NORMAL, Ill. – With less than a month remaining before the Illinois State men's basketball team tips off its 2015-16 season at San Diego State (Nov. 13), the Redbirds held media day Monday afternoon upon starting their third week of practice.
"Offensively, we've added some plays," head coach Dan Muller said. "Execution is so important early, and you spend so much time on that, but you've got to move forward with your plays. With the new guys, you want to make sure you don't go too fast so the execution doesn't suffer once the games get here. But, about every two days now, we're putting things in."
Along with regular practice, the Redbirds are also holding individual skill workouts. On days that the workouts occur, Muller wraps up practice approximately 20 minutes earlier than usual to accommodate the extra sessions.
"We really want to help our players become the best they can be – shooting, passing, dribbling – and we think this will help us through the course of the year," Muller said.
Illinois State' first three weeks of practice will culminate with Hoopfest on Friday, Oct. 23, following the ISU volleyball team's 6 p.m. Pack the Arena match against Wichita State. In addition to the annual men's and women's basketball teams' intrasquad scrimmages, Hoopfest will feature both teams taking part in shooting competitions involving fans, a kids' dunk contest, and autograph sessions with both teams. All of the events are free, and doors will open at 5 p.m.
"This is a reward for our players to go out and have some fun," Muller said. "Obviously, the games we play are not at full speed. We do want our fans to see some talent. But, we also want our guys to have fun. It's a great time, and with it being homecoming this week, we would certainly love to have a huge crowd for us and the women's team, and to cheer on our volleyball team."
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 tickets are on sale now by navigating to GoRedbirds.com/Tickets, by calling (309) 438-8000, or by visiting the Redbird Arena ticket office.
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