NORMAL, Ill. – Week two of the Illinois State men's basketball team's 2015-16 season preparations began with the Redbirds' sixth official practice of the year Monday on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena.
"It's nice to be out there every day," head coach Dan Muller said. "What we're seeing right now is that we're still developing those practice habits that we think it takes to be a champion. We of course had our practices for Spain, but those did not match the level of intensity that we're at now. The new guys are getting used to it, and the returners are getting back in the groove."
Thanks to Illinois State's summer trip to Spain in which the Redbirds had 10 practices and played in four exhibition games, Muller said his team is further along than usual regarding executing plays. However, he continues to emphasize the importance of mastering basketball basics.
"Starting toward the middle of this week into next week, we'll really start putting stuff in," Muller continued. "But the fundamentals are so important, and at any level, you can never get too far away from those. Whether it's jumping to the ball or sprinting back in transition defense – just basic, fundamentals of basketball – we're still trying to build that foundation. We're in that time period now, but we will have to start putting things in soon because time doesn't wait for us."
The Redbirds are slated to host 16 regular-season games on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena, plus one exhibition contest against Southern Indiana to begin the year Sunday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. After tipping off the regular season at 2015 NCAA qualifier San Diego State Friday, Nov. 13, the Redbirds will return to Redbird Arena for their home opener against Morehead State, Monday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.
Illinois State men's basketball single-game tickets will go on sale to the general public Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 9 a.m. by navigating to GoRedbirds.com/Tickets, by calling (309) 438-800, or by visiting the Redbird Arena ticket office.
Fans will have their first chance to see the Redbirds in action at Hoopfest, scheduled for Oct. 23 following a 6 p.m. volleyball match against Wichita State.
Reggie's Fun Zone will be expanded during pregame of the volleyball match. Fun on the Run will be bringing an extra inflatable for the Fun Zone, located on the south concourse.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
