Spencer Wright is back for his second year as an assistant coach for the UTPA basketball program this season. Last year he was instrumental in helping to lead the team to a 12-16 record, the team’s best mark in five years.

A native of New York City, Wright spent the four years prior to his time in Edinburg in his hometown working in a variety of areas. During the summers of 1996 and 1998 Wright worked with the New York Knicks as a Youth Basketball Coach, helping instruct inner-city youth on basketball fundamentals, as well as counseling the youth on moral and social issues. Since 1996 he has also been a Manager and Personal Trainer at the New York Sports Club.

Prior to his time in New York, Wright was a player for current UTPA Head Coach Bob Hoffman at Oklahoma Baptist from 1992-95, where he helped to lead the Bison to a 107-37 record and three NAIA National Tournament Appearances. In 1993, OBU went 34-4 and finished second in the national. Wright was an All-Sooner Athletic Conference performer for Hoffman during his time at OBU.

"Spencer is a great communicator and a favorite of the players," said Hoffman. He’s very even keeled when things are tough. He also sees things from a lot of different points of view thanks to his experiences."

Wright completed his education at OBU in the 1995, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Physical Education. After completing his playing time at OBU, Wright was one of 20 players invited to the Indiana Pacers Free Agent camp in the summer of 1996.

"I’m excited to learn from Coach Hoffman," said Wright. "He taught me a lot about basketball and about being a good person in the community. Hopefully I’ll be able to instill those kinds of qualities in our players."

"I expect that the guys will go out and play as hard as they can," said Wright. "They need to go out and win the ball games we’re supposed to win and maybe win a few that we are not expected to win. I think that we have a good chance to win a lot of games this year."

Wright plans to coach at the high school level and possibly go into private business in the future. Wright, who resides in Edinburg is currently working towards his masters degree.