(Photo: Scotty Bara/WCSN)
The Arizona State men’s basketball team held an open practice today, where season ticket holders could get their first look at the new look Sun Devils in action.
After having an hour of closed practice, fans flocked onto the court to watch the final 90 minutes in which the Sun Devils scrimmaged and worked on a few inbounds plays in front of the sizeable crowd.
“We had a great turnout today – a lot of electricity in the Weatherup Center,” ASU head coach Herb Sendek said. “I think it was good for our guys to be able to play in front of our fans, but I think it was good for our fans to be able to see our guys back better than ever, and a whole bunch of newcomers as well.”
With only six returning players, the open practice provided an opportunity for fans to familiarize themselves with the new freshmen and junior college transfers.
“What I love as a coach is guys that want to learn, and guys you don’t have to motivate to play hard, then you’re allowed to teach, and so I don’t mind having new guys who want to learn, who are eager to get better,” Sendek said. “That’s fun coaching.”
Video from M&G practice.
The scrimmage was highlighted by a handful of energetic plays, including a big two-handed dunk over freshman center Connor MacDougall by senior forward Shaquielle McKissic.
“We have such a different team than we had a year ago,” Sendek said. “I mean, most notably, we don’t have a 7-foot-2 guy protecting the basket for us, so that dictates some changes schematically.”
For the players, it was their first chance to play in front of a crowd after their first week of official practice. The Sun Devils have been practicing twice-a-day for the last week.
“It felt really good, especially when the fans came out,” junior forward Willie Atwood said. “They got to see a little taste of how we play and how exciting and energizing we are.”
Following the end of practice, Sendek introduced each player, the coaches and thanked the fans for their support in preparation for the Maroon & Gold game on Nov. 7 and ASU’s season opener against Chicago State on Nov. 14.
“I love this team,” Sendek said. “I think it’s a team that’s going to be easy to cheer for, a team we can all be proud of.”
Notes:
- Senior guard Bo Barnes sat out of practice today with a sprained ankle.
- Freshman guard Tra Holder spent a lot of time running the offense with what seemed to be the proverbial first team. Sendek has said that Holder is the only true point guard on the team.
You can reach Zac Pacleb on Twitter @ZacPacleb or via email at zacpacleb@gmail.com
Video by Jake Gadon
