Friday is the first day of basketball practice for the Huskies men and women, and there was a preseason media today for the men’s hoops team.
Pretty much every player said that this year’s goal is to get back to the NCAA Tournament after missing it for two straight years, but head coach Lorenzo Romar was less specific about his expectations.
“I expect this team to do well,” he said. “I don’t really know what that means.”
What Romar did know, however, is that he’s excited about this team.
“I”m probably as excited as I’ve been since I’ve been here to get this thing started,” he said.
As he has during the offseason, Romar said he is excited about the experience this team has with three seniors and two juniors, and about what should be improved guard play.
As for areas that could be a concern, Romar said he is curious to see how this team shoots, and how well they will play defense.
Asked if any players were already penciled in as starters—besides Jon Brockman, of course—Romar said Quincy Pondexter will likely be a starter.
Romar mentioned the work of new strength and conditioning coach Matt Ludwig, and indeed many of the players we talked to today looked to be changed physically from last season.
As for injured players, there are three Huskies coming off surgery who will all be easing their way back into things: Artem Wallace (knee), Tyreese Breshers (shin) and Darnell Gant (sports hernia). All should be ok for the season, but won’t be at full speed when the team opens practice Friday at Saint Martin’s University in Lacey.
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