ODESSA, Texas — The women's basketball team over at the University of Texas Permian Basin runs through weekly practice just like any other team. The Falcons work on different aspects of the game like shooting, defending and rebounding regularly.
On the surface, this is pretty routine, but look a little closer, men are on the court. This team trains in a unique way that is usually seen more at the Division one level. It's all to achieve the same goal to put hark work into producing a competitive product on the floor.
"It's fun to coach this group. Their expectation is really high. We don't have to coach that. We don't have to coach effort," UTPB Women's Basketball Coach Rae Boothe said. "We just have to keep helping them grow as basketball players and put the pieces together at the right time."
A puzzle that few have found a way to master. This squad is already over a month into trying to solve that mystery, utilizing this special key.
"We've got some awesome practice players. Some men that have stepped up and really add the pressure for us which is good," UTPB Women's Basketball Sophomore Forward Makala Bingley said.
"I saw a poster when I was working out at the gym. I saw the poster. They were looking for male players," Male Practice Player Joshua Salcedo said.
When Salcedo joined, he knew he was going to help.
"We also contribute to the women's basketball team. Run the plays of their opponents to prepare them in their next games," Salcedo said.
Male scout players are a tool that Coach Boothe and her team have used for a while now because they help simulate opponents that may have more size, speed or strength.
Many of these guys don't have a basketball background. Most played soccer growing up. Tresor Kobea used to play men's soccer for UTPB and once his playing career ended, he was ready to try something new.
"I joined UTPB in 2020. I was on the soccer team, played two years. After my last semester, which was my senior semester, Coach Rae reached out to our coach and asked if some of the guys that were about to graduate was able to actually join the basketball team," Kobea said.
This group of men are not paid to do this and can not receive scholarships for its participation. There are still benefits. The practice players do get team merchandize along with the opportunity to learn a new skill, build relationships and work toward a common goal.
"The best part I would say is the experience and socializing with new people and all this stuff," Male Practice Player Maycol Rey said. "I kind of like it because it's my first time playing basketball. I never thought I'd play basketball in college."
"Coming everyday to challenge them to get better each and every day. It's really cool. It's an experience that I'd like to do," Kobea said.
This is no easy tasks for these guys either, learning a new sport is just the beginning. They also have to pass a physical and be cleared by the NCAA.