'Jacks Open Practice Tuesday in William R. Johnson Coliseum
10/3/2017 6:26:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Second-year head coach Kyle Keller leads team in first official practice
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Just 40 days separate the Stephen F. Austin men's basketball team from its opening game of the 2017-18 campaign and on Tuesday afternoon inside William R. Johnson Coliseum the 'Jacks officially began preparation when the team convened for its first official practice.
For over two-and-a-half hours, the 13-man squad engaged in a spirited, high-intensity practice that showed off, according to second-year head coach Kyle Keller, just how big of a weapon the team's speed and athleticism could be for a 2017-18 season in which the program strives to climb back to the top of the Southland Conference standings after a runner-up finish in league play one season ago.
"We have quite a way to go before we can call ourselves good, but I thought our try level was really high," Keller commented following the conclusion of practice. "When you compare it to my first practice here 12 months ago there was a lot more we could accomplish because of our veterans. That's makes things exciting for us as a staff."
The 2016-17 season saw SFA post and 18-15 overall record which included a 12-6 showing in Southland Conference play. The 'Jacks were one of three teams who tied for a runner-up finish in the 13-team league before advancing to the opening round of the CIT. It was the program's fifth-straight postseason berth and resulted in a setback at Idaho on March 15, 2017. From that squad, SFA returns eight letterwinners including starters Ivan Canete, Ty Charles and TJ Holyfield.
Five newcomers joined the 'Jacks' ranks for the 2017-18 season including junior college transfers Shannon Bogues and John Comeaux as well as true freshmen Stefon Fisher and Cameron Mack. Also included in that group of newcomers is walk-on Harrison Perkins.
"Today we put all the veterans on one team which puts a lot of pressure on our new guys," Keller continued. "All of our returners have some idea of what they're doing so, naturally, it takes away from the raw talent of the newcomers at first. That being said, we have some special talent out there with our group of new guys and before it's all said and done they all have the potential to beat out some of our returners."
SFA's season officially tips off on Saturday, Nov.11, at 2:00 p.m. when the 'Jacks head to Farmville, Va., to tangle with Big South Conference opponent Longwood.
Tickets for the 'Jacks' 2017-18 season are on sale now through the SFA athletics ticket office and can be purchased here. Available season ticket packages include general reserved for $96 and special SFA faculty, staff and Varsity Club season ticket packages set at $48. Single-game tickets are $10 for reserved seating, $7 for general admission and $4 for children ages 8-18 and SFA faculty and staff members with a valid ID. All SFA students with a valid student ID and children ages eight and under will be admitted free of charge to all single games.
Keller's Comments
On the speed of play and pace of practice
"We're going to play so much faster. This is maybe one of the fastest teams I've ever been around. I think we have four fast guards in Aaron Augustin, who has matured so much from a year ago, Cameron Mack, John Comeaux and Shannon Bogues. Those guys have elite level speed and quickness and we don't do ourselves any favors by playing slow. We're trying to play fast, play with quick shot clocks, move the basketball, spread the court, taking advantage of our athleticism and size down low. Once we can all get out there we'll figure out what we do best."
-SFA-
