong basketball tradition

The SLC has also seen quite a few student-athletes leave their mark in the NBA as well. Joe Dumars, who played at McNeese (1982-85) and was one of three four-time SLC First Team honorees, played 14 seasons with the Detroit Pistons. Karl Malone played with Louisiana Tech (1983-85) and played 19 seasons with the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers.

Karl Malone is a legendary figure in the NBA

Other notable players to represent the SLC in the NBA include: Jeff Foster (Texas State, Indiana Pacers), Mike James (Lamar, Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Pelicans, Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz), Devin Brown (UTSA, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Pelicans, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz), Trey Gilder (Northwestern State, Memphis Grizzlies), and Kevon Harris (Stephen F. Austin, Orlando Magic).

Mike James has had a successful NBA career

The UTRGV Vaqueros are ready to make their mark in the Southland Conference and continue the tradition of excellence in college basketball.