EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Summer time tends to be a slower period on a college campus, but don't tell that to Walter McCarty and his program.  Since arriving in March, McCarty and his staff are working every day as they continue to take the Purple Aces program to the next level.
 
"We have been busy.  Coming in behind and having to fill a roster with six spots remaining, we really had to hit the road hard trying to find players who could contribute and help build the foundation that we want," McCarty explained.  "I think we did very well with the players we were able to recruit and sign."
 
Aside from forming his team on the floor, McCarty has been just as busy away from the gym.
 
"Getting used to the city and the everyday grind of running the program have been huge for us.  That includes getting the right coaches, the right players, meeting with doctors and team trainers and getting in the community and getting them to support the team," he said.  "We are really teaching the team and trying to set that standard of how we want to play and implementing the new style.  We are very excited with what we have done so far and are excited to continue to build."
 
With the implementation of the new system and integrating the new and returning players into that style of play, McCarty has taken a very active role in summer practice.  He explained how that process has worked so far and how his assistants would really be relied on as the players become acclimated to his system.
 
"Right now, it has been my voice a lot implementing the new system, but our assistants will really be depended on as we go forward.  Sometimes it is my voice that the players hear, but there will not be a practice that our players do not hear Todd Lickliter, Matthew Graves or Terrence Commodore running a certain part of practice.  Our guys hear my voice a lot, but it is imperative that they hear our assistants as well.  Each of our assistants brings so much and I want to give them the opportunity to coach and let their voices be heard with the players."
 
Anyone who has been around McCarty knows that his personality is contagious.  His attitude, excitement and positivity have already paid off dividends on his squad.
 
"I want them to know that I trust them and am here for them.  I want them to be the best human beings that they can be off the court, the best players they can be in the gym and the best students they can be in the classroom," McCarty said.  "I try to support them so they feel good about themselves and are confident.  It is about the whole team and all of us working together.  I want them to play free, to play with personality and play to a certain standard.  We all have each others backs and support one another.  I am excited to be here and work with these guys.  I am always energetic and they feed off of that, but they bring me energy too.  We have some really good kids with great personalities and we give and take off of each other."
 
Since coming back to his hometown in March, McCarty has been working hard at bringing fans back to the program.  The support of this community at any level is something that McCarty knows is important to the program and building its foundation.  One way has been through fundraising.
 
"The financial support that we have received really says a lot about this city and that they are excited about the program and the future.  That has nothing to do with me, we just have so many people who want to be part of this program and what we are doing.  I am very thankful to everyone for their support.  We are here to build a program that can stand for a long time and we cannot do that without our resources and the people who support our program.  I am grateful that they believe in us and we are appreciative.  It is not about Walter McCarty, it is about the University of Evansville."
 
While fundraising has been important, McCarty is also ecstatic about the support that he, his staff and players have received from the community.  Season ticket holders and core fans are extremely important to a successful program and McCarty wanted to take the chance to thank them and invite everyone who wants to be involved.
 
"These fans have been here long before myself and they are going to be fans long after I am gone.  I am so happy that they have gotten behind us the way they have.  They support the program and want our young men to have the greatest experience they can while they attend our university," he exclaimed.  "There are several ways people can be involved year round including the Champions Club, Aces Assist Club, Aces Stakes and so much more.  Being season ticket holders and just coming around and showing your support is also important."
 
Fans are reminded that the Coaches Caravan continues with two stops in July with both being in a close proximity to Evansville.  On Monday, July 9, the caravan stops at the Turoni's in Newburgh before heading to Kentucky on Wednesday, July 25 for a stop at Mister B's in Henderson.  The annual Aces Stakes event is slated for Monday, July 16 at the Bauerhaus on the north side of Evansville. 
 
UE's marketing team will also be out in the community throughout the summer.  The Aces will be represented at the Franklin Street Bazaar on several occasions including Saturday, July 7 and resuming on July 28 and running the remaining Saturdays until the end of summer.  The department will be represented on July 14 at the Indiana Donor Network 5K and on the 21st at the Newburgh Farmers Market.
 
Keep an eye on GoPurpleAces.com and all of the Purple Aces social media for exclusive stories and updates on all of UE's programs throughout the year.
 
"All of the things we are doing are because we love our university and our team.  What we do will make our team and community better; we are about the university and our program," McCarty added.
 

• INFO: For all of the latest information on University of Evansville men's basketball, visit GoPurpleAces.com or follow the program on Twitter via @UEAthletics_MBB.

                                   

• DONATE: For information on giving to UE Athletics or its individual athletics programs, visit the DONATE tab on the top of GoPurpleAces.com.

 

• TICKETS: To purchase tickets for University of Evansville athletics events, log on to GoPurpleAces.com and click on the TICKETS tab on top of the page.