University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Basketball Opens Preseason Practice, Eustachy Pleased With Effort
10/14/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Basketball Opens Preseason Practice, Eustachy Pleased With Effort HATTIESBURG, Miss.
The Golden Eagles went through a three-hour workout Friday night at Hattiesburg High's gymnasium. The team practiced at the off-campus location because of current repairs being done to Reed Green Coliseum.
"It's always hard to tell with first practices, but I was pleased with the team's attitude and effort," Eustachy said. "I do think that we are more athletic this year, but only time will tell how well we do."
Eustachy said that the first few practices will serve as a crash course of his system for the newcomers, as well as being a refresher course for the returnees. Still, he is excited about what the upcoming season will bring.
"We want to get our players to understand how to play the game of basketball; that's what we've always done," Eustachy said. "I think the attitude will stay the same, and we will keep working hard. I'm sure we will have our bumps in the road, but I'm excited because we are far ahead from where we were (at this point) last year."
Eustachy said that incoming freshman Donatas Visockis did not practice and is still recovering from minor knee surgery he had last month. The 6-10 center from Siauliai, Lithuania is expected to rejoin the team next week.
The team will return to practice at the off-campus location on Saturday and Sunday, with sessions beginning at 9 a.m., and 2 p.m., respectively.
Southern Miss returns four players from last season's 11-17 team, including seniors Jason Forte and Tyler Quinn, and juniors Mildon Ambres and Jarekus Singleton. The roster also features a strong group of newcomers, including Courtney Beasley (6-3, Fr., guard), David Cornwell (6-8, Jr., forward), Craig Craft (6-3, Fr., guard), Travis Hall (5-10, Jr., guard), Kyle Lamonte (6-3, Jr., guard), Kendaris Pelton (6-6, Jr., forward), Shaun Simpson (6-8, Jr., forward) and Visockis.
