Pirate Basketball Concludes First Week Of Practice
October 18, 2006 | Men's Basketball
Oct. 18, 2006
GREENVILLE, N.C. --- Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum turned out to be a classroom setting with a lot of teaching and 10 newcomers on board as East Carolina concluded its first week of practice for the 2006-07 season under second-year head coach Ricky Stokes.
"The guys have been very energetic and full of life this week," said Stokes. "We've made a lot of mistakes, but they've been hustle mistakes. They're trying to do what we're asking them to do. Over half of our guys have just gone through their first week of a Division I practice, but they competed hard and I was pleased overall with the first week."
With only four returning lettermen, the ECU coaching staff spent a lot of time teaching and stressing the fundamentals; focusing much of the week on defense, ball handling and shooting.
"We're a team that has to play confidently, we cannot play carelessly," Stokes said. "We have to value the basketball each possession and we have to become a better defensive unit. Both of those things fall in line with shooting a high percentage shot. We have to shoot the ball better."
Since practice began Oct. 13, the Pirates have gone through workouts each day, including twice this past Monday and Tuesday. ECU will take its mandatory day-off Thursday.
"I think everybody is just trying to survive," Stokes explained. "We've had eight very intense workouts and it has been an eye-opening experience for a lot guys, especially the freshmen. I'm pleased with how they've received the coaching, worked hard and given us everything they have."
"We've gone very slowly and that's how were going to have to bring them along, but there is a thin line between bringing them along slowly and being ready to play."
The Pirates will hold their annual Purple-Gold scrimmage at 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Admission is free.
ECU basketball season tickets for the 14-game home portion of the schedule are $180. Season tickets can be ordered by calling the ECU Athletic Department Ticket Office at 252.328.4500 or on-line at www.ecupirates.com.
