Hoops Feature: Calvin Solomon

At 6-7 and 210 pounds with a wingspan that is seemingly endless, Calvin Solomon is noticeable from the moment he steps on the basketball court. Factor in his toughnosed approach to the game, and it’s quick to see why he was a top target for head UTEP men’s basketball coach Joe Golding when Solomon decided to put his name in the transfer portal after three successful years with Stephen F. Austin.

Fortunately for Miner fans, the feeling was mutual. “I liked the school on my visit, so I just decided it would be a good fit,” Solomon said. “And I know Coach Cox. We kind of go way back.”

It certainly didn’t hurt the Miners in the recruiting process that Solomon was familiar with UTEP associate head coach Jeremy Cox, who had coached him for two years while with the Lumberjacks. Overall, he appeared in 82 games, including 56 starts, while being a part of two league championship squads. Winning wasn’t anything new to him, though, as he helped lead Klein Forest HS to 25 straight victories (33 total) during a run to the 6A state finals as a senior. Given all that he accomplished, it’s hard to believe how late he started playing basketball.

“(I began playing) my freshman year of high school,” Solomon said. “I used to play football and then I changed it over to basketball. It was probably like my sophomore year when I made varsity that I knew I had the potential to be somewhat good.”

Solomon can do just about anything on the court, but he prides himself on being a two-way player while setting the tone for his team with his effort.

“It’s just me being energetic,” Solomon said. “Just playing with energy brings a lot to the table. When my shot isn’t on or my rebounding (isn’t happening), just my energy can make up for it. I like denying the pass and getting the steal so I can go dunk the ball or something.”

Another thing noticeable about Solomon is the number (13) that he willingly wears. Most people consider it to be unlucky, but he’s just the opposite.

“I think it’s a lucky number,” Solomon says of the number 13. “I’ve been winning for the last six to seven years. And that’s just my favorite number. That’s just my favorite number off the court too.”

When he takes the court, Solomon knows he is representing more than himself. He draws on inspiration from his family. “My family (has inspired me),” Solomon said. “Just seeing what they had to go through as a family and as a whole. (Watching) them pushing every day just to do what they do. They just pushed me by making sure I would stay out of trouble and just being on point at all times. So, I feel like they (still) push me every day.”

Solomon looked comfortable in his debut with the Miners at No. 12 Texas on Nov. 7. He started and scored seven points to go along with four rebounds despite encountering foul trouble.

“It felt good,” Solomon said. “I wanted to get the win through it, but it felt good just going out there playing in a new jersey and playing on a big stage. I feel like that was a big opportunity, a nice opportunity for me.”

Even though he is in his first year with the Orange and Blue, it’s already apparent that he will be looked to as one of the leaders on the team. Solomon is completely comfortable in that role, but also is open to being helped when he needs it.

“I try to be (a leader),” Solomon said. “I just try to help the people that need help when they need help. And when I need help, I want them to help me out too. So, I just feel like we are leaders in our role.” He has his own unique way of doing so.

“When everybody is down, I feel like I try to bring the energy toward them and tell them like everything will be all right,” Solomon said. “Tough times don’t last long, but tough people do. So just keep pushing.”

Solomon enjoys his time away from the court too, particularly getting outside.

“I like to enjoy nature,” Solomon said. “So, (in my free time) I go check out some of the mountains or just do sightseeing in El Paso. I just ride around and just go see something that i don’t know yet.”

Like many individuals, Solomon wants to take his game to the next level. He also understands the importance of a degree.

“Play basketball professionally, that’s the goal,” Solomon said. “But by the time I’m done, I want to have my degree too, so I could do something off the court. Probably act or do some more stuff. So just a lot of the little decisions I got to still make business wise.”

For those who haven’t seen Solomon play, you’re in for a treat. “I’m an exciting player and I bring a lot of energy,” Solomon said. “That’s the game plan. That’s what I try to do.”

That energy and effort was on full display in UTEP’s 40-point win against Sul Ross State on Nov. 15. Solomon dove for loose balls and came up with steals on multiple occasions, even when the game was well in hand.