Fresno State Athletics
Basketball Back In Action
10/15/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Oct. 15, 2010
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State's men's basketball team returned to the court this evening for their first official practice of the 2010-11 season. The team is back with a lot of fresh new faces and new leaders ready to make this basketball season one to remember.
"This is our year to re-establish this program," said head coach Steve Cleveland. 'We have a tough schedule this season but I really like all of the guys' attitudes and we will be ready to compete at the highest level."
Sophomore Greg Smith, who was the 2009-10 WAC Freshman of the Year last year, is growing into the role as a key leader for the revamped team and Smith is ready to step up and help lead the `Dogs to a Western Athletic Conference title.
"I can't wait for the games to start," Smith stated. "Our team has great chemistry and we are ready to show that to our fans."
Cleveland is ready for Smith to take over as a leader and holds very high expectations for him on the court.
"Greg needs to have a big year and he knows it," Cleveland commented on the 6-10 center. "He needs to have a presence out there in the game and I know he will be a great leader."
The Bulldogs will tip off with seven fresh new faces this year.
"We lost a lot of good players from last season," said Cleveland. "But we gained a lot of great players and we have a lot of depth in our group of guys." Smith is also excited about the additions to the roster.
"All of the new players bring a lot to the table for us," Smith commented on the new comers. "The other teams don't know them and they won't know what to expect." The Bulldogs filled their first practice with lots of drills and conditioning. Cleveland has high hopes of winning the WAC this year and all of the student-athletes are working hard together to achieve that goal.
"We Are Your Team" - The first chance to see the Bulldogs will be on Oct. 26 when they host "Red and White Night" in the Save Mart Center with three-point shooting and dunk contests as well as a chance to meet both the men's and women's basketball teams.
