Oct. 14, 2006

UT Arlington Head Men's Basketball Coach Scott Cross dreamed of the day when he would call all the shots as a Division I head basketball coach.

Friday his dream became a reality.

"I really didn't think about anything like that," said Cross after his Mavericks began the 2006-07 season with fall workouts with a Friday night practice and another three-hour workouts Saturday morning. "We have a lot of work to do to get ready, but I appreciate the guys working hard and being attentive. If we work hard everyday, good things will happen down the road."

The Mavs went through a brisk two-plus hour workout Friday night after the volleyball team defeated McNeese State in five-game at Texas Hall. Nine hours later,a three-hour workout stared at the players.

Cross showed attention to detail with a practice timeline sheet in hand. Every minute was accounted for - even time for water breaks - as Cross maximized his court time.

A majority of the practice focused on defense-oriented drills and stations.

"We have to perfect!," Cross would bark out occasionally after a defensive lapse during drills.

"Good Vereen," Cross would echo through Texas Hall to sophomore Anthony Vereen after strong effort on a drill."

Practices continue as the Mavericks prepare for their exhibition opener November 2 against defending NAIA national champion Texas Wesleyan at Texas Hall. The regular season opens November 11 as the Mavs host Texas-Tyler at 4:30 p.m

WORKOUT NOTES: Sophomore forward Anthony Vereen (Houston, Texas) has lost 25 pounds off last year's frame and provided some quick burst throughout the Friday practice... sophomores Terrell Henry and Brandon Long saw extensive playing with the first team on Saturday.