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Commodore Basketball Squads Begin Preseason Practice 10/16/2004
Commodore Basketball Squads Begin Preseason Practice Vanderbilt’s men’s and women’s basketball teams hit the hardwood for the first day of preseason practice Saturday at Memorial Gymnasium. Both squads are coming off Sweet 16 appearances at the NCAA Tournament a year ago. The Commodore men’s team took the floor first, practicing in the morning. “I don’t know if I’ve ever had a team that has looked forward to getting out on the floor for practice as much as this one.” Head Coach Kevin Stallings said. “We’re all excited to be out here. It’s what the coaches love to do and it’s what the players love to do.” The men’s team returns five players who started 15 or more games last season and welcomes a talented incoming class. “We’re ready to build on the success of last season,” said the Commodores’ returning leading scorer Mario Moore. “There’s a bounce in everyone’s step since it’s finally the first day of practice,” senior guard Jason Holwerda said. “We’re excited because there’s a big upside. If we work hard and the pieces fall into place, we could be a part of something special again this year.” The Vanderbilt women’s team took the court in the afternoon. The Commodores return 10 letterwinners and three starters from last season’s unit. “We’ve worked hard since the end of last season to get better and we’re excited that practice is here,” senior guard/forward Ashley Earley said. “We have a good team this year and should win a lot of games.” “This team is more ready on the first day of practice than any other I’ve had at Vanderbilt,” said third-year Head Coach Melanie Balcomb. “They know what to expect. They know the drills. That helps improvement come that much faster.” Both teams begin regular season play at home in a doubleheader on Nov. 19. The women play host to St. Francis (Penn.) at 6 p.m. The men take on Toledo 30 minutes following the conclusion of the women’s contest. Season ticket prices for the men and women start at only $75. Commodore fans who purchase their season tickets online at CommodoreGameday.com are automatically entered into a drawing for free 2005-06 basketball season tickets. Practices for the men and women’s squad are closed to the general public. |
