UNT basketball coach Jason Burton sees potential for Mean Green to build on breakout year

Jason Burton is already noticing a difference this summer as he evaluates the players he has brought together for his second season at North Texas.

At this time last year, UNT was in a hectic situation. The Mean Green had to get ready for their inaugural season in the American Athletic Conference, which is known for its high-caliber women’s basketball, while adapting to a new coaching staff and an overhauled roster.

The results were impressive. The Mean Green clinched a share of the AAC regular season championship and secured a spot in the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament.

Based on what the coach has observed so far, he is optimistic about the Mean Green’s prospects for building on that success.

“We are far ahead compared to last year,” Burton remarked. “I am pleased with the level of competition and the talent we have in the gym. The talent and the number of healthy players we have make it different.”

Just a year ago, UNT did not have enough players available to practice five-on-five.

Although the Mean Green are currently far from being fully healthy and have four players sidelined due to injuries, UNT is able to discern the progress made over the past year despite these challenges.

“We all have a winning mindset and show up at the gym every day with the goal of improving,” expressed senior guard Jaaucklyn Moore. “Our team culture is becoming stronger. The first week was challenging, but it set the tone for us. We know what it will take for us to achieve greatness.”

Last season, UNT learned these lessons and finished with an impressive 23-9 record, setting numerous records along the way. They surpassed the program’s scoring record in a 117-42 victory over UNT Dallas in their opener and ultimately established a new program record for wins in a season.

Moore is just one of the key players who played crucial roles during their breakout campaign last year, and UNT will rely on them again this fall. She averaged 8.4 points per game after transferring from Incarnate Word and is one of the four returning starters.

Senior forward Tommisha Lampkin, who earned first-team All-AAC honors last season, averaged 15.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Coach Burton is already advocating for Lampkin to be named the AAC’s Preseason Player of the Year.

During the offseason, Burton and his staff focused on surrounding Lampkin with better perimeter shooters, and they believe they have achieved that goal. Burton stated, “In terms of shooting, we will be much better than last year. We brought in players who excel at shooting the ball.”

Transfers Gia Adams (UT-Arlington), Kyla Deck (Stephen F. Austin), Amaya Brannon (Louisiana Tech), and freshman Gwendlyn McGrew are among the new players at UNT who are expected to contribute to the team’s perimeter scoring.

Moore and fellow returner Desiree Wooten have also improved their shooting skills after spending time practicing shooting drills with Burton and his staff.

Additionally, UNT will benefit from having Shamaryah Duncan fully recovered. Duncan played with a torn labrum in her shoulder last season but underwent surgery on April 18 to fix the tear. She hopes to return to practice in October, ahead of the upcoming season.

Duncan expressed her excitement, saying, “I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish. We have seven or eight new players, so we’ll have a different dynamic and starting lineup. It’s all coming together.”

Burton shares the same sentiment after witnessing his players’ dedication this summer as they aim to build on their breakout season. He said, “It’s fantastic to have seven players back who played significant minutes. We have four starters returning and have recruited talented and experienced players. Our two freshmen are working hard. I’m pleased with where we are right now. We still have a long way to go, but I’m excited.”