Fresno State Athletics
Bulldogs Begin Fall Practice
10/3/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
By Stephen Trembley
strembley@csufresno.edu
www.GoBulldogs.com
FRESNO, Calif. -- The Fresno State men's basketball team officially started fall practice on Friday as head coach Rodney Terry used the nearly three-hour opening session to set the tone of using each moment to get better.
"Every time we practice, it is our expectation that we are going to get better," Terry said. "We expect our guys to practice at a high level. I'm very proud of how our guys prepared themselves in the offseason to be ready to go, and this is the next step in our building toward the season."
Terry led the Bulldogs through a series of drills with an emphasis on rebounding on both ends of the floor and the importance of executing on every possession.
"We are at a point where we have some depth that has added competition in practice," Terry said. "We have some good size on the perimeter and inside. Our veterans are leading the way and setting an example for our freshmen."
In losing just one starter from last year's squad - shooting guard Tyler Johnson, who signed a contract this past summer with the Miami Heat - Fresno State can draw on its returners that delivered an exciting run to close last season. The 'Dogs won 8 of its final 10 conference games to finish tied for fifth in the MW at 9-9 and reach the College Basketball Invitational championship series while posting a 21-18 overall record.
"We got a taste of postseason play last year and we have an opportunity to build on that this year," Terry said. "Our non-conference schedule is designed to prepare us for conference. Consistency will be important for us as we compete in a tough conference night in and night out."
Of the new additions, junior guard Julien Lewis - who redshirted last season as a transfer from the Texas Longhorns - is a tenacious athlete that brings a two-way game to the team, while redshirt sophomore Braeden Anderson instantly adds a big and strong presence inside.
"My teammates are helping me get better since they were able to play against opponents in our system last year," Lewis said. "We have a great team here. We do a lot of activities together and that really has made a real team. It's fun playing with these guys."
In the backcourt, the Bulldogs' returning guard play will help establish the pace of play, which Terry would like to see turn up the heat and speed this season. Junior Marvelle Harris, a MW honorable mention honoree last season, and sophomore Paul Watson, the 2014 MW Freshman of the Year, have added to their skill sets during the offseason and looking to take the program to the next level.
"Marvelle and Paul have both put in a lot of work this offseason," Terry said. "Having guys like them who are committed to making the team better in everything they do is very important."
Fresno State will travel to the California coast this weekend for a team retreat and will continue fall practice next week on campus. The Bulldogs open the regular season on Nov. 14 at Pepperdine and host their home opener on Nov. 17 vs. Bristol University.
"Be Bold." -- Season tickets for the 2014-15 Fresno State men's basketball season are on sale now starting at $149 by calling 559-278-DOGS.
