Practice Report: MBB Prepares for Saturday Open Scrimmage

TULSA, Okla. — The University of Tulsa men's basketball team returned to the floor of the Donald W. Reynolds Center for practice No. 10 on Wednesday as it continues preparations for the upcoming 2017-18 season.

"We've continued to work hard," Haith said. "We have a system in place where we can tell how much they're putting into practice and Coach (David) Deets would have to explain how they do it, but our numbers have been extremely good. They've continually improved and it's really making our guys focus on how hard they work in practice, not taking plays off. They know at the end of practice we can take a look at those numbers and see how hard they're working."

The intensity of the first week of practice has carried over to this second full week, especially on the defensive end. Coach Haith and the staff are pleased with the team's effort on that end of the court, specifically from Jaleel Wheeler and DaQuan Jeffries.

"Our defense has been really good and we're getting better," Haith said. "DaQuan and Jaleel have done a really nice job defensively. Those are two guys who I think can be defensive stoppers and we need that out of both of them. Junior (Etou) and Martins (Igbanu) continue to rotate and take charges and I think that will help us, as well. Those guys in particular have stood out."

The squad will host an open scrimmage at noon on Saturday, Oct. 14 prior to TU's homecoming football game against Houston. Fans can enter the Reynolds Center using the main entrance off of 8th Street or the doors on the west concourse.

The squad is looking forward to the scrimmage as it will be their first time playing with officials since the end of last season.

"Our defense has been really good and Saturday will be our first day with officials," Haith said. "We want to see how we play with officials and I anticipate us fouling a lot because of our intensity. That's ok early, but we have to figure that out and be a team that doesn't foul. I'm anxious to see us go out and compete with officials for the first time."

Saturday also is the first day that new season ticket buyers can take advantage of Haith's special offer for the 2017-18 campaign. New season ticket buyers who purchase their tickets between Oct. 14-21 will have 50-percent of their ticket price and Golden Hurricane Club donation covered by Haith. In addition, for every new season ticket sold, Haith will donate a season ticket to a local non-profit organization.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the Reynolds Center Athletic Ticket Office or by calling 918-631-4688.

Practice Report: MBB Prepares for Saturday Open Scrimmage

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