Oklahoma State University Athletics
Preseason Is History For Cowboy Hoops; Monday Brings First Official Practice
October 02, 2015 | Cowboy Basketball
STILLWATER — Summer comes and goes, while conditioning and individual workouts seem to last forever. The Oklahoma State Cowboys embark on a new season Oct. 5 for their first official team practice of 2015-16.
This team made huge strides on and off the court, accomplishing two main goals head coach Travis Ford set for his squad: togetherness and toughness. In fact, he's had that slogan emblazoned on the team's practice gear with the acronym "TNT".
Since May, a group of new personalities have been shipped to Stillwater and grew to become family through an abundance of team-building activities under the leadership of veteran players, including senior guard Phil Forte.
"I think our team events off of the court helped a lot, especially because we were on the court so much together," Forte said. "Coming in from the summer to where we are now, I think our chemistry is really good and I like where this team is at."
The Cowboys placed an emphasis on handling adversity and fatigue during the preseason. Countless hours spent running and weightlifting have coach Ford's squad physically ready, something he credits to strength & conditioning coach Jake Manzelmann.
After losing six players, a lot of new faces are expected to play significant roles.
Jawun Evans, a freshman guard, is expected to be in that number. He said this preseason was a lot different and tougher than those experienced in the past.
"It hit me pretty hard because I wasn't in that good of shape," Evans said. "All of the running and weightlifting was tough, but it's definitely going to pay off. The older guys have really pushed me throughout preseason workouts, showing me things I need to know, showing me the ropes and how to improve my game."
The biggest win on the court is to be determined in terms of team execution and with the vast majority of practice coming from individual workouts.
Coach Ford said being able to work with players individually has enabled the Cowboys to break through certain weaknesses and improve in more than one area.
"They've been very receptive to me pushing them, teaching and learning from that aspect," Ford said. "As a whole, their cohesiveness and chemistry is where I want it to be right now. "
Tip-off is one month away and there's still work ahead, but when OSU comes together on the court in Gallagher-Iba Arena for the first time, the team will aim to build on its wave of momentum.
This team made huge strides on and off the court, accomplishing two main goals head coach Travis Ford set for his squad: togetherness and toughness. In fact, he's had that slogan emblazoned on the team's practice gear with the acronym "TNT".
Since May, a group of new personalities have been shipped to Stillwater and grew to become family through an abundance of team-building activities under the leadership of veteran players, including senior guard Phil Forte.
"I think our team events off of the court helped a lot, especially because we were on the court so much together," Forte said. "Coming in from the summer to where we are now, I think our chemistry is really good and I like where this team is at."
The Cowboys placed an emphasis on handling adversity and fatigue during the preseason. Countless hours spent running and weightlifting have coach Ford's squad physically ready, something he credits to strength & conditioning coach Jake Manzelmann.
After losing six players, a lot of new faces are expected to play significant roles.
Jawun Evans, a freshman guard, is expected to be in that number. He said this preseason was a lot different and tougher than those experienced in the past.
"It hit me pretty hard because I wasn't in that good of shape," Evans said. "All of the running and weightlifting was tough, but it's definitely going to pay off. The older guys have really pushed me throughout preseason workouts, showing me things I need to know, showing me the ropes and how to improve my game."
The biggest win on the court is to be determined in terms of team execution and with the vast majority of practice coming from individual workouts.
Coach Ford said being able to work with players individually has enabled the Cowboys to break through certain weaknesses and improve in more than one area.
"They've been very receptive to me pushing them, teaching and learning from that aspect," Ford said. "As a whole, their cohesiveness and chemistry is where I want it to be right now. "
Tip-off is one month away and there's still work ahead, but when OSU comes together on the court in Gallagher-Iba Arena for the first time, the team will aim to build on its wave of momentum.
Players Mentioned
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