The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Basketball Holds First Practice of 2006-07 Campaign
8/22/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Aug. 22, 2006
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Mike Davis era officially began on Tuesday, Aug. 22, as the UAB men's basketball team held its first official team practice. The Blazers are allowed to begin practicing earlier this year, since they will compete on a foreign tour in the Bahamas on Sept. 1-4.
During Tuesday's practice, the team worked on Davis' offensive system, while also concentrating on the defensive side of the ball as well as conditioning. Davis was excited to get the season started, and feels that nothing but good things will come from beginning practice earlier than normal.
"It feels great to get back on the court," Davis said. "This is a great opportunity for our guys to get to know one another and the coaching staff. I think practice went as well as could be expected. These guys are learning a new system and that will take some time, but time is exactly what we have right now."
While in the Bahamas, the Blazers will compete against Bahamian club and pro teams in exhibition contests, squaring off against Crime Stoppers on Sept. 2 and The Giants on Sept. 3. However, it is the experience and chance to bond as a team that Davis looks forward to most.
"To have a chance to travel as a team this early in the year is exciting," Davis said. "As coaches, we are more excited about being able to practice rather than playing the games. We are getting a chance to learn how to play with one another and grow as a team. I want this to be a family atmosphere at UAB and we are off to a good start."
The Blazers' 2006-07 squad features a plethora of new faces joining the six returning letterwinners. Back from last year's squad that went 24-7 and received an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament include a pair of seniors in forward Wen Mukubu and guard Maurice Gibbs. Along with Mukubu, the Blazers return two additional starters from last season - junior forward Frank Holmes and sophomore forward Lawrence Kinnard. Junior guard Paul Delaney and sophomore forward Roderick Ollie are also eligible to compete on the Tour. Also going on the trip will be UAB's newcomers.
Transfers Robert Vaden, Walter Sharpe and Mike Davis Jr. are not eligible to compete on the foreign tour due to NCAA transfer rules.
Check back with uabsports.com for player/coach diaries, game advances and game recaps during the foreign tour.
