EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The opening week of practice is in the books for the University of Evansville men's basketball team.  After going hard over the last few days, the team will take a few days off for fall break before returning prior to Hoopfest.
 
Fans are reminded that a limited number of tickets remain for Hoopfest, which will take place inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse on Thursday, October 10 at 6 p.m.  Tickets are $5 with all proceeds going to the United Way.  You can get your tickets between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays at the Carson Center Ticket Office.
 
One of head coach Walter McCarty's primary goals so far has been to install his offensive philosophies along with seeing the team defense evolve.
 
"Things are going well, the guys are working hard," McCarty explained.  "Our offense is a little better than our defense right now.  We are putting a lot of information in and really loading them up with a lot.  Guys are working hard and competing, which is the most important thing."
 
Sophomore Shamar Givance was one of the most exciting players on the floor last season and echoed McCarty's sentiments.
 
"We are really grinding and working on team chemistry on and off the court," Givance said.  "We are focusing on our defense and the pace of our offense."
 
McCarty is challenging Givance to be a team leader as he enters his second season with the Aces.  The native of Toronto has taken that challenge to heart and is acting as a mentor to freshmen Thomasi Gilgeous-Alexander and Marcus Henderson
 
"Coach is always pushing me to be a good leader and get the freshmen the ball.  I was a freshman last year our guys did the same for me," Givance detailed.  "Marty (Hill) and K.J. (Riley) really helped me with my game last year.  It is cool to be able to do that for our new guys this year; Marcus is a great shooter and Thomasi is an excellent point guard.  Both have a great future."
 
One opportunity that UE's freshman class has over many others that they will face is that they already have three games under their belts.  John Hall went over how the team has utilized the games played in Europe over the summer and used it to their advantage.
 
"It gave us a head start and gave us a look at ourselves," Hall exclaimed.  "Outside of playing ourselves, we played some different competition and have a better understanding of the type of team that we are."
 
Following classes on Friday, the team have four days off for fall break before returning next week.  With a full week of practice complete, Coach McCarty is happy with the timing of fall break along with how everything will fall into place starting next week.
 
"It will be good to get them refreshed.  Letting them go home and energize themselves will definitely be good," he said.  "When they get back, we only have about 10 days until we start live scrimmaging.  It will be good for them to be off their feet for a couple days.  Hopefully they will continue to get some shots up, eat the right food and take care of their bodies."
 
Another big event is coming up following Hoopfest as the Tip Off Dinner will take place on Thursday, Oct. 17 at Rolling Hills Country Club.  For more information on the dinner, call 812-488-2237.
 

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