Men's basketball focuses on defense
10/18/2009 9:30:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Huntsville Item Assistant Sports Editor
The Bearkats tipped off fall camp Friday afternoon at Johnson Coliseum, and as far as first days go, things went well.
The Sam Houston State men's basketball squad went through some basic drills and focused on defense. The guys were excited to finally get to work and there wasn't a lack of effort. Some players even showed up well before the start of practice to get some extra shooting in.
"We had a good workout with a lot of defensive drills," Bearkats head coach Bob Marlin said. "The guys worked together and we had good communication and great effort.
"In our individual workouts in the fall and our four team workouts, which you can start on Sept. 15, we have progressed. The players commented to me this week during individual meetings, that they liked the fact we have had a lot of defensive drills."
Defense is going to be the main focus early on. Last season, the Bearkats allowed opponents to shoot 44 percent from the field.
Sam Houston did post an impressive offensive showing in 2008-09, shooting 45 percent from the field and 37 percent from behind the arc, which led to a first-place finish in the Southland Conference West Division.
But it was defense that ultimately led to the Kats being bounced by Texas-San Antonio in the opening round of the Southland Conference tournament.
"We feel like right now we are further along defensively," Marlin added. "We have to get better in that area. Two years ago we were great defensively and couldn't score. Last season we could score, but we had trouble stopping people and dropped to the middle of the pack in field goal percentage defense.
"You mess with the fire and you are going to get burned. It happened in the conference tournament. The team that led the league in field goal percentage defense won the conference."
Another good sign Friday was the performance by the new guys.
Junior college transfers Gilberto Clavell and Trevon Johnson and true freshmen Aaron Thompson and Kelly Lawson seem to be fitting in. Senior Arthur Zulu, who saw limited action last season, and sophomore transfer Marco Cooper, who sat out last year, also had a good practice.
"The workouts that we have had has given us a good look at our newcomers and we are excited about them," Marlin said. "They are doing exactly what we thought they could do. Aaron Thompson and Kelly Lawson have made progress. Gilberto Clavell has done a good job, despite having to miss some time with a sprained ankle. Trevon Charles has also made strides.
"All four of those guys have worked hard, stepping into a new situation and had a great six weeks in the weight room. They are in a learning process."
