The Sam Houston State men's basketball team has been practicing for two weeks in preparation for the 2020-21 season.
 
Like teams around the country, the Bearkats had to deal with an offseason outside of the norm because of the coronavirus pandemic. Regardless of the deviation of their regular routine, the guys showed up ready to go when practice began earlier this month.
 
"The guys have done a great job handling one of the most difficult times in their young lives," head coach Jason Hooten said. "I have been impressed by their ability to focus on school and basketball. We're just trying to stay positive and continue to fight through adversity.
 
"On Aug. 16, we talked about making this season one of the most special ever. I told them that no one will ever forget how much they overcame to be successful, and that there would be no sweeter feeling than coming out of this pandemic a stronger person. Their attitudes and work ethics have motivated me on a daily basis."
 
Hooten has liked what he has seen so far out of his group that returns three contributors from last season's squad that placed fourth in the Southland Conference and advanced to the league's postseason tournament before the season was cut short due to the pandemic.
 
"After nine tough days of practice, I have been pleasantly surprised at our work ethic and leadership," Hooten said. "We have had a collective effort to work hard and the attitude of getting better every day. With that being said, we have nine new players and are a long way away from a finished product."
 
SHSU added five junior college players including forwards Manny Crump, Tristan Ikpe and Dylan Robertson and guards Javion May and Donte Powers. The four freshmen new to the team are guards Bryce Monroe, who was the recipient 2019-20 Kevin Restani Basketball Trophy which goes to the high school Player of the Year for the city of San Francisco, and Jarren Cook and forwards Kian Scroggins and Austin Brewer.
 
"All of our newcomers are coming along pretty well," Hooten said. "Most of them have had great coaches and been in winning programs, but every new place does things a little differently. They are working extremely hard and have been very receptive to coaching. I'm excited to see where they will be in another 30-40 days."
 
The Bearkats return first-team All-Southland Conference junior guard Zach Nutall and senior guards Terryonte Thomas and Demarkus Lampley, who were both junior college transfers last season. Redshirt freshmen Pierce Hellums and DJ Kelley also have a year in the program under their belts.
 
"For our returnees, we are looking for leadership and the ability to help the new guys through all facets of our program," Hooten added. "Helping guys out in practice with drills, film, training room and all the other things that someone once helped them with."

The Bearkats are still working on finalizing the nonconference portion of the schedule. Southland Conference action is tentatively scheduled to begin on Jan. 2 on the road at Nicholls.
 
The conference home opener will Jan. 13 against Lamar. Other home dates include Jan. 16 against Houston Baptist, Jan. 20 against Abilene Christian, Feb. 6 against Nicholls, Feb. 10 against Southeastern Louisiana, Feb. 13 against Central Arkansas, March 3 against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and the regular season finale against Stephen F. Austin on March 6.
 
The other road games are at Southeastern Louisiana (Jan. 6), at Central Arkansas (Jan. 9), at A&M-Corpus Christi (Jan. 27), at SFA (Jan. 30), at Lamar (Feb. 17) at HBU (Feb. 20) and at ACU (Feb. 24).