The University of Evansville’s practice gym in Carson Center is abounding with the echoes of squeaking shoes, bouncing balls, and the yells of a full squad running the three-man-weave. That’s because on Tuesday the Aces’ women’s basketball team officially began practice for the 2010-11 season.
“Our players, as all teams this time of year, are very excited to transfer from conditioning to a more basketball specific mode,” said Head Coach Misty Murphy.
A change from the traditional Oct. 15 start date, new NCAA rules allow teams to begin practice 40 days prior to the season’s first game. However, as in the old legislation, teams are still limited to 30 total practices within that span.
“We’re very inspired and encouraged by what the players have done in the off-season to prepare for this time, “ said Murphy. “Things are going well. They’re working hard, they’re very attentive, and we’re excited about the group that we have.”
The current squad is comprised of seven returning letterwinners, including last season’s consistent starters senior Stephanie Bamberger (5.4 ppg, 35 steals), junior Chelesea Falkenstein (5.9 ppg, 22 blocks), and sophomore Samantha Heck (7.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg). Also, five newcomers have been added to the mix, including NJCAA All-America junior college transfer, Staci Gillum, as well as four talented freshmen.
Through the first couple days, the focus has been on fundamentals, footwork, and getting those newcomers adjusted to the Aces’ style of play.
“Pretty much everything we do is brand new to the freshmen, but they are adjusting very well,” said Murphy. “There’s certainly nervous energy that comes from the first few days of practice, coupled with the excitement of being in Division I basketball, but they are doing well channeling that energy, focusing, and paying attention to detail.”
At this time last year, the Aces had only two roster players with more than 300 minutes of collegiate experience. However, all but two of UE’s returners logged over 300 minutes of action last season alone, and all seven returners scored in double figures in at least one game in 2009-10.
“We’ll certainly make strides from where we were last year, even though we are still a very young team,” explained Murphy. “Just observing what we are able to do in practice now in comparison to where we were very late last season, we are almost ahead of the game. That is encouraging to see and the attitude of the players is very encouraging to be around.”
The Aces are less than a month away from their first exhibition game, hosting Oakland City University on Saturday, Nov. 6. They open the regular season the following Friday, Nov. 12 against Bowling Green State at 7 p.m. at Roberts Stadium.
Fans are also welcome to come meet both the men’s and women’s teams at the annual University of Evansville Basketball Hoopfest, Oct. 21 at 6:30 CDT at Roberts Stadium. The night’s activities include player introductions, 3-point challenges, intra-squad scrimmages, a slam-dunk contest, and player autographs. Admission is free.
