Oct. 18, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford University basketball team officially kicked off its 2008-09 season on Saturday as the Bulldogs held a spirited three-hour practice in the Pete Hanna Center. The fast-paced workout was the team's first of the season.

"I thought that today was a good first practice," said Samford head coach Jimmy Tillette. "It was a good energetic workout, but that's to be expected on the first day. If you're players aren't excited about the first practice, then you'll be in trouble all year. Our guys were enthusiastic and it was a good start for our team."

Samford began its first practice of the season at 8 a.m., and worked through its schedule at a seamless pace until 11 a.m.

The Bulldogs opened the workout with a variety of individual and team drills before spending the final few periods of the workout in scrimmages. As usual, the squad closed out practice with sideline-to-sideline sprints and an extensive 3-point shooting drill.

"In these early practices, we try to work on more individual techniques and fundamentals," Tillette said. "Then, we will also try to work on some of the 5-on-5 concepts that will help us build chemistry and confidence among the players."

Samford, which begins its first year in the prestigious Southern Conference this season, returns three starters and an additional five lettermen from last year's squad.

In 2007-08, the Bulldogs concluded the season with a 14-16 overall record and a 10-10 mark against conference opponents. Samford finished Ohio Valley Conference play as the fifth-place team in the league and qualified for postseason play for an unprecedented 15th-consecutive year.

The Samford University basketball team will begin its 2008-09 regular-season schedule on Nov. 14, as the Bulldogs square off against the Belmont Bruins at 7 p.m., in Nashville, Tenn.