University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Basketball Continues Preseason Workouts
10/19/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Basketball Continues Preseason Workouts HATTIESBURG, Miss.
Wednesday's practice was the fifth session of the preseason for the Golden Eagles, and second-year Head Coach Larry Eustachy has been pleased with the progress thus far.
"I like where we are as a team," Eustachy said. "This year's team could definitely beat last year's team. There's a lot of competition for spots, even though we only have 11 healthy guys right now. But I like what I see. I don't know how many games we'll win, but I like the mental makeup of the team. We have a lot of youth and players who don't understand what it takes to be successful, and that's our job to get them to that point."
Through the first few practices, Eustachy also has been pleased with how quickly the group of newcomers have picked up the system and are improving in their efforts on the floor.
"There's no question our new guys are responding," Eustachy said. "The new guys are picking up quick and they are not afraid to play hard. We have played harder in the first five practices, than we did all last year. That's not a knock on last year's team, but it's just a compliment to the type of players we hope we have."
"But it's awfully early, and we have to sustain that."
Freshman center Donatas Visockis remains hampered after recovering from last month's minor knee surgery, but Eustachy expects him to slowly make his way back onto the court.
"Donatas really could practice right now, but we are taking it slow," Eustachy said. "He is doing parts of practice, but not everything. We don't want him to do too much until he's ready."
The Golden Eagles hit the hardwood with an exhibition game against the University of Calgary on Sunday, Nov. 6. The team opens the regular season at the BP Top of the World Classic in Fairbanks, Alaska, Nov. 17-20.
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 Donatas Visockis (6-10, Fr., center).
