Transition Underway

Players and coaching staff welcome the beginning of a new season The Florida Atlantic men’s basketball team got the 2009-10 season underway today with its first official practice. “Out with the old and in with the new” is a theme that will continue in a number of ways as the Owls move closer towards opening night on November 13th when they play host to Florida Tech. There are a lot of new faces on the Owl’s roster this season and, with that, a new aura abounded. “The effort, the attitude, the energy level was very, very good. The most important things were really good. It was a really good first day. There was an energy that’s never been here during my tenure. This was a great beginning”, said head coach Mike Jarvis. Newly arriving players were introduced to Jarvis’ off-season training approach immediately after enrolling at FAU back in the summer. This has allowed them to enter pre-season camp fit and ready to move towards the insertion of a more physical and up-tempo style of play that fans will enjoy this season. “It’s a whole different team. We’ve got more depth. We’re going to run, and we’re going to press. The emphasis will be on open court. Excitement will come if you win, and if you play that way it’s even more excitement”, said Jarvis. Offensive and defensive sets were excluded from today’s action, as efforts were focused solely on drills that will enable the transition. There’s a lot to be learned. The early season roster will be hampered as projected starting center Justin Davis is currently limited to non-contact activities due to a blood clot in his left arm. Jarvis anticipates that Davis could return for the start of conference play, or possibly sooner. Incoming freshman DeMonte Simpson is expected to fill in for Davis. Sophomore forward Chris Watson is also sidelined with a knee injury that occurred prior to the beginning of the semester. It is not known when, or if, he will play this year. Guard Sanchez Hughley, who was forced to sit out last season due to injury, made his return to the squad today. “He played well”, said Jarvis.