Three transfers from Tyler Junior College are joining the UTRGV Vaqueros men's basketball program, bringing with them a JUCO All-American, a dynamic point guard and a forward with size.

Caden Bell, Chris Uwayo and Josiah Hill made the move to UTRGV, following their former head coach Mitch Marquis, who was named Region 14 Coach of the Year and is joining the Vaqueros as an assistant coach.

UTRGV associate head coach Shawn Forrest said the staff was looking for experienced winners when they brought the trio in.

"We liked what each one brought to the table. Caden JUCO All American, Chris' point guard abilities, Josiah's size and obviously all three of them have won. That was a big thing for what Coach Chambers and our staff was trying to look for. Guys that were winners that had a little bit of experience," Forrest said.

Hill said the existing chemistry between the three players gives the group an early advantage.

"Having the guys that I've spent the last two years with at a new school especially with new teammates has been fun. We already have that chemistry so it's definitely going to be helpful in the long run," redshirt junior forward Josiah Hill said. "This group is going to be special, I can tell. Other teams don't know what's coming."

UTRGV head coach Brandon Chambers said the players have impressed him since arriving.

"They're unbelievable kids. The core of them as people is very high and they've been sponges since they've been here," Chambers said.

The transition from junior college to Division I has not been easy, but Uwayo said the culture in the valley has helped.

"It's a great thing when you come into a new place and they just wrap you around like you've been there for 10 years. We're just trying to compete and make this program great," junior guard Chris Uwayo said. "We've seen the building blocks that were set last year and the year before and we're just trying to build upon that. So many great memories in JUCO that we're trying to build upon."

The three players also had plenty to say about each other.

"They're just great people. K is more reserved, Jo is more outgoing. Us three are three peas in a pod. We love each other," Uwayo said.

"They're fun guys to be around, great people. Overall great human beings. Also great on the court — they love to compete, play at a high level and love winning," junior guard Caden Bell said.

Bell said the group is ready to make an impact on the program.

"Experience at the collegiate level. The physicality that we play with. The will to win. I feel like we can bring that to UTRGV and help the program grow," Bell said.