While the Topper football team is busy regrouping after the disappointing performance against Louisianna-Lafayette in preperation for the Homecoming ''MUST'' win against Troy, the basketball program is set to unveil the 13 -14 version of the men's and women's teams.
I visited the first men's practice on October 7 for a while and liked was duly impressed by the team I saw working on the Diddle hardwood.
Coach Ray Harper was all business on day one. There is precious little time before the season starts to get all of the moving parts to move in harmony by the time the refs heave the ball in the air for the first exhibition game on November 2 against Campbellsville College.
My impression was that there are a lot of very athletic guys on this team. The team is a lot taller than it was a year ago, and the general speed of the group seems to have gotten faster. There are a couple more ball handlers on the team now, and they seem to be very capable of playing the point.
Individually, it was difficult to say much about the players because the workout was mostly just working on plays and some full court defense/offense.
I have seen the women's team practice briefly, so I can't really comment other than to say they look like a lot more people and some bigger girls for sure.
The prospects for both teams is encouraging this year. Much of the expectations are based on last year's success and the fact that both teams have the nucleaus returning. What isn't clear is how the newbies will work into the coach's concept and how they turn out when the lights are turned on.
For the record, Hilltopper Hysteria is Saturday, October 19 at 6:00 till 7:30 p.m. in the E.A Diddle Arena in Bowling Green. It should be a lot of fun to get all grooved up for the new season, and get the much needed relief from football for a weekend.
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