Freshman forward Schnider Herard was one of 10 newcomers on the floor Tuesday for Mississippi State's first practice of the year.
Newcomers Impressive In Season's First Practice
October 04, 2016 | Men's Basketball
STARKVILLE, Miss. – If there's a word that best depicts Mississippi State this year, it's new.
When Mississippi State officially opened practice Tuesday afternoon on the Humphrey Coliseum floor, second-year coach Ben Howland welcomed 10 newcomers.
In all, 13 players practiced, including three walk-ons. Of this total, only three have experience – sophomore Freshman All-SEC guard Quinndary Weatherspoon, senior point guard I.J. Ready and sophomore forward Aric Holman.
Not participating were Xavian Stapleton (recovering from ACL surgery) and Abdul Ado (awaiting NCAA clearance).
"We were just covering the basics, the basic fundamentals," Howland said. "At the end of the day, as it with all sports, it's fundamentals and learning good fundamentals. We're trying to put in the foundation with our defense, starting with transition defense, half-court defense, how we're going to play ball screens, how we are going to play in the post, how we're going to jump the ball and help backside when the defense breaks down. Offensively, we're trying to execute and be unselfish with working the ball, taking good shots and making good passes to try and get something early before the defense sets. It's the basic fundamentals, starting form the ground up."
The practice ran 2 hours, 25 minutes and featured group work with guards and forwards. After working on half-court sets and rebounding, the day concluded with a focus on free throws.
"The first practice was really good today," freshman Schnider Herard said. "I worked a lot on my post moves, left hand, right hand and the hook shot and to be able to run the floor as a big guy. We are getting better every day. We've got a long way to go."
The Bulldogs open the season at home on Nov. 11 against Norfolk State. For more information on the Bulldogs, follow @HailstateMBK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
When Mississippi State officially opened practice Tuesday afternoon on the Humphrey Coliseum floor, second-year coach Ben Howland welcomed 10 newcomers.
In all, 13 players practiced, including three walk-ons. Of this total, only three have experience – sophomore Freshman All-SEC guard Quinndary Weatherspoon, senior point guard I.J. Ready and sophomore forward Aric Holman.
Not participating were Xavian Stapleton (recovering from ACL surgery) and Abdul Ado (awaiting NCAA clearance).
"We were just covering the basics, the basic fundamentals," Howland said. "At the end of the day, as it with all sports, it's fundamentals and learning good fundamentals. We're trying to put in the foundation with our defense, starting with transition defense, half-court defense, how we're going to play ball screens, how we are going to play in the post, how we're going to jump the ball and help backside when the defense breaks down. Offensively, we're trying to execute and be unselfish with working the ball, taking good shots and making good passes to try and get something early before the defense sets. It's the basic fundamentals, starting form the ground up."
The practice ran 2 hours, 25 minutes and featured group work with guards and forwards. After working on half-court sets and rebounding, the day concluded with a focus on free throws.
"The first practice was really good today," freshman Schnider Herard said. "I worked a lot on my post moves, left hand, right hand and the hook shot and to be able to run the floor as a big guy. We are getting better every day. We've got a long way to go."
The Bulldogs open the season at home on Nov. 11 against Norfolk State. For more information on the Bulldogs, follow @HailstateMBK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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