Letter from Doc Sadler

Rebounders:

On behalf of our program, we are excited the 2011-12 season is finally here. As we finish preparations for the season opener this week, I could not be more pleased with the work ethic our team has shown since the end of last season.

From the work that strength coach Tim Wilson has done with our player in the offseason to the individual work that our coaches do with players each day before practice, our team is doing everything we can to put ourselves in position to enjoy a successful year. For players and coaches, this is an exciting time because you want to see the hard work our players have put in get rewarded.

I really like the experience we have with four starters back and having players like Brandon Richardson and Toney McCray back for their fifth year. Those two, along with the rest of our seniors, have created a great work ethic for this year and have really helped our newcomers along. Bo Spencer has helped fill some of the leadership at the guard spot. He has a lot of confidence and that has rubbed off on his teammates. Bo has the experience of playing in the NCAA Tournament and what it takes to make that next step.

A few weeks ago, we were fortunate to open the Hendricks Training Complex, which I believe is the nicest facility in college basketball. Every day when I walk into the building, it reminds me of the support that we received, not only from our administration, but from supporters like you. It has already helped our team in many ways, from getting extra work in on the Bus Whitehead Court, to the team spending time together in the lounge and creating that bond that a team needs to be successful. As many of you toured the facility during the open house, you can see the work that our Capital Planning team and administration put in to give us a truly amazing facility.

Our first game is this Friday night, and I am looking forward to seeing all of you at the Devaney Center this season. In addition, all of our practices when we use the Devaney Center are open to the public. Visit our basketball page and click on practice schedule for our updated times. You can read more of the latest information about the team as we lead up to Friday's game here.

Again, thank you so much for all you do for our program.

Go Big Red!

Doc Sadler