Men's Hoops Begin Practice For 2001-02 Season
Oct. 15, 2001
Coral Gables, FL – The University of Miami men’s basketball team started practice for the upcoming 2001-02 season this past weekend at the Knight Sports Complex in Coral Gables, FL.
Head coach Perry Clark, entering his second season with the Hurricanes, was happy with what he saw on day one.
“I really liked our attitude, energy level and team chemistry,” said Clark. “I think James (Jones), John (Salmons) and Marcus (Barnes) have comeback more prepared and with a much better understanding philosophically of what we want to do.”
The Hurricanes worked predominately on defense and conditioning as Clark wants this season’s team to get up-and-down floor.
“One of the points of emphasis this year is get out and run more,” said Clark. “To do that you have to be in great shape.”
“The running is good for us,” said senior guard John Salmons. “Coach Clark promised us we would be the best conditioned team in the country. I think we will be a fun team to watch this year.”
Salmons, a 2000-01 All-BIG EAST selection, has high expectations for his final season at UM.
“We have a lot of talent on this team and I feel we have enough talent to make a run to the Final Four.”
Sophomore forward Darius Rice, a BIG EAST All-Rookie Team selection last season, agrees with Salmons.
“The entire team wants to win the BIG EAST Championship and make a run in the NCAA Tournament. With the talent on this team I think we can do it.”
The Hurricanes return nine lettermen, including four starters, from last season’s 16-13 team that finished third in the BIG EAST Eastern Division and advanced to the National Invitation Tournament. The post-season berth was the fifth straight and sixth in the last seven seasons for Miami.
Miami opens its 2001-02 schedule on the road at the Virgin Islands Paradise Jam (Nov. 17-20). The Hurricanes open their home schedule on Nov. 24 versus Lafayette at the Miami Arena. UM opens its BIG EAST Conference schedule at Georgetown on Jan. 2. Miami’s BIG EAST home opener will be on Jan. 15 versus Pittsburgh.
Season tickets for the upcoming Hurricane Basketball season start as at $99. For ticket information contact the Hurricane Ticket Office at 305-284-CANES in Dade or 1-800-GO-CANES. For up-to-date information on University of Miami Athletics visit the official Hurricane Athletic website at www.hurricanesports.com.
