By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech basketball team took one more step towards the 2016-17 season opener Monday evening, holding an open, intersquad scrimmage that provided an early look at what Golden Eagle fans can expect from this year's squad.
With as many as seven new faces with the potential to make their Tech debuts this season, there has been a learning curve for the newest edition of the purple and gold, but progress was clear Monday night as the team took to the floor in a live-action setting for the first time of the fall.
"This bunch has played hard every day we've been out," head coach Steve Payne explained. "We still have a lot of work to do though. We are not the most talkative bunch on the floor, particularly on defense, and we need to improve on that. We have to get better with our physical presence on rebounding when boxing out. Our philosophy is hit it and then go get it, but we're not hitting in the manner we want to and we're not as physical as we need to be on those things."
Payne was quick to praise the team's progress overall, despite suffering some setbacks last week.
"They have good energy, they're willing to be coached and they're unselfish. I do think we are making strides in every area of the game, both individually and as a team. We hit a little bit of an injury bug about a week ago, but we're getting back to being healthy. A few of the guys have stepped up in that time, and as long as they figure out how we do things here, they can help us."
Despite sporting seven players with no playing experience in the purple and gold, Payne noted the intensity level of each of the new guys has been impressive and noticeable.
"Colton [Blevins] is a tough, hard-working kid, and, for a freshman, he's very mature physically. Miles [Thomas] is learning, but he's a competitor. Stephaun Adams has shown he's ready, and mentally he was ready last year when he was at Motlow State. Kajon Mack was prepared before he came here from Tulane and has shown that from his first day in Cookeville. JaCardo [Hawkins] is getting better every day and learning how we play. Curtis [Phillips] and Micaiah [Henry] were both here last year sitting out the season, but they know how hard we play and the intensity level we expect each day. I am excited about this group of guys and look forward to getting better with them every day."
The Golden Eagles will kick off their 2016-17 schedule Friday, Nov. 11 when they visit Georgia Tech for a 7:00 p.m. CT tilt. Tech will hold one more open, intersquad scrimmage on Monday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. CT with practice beginning at 5 p.m.
For season ticket information, contact the Tennessee Tech Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center or call 931-372-3940. Tickets are also on sale online at TTUsports.com.
Photo by Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
