November 17, 2019 is a day guard Jordan Horn will never forget.  With the Falcons locked in a tight game with the University of the Southwest, Horn had 17 points and was averaging 16 per game up until that point for the young season.  Then with just over 11 and a half minutes to play, he dropped to the floor with a broken foot, eventually ending his season.
 
"I was in a position to finally play my game again and was getting comfortable," said Horn.  "I started well and was playing well in the game before I broke my foot.  It was tough watching my teammates on the sidelines knowing I could be out there contributing to them winning."
 
Horn found his way to UT Permian Basin after starting his collegiate career far away from West Texas.  Recruited out of St. Paul, Minnesota, Horn committed and played his freshman season in Albany, New York for the Siena Saints.  After team struggles and a coaching change, Horn transferred to North Dakota State. 
 
There the Bison won the Summit League and reached the NCAA Tournament as a 16-seed.  Horn played his best game of the season in the tournament, scoring 11 points against a Duke squad that featured multiple first round NBA prospects and eventual number one overall pick Zion Williamson.  Despite the team success, something still didn't feel right for Horn, who only played off the bench in a reserve role.  That led him to rejoin the transfer portal once again, leading him to UTPB and Head Coach Josh Newman.
 
"I've put a lot into the game of basketball," said Horn.  "I felt like I deserved to be in a place where I was wanted and needed and could contribute right away and make an impact.  I put a lot of trust in Coach Newman."
 
The rehab process wasn't easy.  Many promising basketball careers are cut short due to foot injuries, hampering the quickness and agility required to play at a high-level. 
 
"It was more tough mentally than physically," said Horn.  "Obviously, the pain was there but it took me a minute to not be hesitant when running and jumping.  It was a long process and it challenged me.  I'm excited to be back now."
 
Horn's presence was lost not just on the court last season, but off it.  This season he's heading into the year as a team leader ready to take the Falcon program to new heights.
 
"We really missed Jordan last year after his injury," said Head Coach Josh Newman.  "Not only was he missed on the floor, but maybe more importantly in the locker room and off the floor.  He is an outstanding young man that is driven and focused to be successful in every aspect of life.  He's worked really had to be ready for the season and we're excited to have him back with us."
 
Part of that drive off the court has pushed Horn to get the team involved in the community and make a difference.  The Falcons have already volunteered at multiple organizations in the Permian Basin while also helping organize a voter registration event on campus where the entire team finished registering to vote.
 
"I've been talking to Coach Newman to help make a change," said Horn.  "We have a very supportive fan base in the Midland-Odessa area and we need to give back and support the people who support us."
 
The Falcons have used their short time together and volunteer work to come closer as a team.  With a roster featuring 11 newcomers, the Falcons don't have long to get on the same page and build relationships before the season starts.  So far though, Horn says that hasn't been a problem.

"It feels different. One through 14, we are very, very close off the court.  I think it'll carry onto the court and make us successful."
 
When the Falcons take the court next Horn has one goal in mind.
 
"I'm ready to get back out there for sure," said Horn. "We're ready to play and get to the national tournament."