UNK MBB: Lopers Add Three Omaha Natives

Kearney, Neb. – Nebraska-Kearney head men's basketball coach Marty Levinson announced today the addition of three Omaha natives to the Lopers 2024-25 roster.

They are guards Tre'Vion Crawford (Omaha Bryan) and Trey Hepburn (Bellevue West) and forward Chase Thompson (Omaha Westside). Each has a year of eligibility remaining with UNK's roster up to 12 players (two returners and 10 newcomers). Some more additions will be announced soon.

Crawford (6-3, 190 lbs.) previously played at former MIAA member Lincoln (Mo.) University and Central C.C.-Columbus. For the Blue Tigers, he had double digit performances against both Missouri Southern and Missouri Western and put up an all-around stat line vs. Northwest Missouri (seven points, four rebounds, two assists).

"Tre'Vion is a proven scorer who has the size and strength to get downhill as well as a shooting stroke to space the floor. Having had a successful junior college career as well as some successful games in the MIAA, Tre should be primed to work for his last stand," said Levinson.  ​

At Central, he was twice named all-conference and then earned all-region honors as a sophomore after averaging 20.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game during the 2019-20 season. Shooting 75% from the line and almost 40% from behind the arc, he had five 30-point efforts. That included a 38-point effort vs. Highland (Kan.) that subsequently made him the NJCAA Player of the Week. The Raiders finished up with a 20-11 mark and reached the North District playoffs.

"After time away from basketball and having a desire to prove himself I'm excited to see the urgency and purpose that Tre brings. With up close and personal access to watch and participate in the conditioning of his uncle's preparation Tre should add leadership and wisdom that is valuable to any team," said Levinson.

Averaging 14.8 points as freshman and having five 20-point games, Crawford also was a double-digit scorer for the Bryan Bulldogs. Leading the program to the state tourney in 2018, he was at 17.9 points and 4.6 rebounds as a senior.

Hepburn (6-1,185 lbs.) played for Levinson at Southern Arkansas Tech for a year before moving on to Division III Wisconsin-Platteville. The UWP Pioneers went 26-5 in 2023-24 and reached the Elite Eight.

 ​"Trey is a proven winner and competitor and makes every team he plays on better in a lot of ways. He is a true point guard who can run a team," said Levinson.

He first starred at Southeast C.C. in Beatrice where he earned all-region and all-conference honors in 2021-22. Hepburn came in at 9.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.1 steals per game and shot 45% from the field. He had 11 double figure efforts including a season-best 21 points in Region IX Tournament game. Hepburn then moved onto SAU Tech where he was part of a 19-12 squad in 2022-23. He had five double figure efforts, 10 games with at least five assists, and started 30 times.

"Trey is strong and fast enough to get where he wants on offense as well as causing a lot of problems for other team's ball handlers and scorers. His work ethic and character naturally compliment a locker room and I'm very excited to add him to this group of young men," said Levinson.

A three-year varsity team member at Bell West, Hepburn was part of a state championship and a state runner up finish. 

Thompson (6-6, 230 lbs.) spent the past two years at Division II Florida Tech after a season at both Division I Southeast Missouri State and Western Nebraska C.C. He left Westside as that program's all-time leading scorer (1,243) and rebounder (543).  ​

"Chase is one of the most versatile players in D2 Basketball as he has the size and strength to post you up as well as the agility, handle, and shooting ability to space you out. His abilities are a rare combination that can cause problems for other teams to match up with," said Levinson.  

Helping the Panthers win 35 games over the past two seasons, Thompson averaged 12.5 points and 3.9 points last year. He had a season-best 27 points vs. Lynn (Fla.) and went for 21 points, 10 rebounds against St. Leo (Fla.). A year earlier, he appeared in 19 games and tallied a season-best 21 points against National Champion Nova Southeastern (Fla.).

"Chase's physical attributes, his super competitiveness, along with his thoughtful nature are characteristics that have made every team he has played for better. We are excited to add Chase to the front line and are looking to get a lot of productivity out of him," said Levinson.

At SEMO, he played in 25 games (two starts) and made the Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll. For the WNCC Cougars, he earned third-team all-region accolades after averaging 19.4 points and 5.1 rebounds nightly. He also shot 48% from the floor and nearly 35% from the arc. Finally, at Westside, he was a second-team All-Nebraska pick as a senior and led the Wolverines to the Class A state tourney.

UNK begins workouts in September and with the 2024-25 season beginning in November.