FORT WORTH, TX:  Practice has not yet begun, but the Texas Wesleyan University men's basketball team received a message of focus and investment in the program when former Ram great Ben Hunt paid a visit to the Sid Richardson Center on Tuesday.
 
"I was glad to get Ben back on campus," said head coach Brennen Shingleton.  "We are always in touch and I couldn't wait to have him visit with our guys.  His ability to communicate the message of investment, hard work, and appreciation is tremendous.  Ben exemplifies professionalism in every facet of his life.  Having him spend an hour with our team today in a non-basketball setting was huge for us, and we look forward to having him back as soon as we start up."
 
Hunt played two seasons at Texas Wesleyan and is the program's 13th all-time leading scorer with 1,183 points.  Hunt was the 2006 Red River Athletic Conference Player of the Year and an NAIA All-American as he led the team to its only NAIA National Championship that season.  He continues to hold five school records including most of the single season and career 3-point and free throw shooting marks.  He left a lasting mark on the program with his final performance when he scored 34 points, including a buzzer beating three in the National Championship game, a 67-65 win over Oklahoma City.
 
"I was excited for the opportunity to meet this year's team and share some of my experiences with them," Hunt said.  "They are a great bunch of young men who, under the direction of Coach Shingleton along with the continued support of the University and the community, can achieve great things this year.
 
After his graduation, Hunt played in the NBA Summer League with the Dallas Mavericks before playing professionally in Australia's NBL.  He has since made his home in the Metroplex working as a high school coach and currently as Manager of Camps & Community Basketball for the Dallas Mavericks.