Nov. 1 Practice Report

11/1/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball

November 1, 2002

Bloomington, IN - More than 500 members of Indiana University's Varsity Club were treated to a men's basketball scrimmage and reception Friday afternoon at Assembly Hall. Varsity Club members were invited to see practice, which included a 45-minute scrimmage. Afterwards, head coach Mike Davis addressed the crowd, who then headed to the south concourse for a reception that included appetizers and a player autograph session.

With the 2002-03 exhibition opener just a week away (Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m. Athletes in Action), head coach Mike Davis is anxious to get started.

"This time a year ago, I felt we were behind where we needed to be, but now, I feel like we're ahead (of that schedule)," Davis said of his No. 21 Hoosiers. "(Senior forward) Jeff Newton has been unbelievable in practice. George Leach has improved, and guys like Tom Coverdale and Kyle Hornsby have been steady."

While Newton, Leach, Coverdale, Hornsby and A.J. Moye were each an integral part of the eighth Final Four appearance in IU history, they could make an even bigger impact on the program this season.

"(Freshman guards) Bracey Wright and Marshall Strickland are very good basketball players, but it takes a while to learn this system," Davis said. "That's why we're fortunate to have guys like Hornsby and Coverdale. They played in college basketball's biggest game last season."

The Hoosier veterans relish the leadership challenge.

"Guys like me, Newt and Cov have told the freshmen to be patient," Moye said. "Coach's system has been successful, and the younger guys are getting better every day.

By the same token, Moye notes, there is some unfinished business.

"From the standpoint of work ethic, we know what it takes, because we got so close last year," Moye said. "Both the players and coaches know, and now we're trying to take it up a level to where we're that consistent year in and year out."

As any coach will tell you, it's the team's performance in March that matters.

"It's more important to win late than early," Davis told the crowd. "In each of my first two years, we've been playing as well as anyone in the country towards the end of the season. Our goals this year are same: win the Big Ten regular season title, tournament title and get to New Orleans (for the 2003 Final Four)."

Indeed, last year's magical run to Atlanta has left the program hungry for more.

"To me, Indiana is the best basketball job in the country, something you dream of. To be a part of it is special," Davis told the crowd. "Our success really energized the Indiana Basketball Family. To see the family back means a lot. Last year was really the first time that our players and coaches really saw how special basketball in Indiana is."