UTEP men’s basketball adds big man Eric Vila for 2019
The UTEP men’s basketball team announced the signing of 6’10” forward Eric Vila on Tuesday.
Vila has had quite a journey so far in his collegiate career.
He originally played for Texas A&M two seasons ago, appearing in 15 games in which he averaged 2.3 points to go along with about two rebounds and two assists a night. But Vila decided to transfer after one season in College Station.
He was then recruited by Fresno State when Rodney Terry, now UTEP’s head coach, was with the Bulldogs. But Vila didn’t play in the 2017-18 season.
Now, he is currently playing junior college basketball at Northwest Florida State. Vila will have two years of eligibility remaining when he joins the Miners next season.
Vila’s commitment follows the signing of two guards last week. Brendan Wenzel from San Antonio and Jesse Zarzuela of Houston both made it official a week ago, giving UTEP fans three exciting prospects to look forward to seeing in the 2019-20 season.
“With the addition, you know, of Eric, it gives us a great start to this class,” said Rodney Terry. “And, you know, with the early signing period in the fall, you get three of those quality guys who are all guys who we think can continue to help this foundation that we’re building here.”
Vila, a native of Girona, Spain, has also had success playing on Spain’s Under-19 team including a 24-point performance in the FIBA U19 quarterfinals last summer against Argentina.
