MBB: Boot Camp builds more than just sweat
10/10/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
By Art Garcia | UTAMavs.com
ARLINGTON, Texas - The week is over. It couldn't come soon enough for the Mavericks.
"Boot Camp" ended Friday for the UT Arlington men's basketball team. The weeklong test of physical and mental endurance is a yearly tradition at the "Sweat Box" inside the P.E. Building.
UTA coach Scott Cross uses Boot Camp for more than just instilling the philosophies that form the backbone of his system. The two-a-day workouts, which start at 6:15 a.m. and end at 5 p.m., test the mettle of all 16 players on the roster.
"It's just about getting the guys ready," Cross said. "Mentally tougher, physically tougher and putting in all of our defensive principles, so it gives our guys an opportunity to get adjusted to how we deny, how we defend the post (and) how we guard on the perimeter."
Senior guard Jamel Outler has gone through four Boot Camps. He's used to the drills, as much as you can be.
"It's hard every year, but it's understandable," Outler said. "We're trying to get ready for the season, trying to win a conference championship, trying to win a conference tournament, so these are the things you have to do."
Cross realizes that Boot Camp could take place on College Park Center's practice courts, but something about going into a non-air conditioned gym just feels right. The Mavericks practiced in the P.E. Building before the opening of College Park Center.
"I wanted to get our guys back to their roots and let them realize this is where we came from," Cross said. "
The Mavericks begin the season Nov. 14 at Bradley with the College Park Center opener Nov. 18 against Buffalo. Season and individual tickets are on sale at UTATickets.com.
