Men's Basketball Set to Begin Practice

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The UNC Asheville men's basketball team will begin preparations for the 2007-08 season this weekend.

The Bulldogs return four starters and 10 lettermen from last year's club that had a 12-19 overall record but finished the season very strong with wins in four of their last five games.

“We're looking forward to the start of practice,” stated UNC Asheville coach Eddie Biedenbach. “I like the team we have back and believe we have a chance to have a good year. However, we need to stay healthy and work hard from the start. We've done a nice job in preseason workouts and I like out attitude and effort so far.”

Asheville returns its starting backcourt in senior guard K.J. Garland and senior guard Bryan Smithson. Garland was the Bulldogs second leading scorer last year with a 12.2 average and led the team in assists with 126. He was among the league leaders in assists-to-turnover ratio and had just 59 turnovers. A lot was expected from Smithson after he transferred from Middle Tennessee State and he delivered. Smithson led the Bulldogs in scoring (14.6), three-pointers made (43), steals (60) and free throw shooting (85.2%). His free throw shooting percentage led the Big South Conference.

“We have good senior leadership with our four seniors,” explained Biedenbach. “I believe we have a nice mix of returning players and new players. Our depth is better than we've had in awhile.”

UNC Asheville will play 16 home games this season at Justice Center. The Bulldogs begin exhibition play at home when they host area foe Mars Hill on Thursday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. The Dogs open the season against Southern Conference foe Furman on Friday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.

University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics

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Players Mentioned

K.J. Garland

Bryan Smithson

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