Practice Report: Unselfish Play Leading to Offensive Success
10/18/2017 6:20:00 PM | Men's Basketball
TULSA, Okla. — After strong defensive efforts in the first two weeks of fall practices, the offense has had its turn recently for The University of Tulsa men's basketball team as it draws closer to the start of the 2017-18 season.
Head coach Frank Haith praised his team during the first few weeks of practice for its focus and execution, and the offense executed at a high level in last Saturday's open scrimmage prior to the Homecoming football game. Several players stood out in the contest, including Junior Etou, Sterling Taplin, Curran Scott and DaQuan Jeffries, who each enjoyed a strong offensive showing as both teams shot better than 50-percent.
After taking Sunday and Monday off due to the American Athletic Conference Media Days in Philadelphia, the team returned to the practice floor on Tuesday and Wednesday.
"We had good work today," head coach Frank Haith said. "Our work wasn't as good yesterday, but we came back and had a really, really good day today. It was all about our defense and building a wall to protect the paint. We have to protect the paint (on defense) and we have to get in the paint (on offense). It's a fine line and a battle of wills in practice. You don't want to give up paint touches from a defensive standpoint and then you want to get that ball in the paint from an offensive standpoint."
The veteran team continues to grow on both sides of the floor and Haith says that the team is looking forward to another scrimmage with officials.
"We're still growing and guys are getting better," Haith said. "I think we're getting hungry for another scrimmage to play with some referees. Then it's here. We have another week of prep and then we have our first exhibition game."
When examining the offensive success of the team recently, Haith points to the team's unselfishness.
"We're sharing the ball," Haith said. "I think we have an unselfish team and I think guys are understanding where they are getting shots from, what their strengths are and then playing to those strengths. We're not taking bad shots so that's a good thing to see. We understand the concept of good shots/great shots and making that extra pass. We're a good team in that regard and when you have that mentality you're probably going to be a pretty good offensive team."
Haith's team will get another scrimmage this Saturday as the men's and women's teams will participate in the Blue and Gold Scrimmage at 3 p.m. at the Reynolds Center. Both teams will scrimmage and be available for autographs afterward. The event is free to the public and the programs will be accepting donations that will go toward Coaches vs. Cancer.
Saturday also is the final day of Haith's offer to cover half the cost of season tickets for new season ticket buyers. Haith will cover half the cost of the tickets and Golden Hurricane Club donation, and for each new season ticket purchased, he will donate a season ticket to a local non-profit organization.
In addition to season tickets, a four-game Mini-Plan and All-Sport FlexBook are available to purchase. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Donald W. Reynolds Center or by calling 918-631-GoTU (6488).
Head coach Frank Haith praised his team during the first few weeks of practice for its focus and execution, and the offense executed at a high level in last Saturday's open scrimmage prior to the Homecoming football game. Several players stood out in the contest, including Junior Etou, Sterling Taplin, Curran Scott and DaQuan Jeffries, who each enjoyed a strong offensive showing as both teams shot better than 50-percent.
After taking Sunday and Monday off due to the American Athletic Conference Media Days in Philadelphia, the team returned to the practice floor on Tuesday and Wednesday.
"We had good work today," head coach Frank Haith said. "Our work wasn't as good yesterday, but we came back and had a really, really good day today. It was all about our defense and building a wall to protect the paint. We have to protect the paint (on defense) and we have to get in the paint (on offense). It's a fine line and a battle of wills in practice. You don't want to give up paint touches from a defensive standpoint and then you want to get that ball in the paint from an offensive standpoint."
The veteran team continues to grow on both sides of the floor and Haith says that the team is looking forward to another scrimmage with officials.
"We're still growing and guys are getting better," Haith said. "I think we're getting hungry for another scrimmage to play with some referees. Then it's here. We have another week of prep and then we have our first exhibition game."
When examining the offensive success of the team recently, Haith points to the team's unselfishness.
"We're sharing the ball," Haith said. "I think we have an unselfish team and I think guys are understanding where they are getting shots from, what their strengths are and then playing to those strengths. We're not taking bad shots so that's a good thing to see. We understand the concept of good shots/great shots and making that extra pass. We're a good team in that regard and when you have that mentality you're probably going to be a pretty good offensive team."
Haith's team will get another scrimmage this Saturday as the men's and women's teams will participate in the Blue and Gold Scrimmage at 3 p.m. at the Reynolds Center. Both teams will scrimmage and be available for autographs afterward. The event is free to the public and the programs will be accepting donations that will go toward Coaches vs. Cancer.
Saturday also is the final day of Haith's offer to cover half the cost of season tickets for new season ticket buyers. Haith will cover half the cost of the tickets and Golden Hurricane Club donation, and for each new season ticket purchased, he will donate a season ticket to a local non-profit organization.
In addition to season tickets, a four-game Mini-Plan and All-Sport FlexBook are available to purchase. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Donald W. Reynolds Center or by calling 918-631-GoTU (6488).
Players Mentioned
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/ Men's Basketball
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/ Men's Basketball
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