Via UTEP Athletics: UTEP men’s basketball senior standout Otis Frazier III has been voted to the Preseason All-Conference USA team, the league office announced Thursday. Additionally, the Miners were predicted to finish tied for fifth according to the league’s preseason poll.

Frazier III was a key player for the Orange and Blue in 2023-24, helping them compile 18 wins on their way to appearing in the CUSA Tournament Championship contest for the first time since 2011. He was an All-CUSA Honorable-Mention honoree, in addition to being voted to the CUSA All-Defensive team.

He started 32 of 34 contests while rating second on the team in rebounding (4.7 rpg-19th CUSA), free throws made (91-tied sixth CUSA) and attempted (139-fourth CUSA) and third for scoring (10.6 ppg) and playing time (27.5 mpg). The Buckeye, Ariz., native paced the team in steals (2.2 spg-second CUSA/19th NCAA), with both his average per game and total steals (75-second CUSA/15th NCAA) ranking third on UTEP’s single-season lists. The efforts in those areas helped the Miners lead the county in both steals per game (11.4) and turnovers forced per contest (18.7) while also setting school records in those categories.

UTEP returns every eligible scholarship player from last year’s team. Frazier III highlights the veteran-laden unit as one of five seniors on the roster, playing alongside Corey Camper Jr., Derick Hamilton, Baylor Hebb and Kevin Kalu.

2024 CUSA Freshman of the Year David Terrell Jr. is poised to build upon his fantastic first season, as are fellow 2024 CUSA All-Freshman team members Trey Horton III and Elijah Jones. Guard Antwonne Holmes and forward Babacar Mbengue, who both redshirted last year, will suit up for the Miners.

JUCO All-American Ahamad Bynum, Tarleton State transfer Devon Barnes, three-star HS recruit KJ Thomas, JUCO Region XIV regular-season champion DaCannon Wickware, El Paso native Jordan Thomas and freshman Raijon Dispensa will inject some talent as newcomers to an already experienced roster.