The AU Men’s Basketball team held their annual chalk talk and open practice at Bender Arena on Oct. 18. The open practice gave fans the opportunity to see the new Eagles in action for the first time in the 2014-15 season.
“We’re looking forward to the start of the season,” head Coach Mike Brennan said. “These guys have worked hard all summer and are ready to get back out on the court.”
Brennan said he is very optimistic on the Eagles’ chances of a repeat Patriot League championship performance.
While the team was practicing, Brennan addressed the crowd and introduced his coaching staff. He also announced each individual member of the team as well as what makes them special and how they positively contribute to the program.
Brennan then went on to take questions from the audience, ranging on topics from the challenges the team faces this season to how far the team has come with the Princeton offense.
“We’re a lot further along, learning the offense led by our seniors Pee Wee [Gardner] and[John] Schoof.” Brennan said, “It’s a product of our hard work that is paying off.”
One of the defining moments of the afternoon came when a little kid asked Brennan who the tallest kid on the team was, and Brennan called over freshman center Gabe Brown. More than 7 feet tall, Brown towered over the 4’1 kid, which drew a laugh from the crowd.
Senior forward Kyle Kager was the only Eagle who didn’t practice today, as he is being held out due to an injury. Brennan is hopeful that Kager will be ready by opening day Nov. 14 at Temple.
The Eagles begin their season on the road at Temple University, which will be aired on ESPN 3 as a part of the Coaches versus Cancer classic.
AU’s home opener is Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. against St. Francis University, when the team will raise its banner from its 2014 Patriot League Tournament Championship victory.
