University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Photo by: Mark Godin
Intensity and Excitement Define First Practice for Bulldogs Men’s Basketball
09.24.2019 | Men's Basketball
ASHEVILLE – Basketball returned to Kimmel Arena as UNC Asheville's men's basketball program took the court for the first practice of the fall, Tuesday.
A core group that came in as freshmen a year ago are entered the first day of practice with knowledge of what is expected of them, efficiently getting through drills and making the most of preparation time in the gym.
The atmosphere was intense as the Bulldogs came out with excitement and enthusiasm getting ready for the season ahead. The 2019-20 campaign will open in Knoxville, November 5, as the Bulldogs travel to take on the Tennessee Volunteers. Their first game in Kimmel Arena is scheduled for November 16 when they welcome Brevard to town.
Head Coach Mike Morrell
On the intensity level of the first day of practice:
"I thought it was really good. The challenge is can it be good on days nine and 10. The first day of practice always brings excitement and a level of enthusiasm, especially with us after the season we had last season, I think these guys are really ready to play. We have a lot of young guys so we have a lot of energy, and I thought it was a good day."
On what stood out to him the most:
"Just in comparison to last year. The first day this year compared to last year, there was a lot more playing and a lot more moving on to things a lot quicker. Last year was just a lot more teaching and trying to get guys lined up for certain things. In my mind, comparing this year to last year, that stands out. I thought guys had good days, and the freshmen in particular I thought had some good practices."
Sophomore Guard DeVon Baker
On the first day of practice:
"I think it went really well. We went hard. It was the first day of practice, so everyone went hard and was excited. We brought the energy, too."
On the intensity of practice:
"We have to bring the energy. It's the first day of practice, so everybody is excited for the season, especially from last year."
Sophomore Forward Coty Jude
On how the first day of practice went:
"We've been through both summer sessions, so everybody's loose and our conditioning is good, so the first day of practice wasn't anything new to us conditioning-wise. We're just still getting acclimated to the new stuff that we're putting into our style of play."
On the first practice this year vs. first practice last year:
"We have a lot of returners coming back since we had so many freshman coming in last year, so now we're just kind of guiding these new freshmen, leading them, and following what Coach (Morrell) says."
A core group that came in as freshmen a year ago are entered the first day of practice with knowledge of what is expected of them, efficiently getting through drills and making the most of preparation time in the gym.
The atmosphere was intense as the Bulldogs came out with excitement and enthusiasm getting ready for the season ahead. The 2019-20 campaign will open in Knoxville, November 5, as the Bulldogs travel to take on the Tennessee Volunteers. Their first game in Kimmel Arena is scheduled for November 16 when they welcome Brevard to town.
We're talking about practice... it's time to start! #IWWD #KeepClimbing pic.twitter.com/JnO7TBdtcl
— Asheville Basketball (@UNCAvlMBB) September 24, 2019
QUOTING THE BULLDOGS
Head Coach Mike MorrellOn the intensity level of the first day of practice:
"I thought it was really good. The challenge is can it be good on days nine and 10. The first day of practice always brings excitement and a level of enthusiasm, especially with us after the season we had last season, I think these guys are really ready to play. We have a lot of young guys so we have a lot of energy, and I thought it was a good day."
On what stood out to him the most:
"Just in comparison to last year. The first day this year compared to last year, there was a lot more playing and a lot more moving on to things a lot quicker. Last year was just a lot more teaching and trying to get guys lined up for certain things. In my mind, comparing this year to last year, that stands out. I thought guys had good days, and the freshmen in particular I thought had some good practices."
On the first day of practice:
"I think it went really well. We went hard. It was the first day of practice, so everyone went hard and was excited. We brought the energy, too."
On the intensity of practice:
"We have to bring the energy. It's the first day of practice, so everybody is excited for the season, especially from last year."
On how the first day of practice went:
"We've been through both summer sessions, so everybody's loose and our conditioning is good, so the first day of practice wasn't anything new to us conditioning-wise. We're just still getting acclimated to the new stuff that we're putting into our style of play."
On the first practice this year vs. first practice last year:
"We have a lot of returners coming back since we had so many freshman coming in last year, so now we're just kind of guiding these new freshmen, leading them, and following what Coach (Morrell) says."
Players Mentioned
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