Oct. 3, 2014
2014-15 Schedule | UTATickets.com
ARLINGTON, Texas - Men's basketball began practices Friday with a late-afternoon session at College Park Center while the rest of campus was closed. It takes more than a shutdown of UT Arlington to slow down the Mavericks.
"Overall practice was good," UT Arlington coach Scott Cross said. "I've been really impressed with what I've been seeing so far with this team. Today was a little bit sloppy, but the intensity was there. That's the most important thing.
"We went from practicing an hour (in offseason workouts) to practicing 2 1/2 hours, so it is a little bit of a mental challenge to play with the same intensity, which they did. We just have to clean up a few mental mistakes."
Cross compared the cohesion and team chemistry of this group with teams that made back-to-back postseason appearances in 2012 and 2013. Seeing guys hustle, dive on the floor and focusing on defense in the first practice suits Cross just fine.
"We're further along at this point probably than we were last year," he said. "It seems like this group picks up stuff pretty quickly."
The talent level and maturity of the freshman caught his eye. The first-year group includes Erick Neal, Julian Harris, Kevin Hervey, Kaelon Wilson and Colten Gober.
"You can't tell a big separation between the freshmen and the rest of the guys," Cross said. "They look like they belong."
The first practice also marked the return of senior forward Greg Gainey, who sat out last season on a medical redshirt. Gainey is expected to take a lead role along the Mavericks' frontline.
"I was out for a whole year, so I'm trying to get back into the flow," he said. "As of right now I'm 100 percent and ready to get after it."
The Mavericks open the season with a nonconference game at Bradley on Nov. 14. The College Park Center opener is Nov. 18 against Buffalo at 7 p.m. Homecoming is Nov. 22 against Houston Baptist at 7:30 p.m.
To purchase season tickets or the Faculty/Staff All Sports Pass, visit utatickets.com or contact the College Park Center Box Office at (817) 272-9595.
