The Texas
A&M-Corpus Christi men's basketball team got a taste of what
practice under new head coach Perry Clark was going to be like as
they worked out for the first time in preparation for its trip to
Canada over Labor Day.
Not only does the
university have a new head coach, but it also has 10 newcomers to
the team, eight of which are incoming freshmen. The team worked out for nearly two
hours, working on fundamentals and conditioning as well as team
chemistry. "When you have
this many new guys, you aren't sure if they are going to pick
things up right away, but they did for the most part," Clark
said.
While the team has
a wealth of new faces, they do return last year's Southland
Conference Player of the Year in Chris Daniels. The seven-foot center from San Antonio
led the team in points and rebounds per game as well as blocks and
shooting percentage a year ago. Along with Daniels, 6-11 center Carl
Nelson returns for his third season as well as junior guards Matt
Slatnick and Dominique Taylor. Returning for his second season is 6-7
forward Chad Nelson.
The Islanders will
get 10 days of practice before heading to Niagara, Canada for three
exhibition basketball games starting Sept. 1.
"We had a lot of
energy and enthusiasm today. The guys were excited and ready to get
on the court," Clark said.
"We hope to learn a little more about each other everyday and get a
little better with each practice."
