Head Coach Joe Wallace took advantage of the NCAA's new rules when it comes to out of season practices. Over the offseason, the NCAA made a rule that allows teams to have eight extra practices total for the pre-season and off-season. The Barons first official practice for the season begins Monday, October 16th. So, Wallace could split up the eight extra practices and do four practices in the pre-season (right now) and the other four when the off-season hits in mid-March. So thanks to this new NCAA rule, Wallace had their first practice this past Saturday or as Wallace puts it, it is the, "first day of OTA's".
I was very fortunate to attend the first practice this past Saturday. What I felt at the practice was something I have not witnessed in a very long time. I felt enthusiasm, positive energy, focus, determination, and grit. I could go on and on and write an entire blog post listing the traits the men's basketball team had on Saturday. It made me really happy and very optimistic about this team. As Assistant Coach Adam Martello puts it, last year was a "year from Hell". The Barons went 4-16 in conference play and were 4-8 at home. It was a very hard year for the Barons because last summer a flood happened on campus and it ruined the entire basketball court. Because of that, the Barons had to practice at Big Red High School in downtown Steubenville, Ohio for the majority of the season. The Barons finally got their new court and lights around February. That being said, that was the main reason the players were hyped and ecstatic for their first practice on their somewhat new court.
Assistant Coach Adam Martello embracing his players in the team huddle.
What I noticed during this practice and outside of practice is how so close-knit this team is. Senior Joe Ciola said," this is the closest team I have ever been a part of and the grit and mentality of this team is phenomenal". During the practice whenever a player fell, it seemed like the whole team, even the "non-jersey" players, were rushing to pick up the man from the floor. Players were diving for loose balls and playing "in your face" defense constantly. This team is very competitive and is a completely new look team from last season. This Barons team is very young but also very talented.
Graduate Senior Josh Zimmerman shoots the jumper over Junior Derrick Derrow.
The Barons improved a lot during their first day of practice. They will continue to get better and be officially ready by their first game against Penn State Fayette on November 8th. The Barons need to rely on their upperclassmen this season if they want to be successful. It all starts with the freshman and the underclassmen getting ready physically and mentally to help improve and challenge the juniors and seniors everyday. If you are a Barons fan like me, be very optimistic about this year's squad. To the President's Athletic Conference, be ready. The Barons are coming full steam ahead.
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