Pirates Begin Skill Development Sessions
August 30, 2010 | Men's Basketball
Aug. 30, 2010
GREENVILLE, N.C. --- The East Carolina men's basketball team began its prep work for the 2010-11 season Monday as the Pirates started their individual workouts inside Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum.
NCAA rules allow for individuals to receive skill-related instruction for two hours a week in groups of four or smaller until Sept. 15th when coaches are allowed to conduct full team skill-related instruction sessions for two hours a week.
East Carolina head coach Jeff Lebo is in his first year with the Pirates. This will be Lebo's 13th season as head coach with previous stints at Tennessee Tech, Tennessee-Chattanooga and Auburn. Lebo spent one season playing professionally for the NBA's San Antonio Spurs and nine years as an assistant before landing his first head coaching job.
"This is an exciting time for us," Lebo said. "We can get back out on the court and work with our guys. When we took over last year it was so hectic that we really didn't get a chance to get on the floor with them. This is a good time for us to get to know them and the things that they need to work on.
"We are going to use these [sessions] for two things. One we are going to use these for them to get better individually and do a lot of shooting. We are also going to use them partly for conditioning."
The Pirates return 10 lettermen this season, including all five starters, anchored by senior Jamar Abrams and Brock Young. Young was a third-team All-Conference USA selection last season and led the league in assists for a second consecutive season. Abrams ranked third on the team in scoring and was it's top three-point shooter.
"Coach has really stressed being in top shape," Abrams said following his instructional session. "The style of play he wants to play is up and down, so we have to be strong and well-conditioned."
East Carolina officially begins practice on Oct. 15.
