Tydus Verhoeven Set to Return at UTEP Under New Coaching Staff

One month and 10 days after he initially entered the transfer portal, UTEP starting forward Tydus Verhoeven hinted on Twitter that he would be returning to the squad under new head coach Joe Golding.

"You mind if I stick around El Paso? @UTEPMBB let's get to work!" wrote Verhoeven on Twitter.

As a starter for each game in 2020-21, Verhoeven was UTEP's top rim protector and anchored the frontcourt's defense. He averaged 4.9 points and 4.4 rebounds through 24 games. His playing time jumped up in a major way from his sophomore to junior year, going from 13.7 minutes last season to 24.6 minutes per game this year. In addition, the shot-blocker (21 blocks in 2020-21) became a better passer this year and finished with 26 assists.

Though he wasn't known as a true offensive option under previous coach Rodney Terry, Verhoeven proved he could score at an efficient clip (.627 field goal percentage). His defense is his strong point, where he ranked 18th in C-USA for defensive plus/minus (1.4). In the A-10 Conference as a freshman at Duquesne (2018-19), Verhoeven led the league in blocked shots (71) and blocked shots per game (2.2).

Verhoeven entered the transfer portal on April 1, which was almost two weeks before Golding was introduced as the head coach. Golding mentioned in past interviews that he felt good about keeping Verhoeven in El Paso.

Now that Verhoeven has made up his mind, Miner fans will turn their focus to Williams' impending decision. Williams has garnered nationwide attention as a two-time All C-USA forward, as Power-5 schools like Texas, Washington, USC, Oklahoma and Arkansas, among others, have offered the grad transfer. If he ends up staying, UTEP could have their entire starting five from 2020-21 return in 2021 under new leadership.