EDINBURG – Dribble by dribble, kids are sharpening their skills inside the Fieldhouse. Among the teachers is Byron Peak, a new assistant for the UTRGV men’s basketball team.

“Of course everybody kind of wants a shot in the NBA just to try it,” said Peak. “That would be a dream of mine. To make it to the NBA and have a shot. But I love the NCAA level as well.”

Peak is a former college basketball player who wants to be a head coach one day. But to get that opportunity, you need experience. That’s what Peak is hoping to gain more of in Edinburg.

“A lot of long hours with cutting film,” said Peak. “Doing whatever coach wants us to do. Getting ready for the next opponent with our scouting report or preparing highlight clips for our team.”

UTRGV men’s basketball coach Lew Hill first met Peak while he was at the University of Oklahoma. Peak was a grad assistant for the Sooner men’s team.

“When I first took the job, I was going to hire Byron then, but they gave him a grad assistant job so he could get his masters there, which was fantastic,” said Hill. “He’s a hard-working man. He’s here early, stays late. He gets it. He understands what it takes to build a program and how hard you have to work to advance in this business.”

The Oklahoma connection paid off for Peak and he’s now following in the footsteps of other UTRGV assistants like Caleb Villarreal.

“Just having someone else who knows video really benefits us,” said Villarreal. “My experience is with video. His as well. It’s been great having him. He’s been very helpful.”

Coach Hill will take you it takes a team effort to win. Peak is now part of that team in Vaquero country.

“I love it,” said Peak. “I’m ready for the grind and I’m ready to work.”