Oct. 17, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford University basketball team officially kicked off its 2009-10 season Saturday at the Pete Hanna Center as the Bulldogs held a spirited two-and-a-half hour practice. 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 your 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 9:30 a.m., and worked through its schedule at a seamless pace until noon.

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 a free-throw drill and sideline-to-sideline sprints.

"We're very excited about this upcoming season," Tillette said. "I think we have a great chance to do well in conference play and we have a great mix of returning players and new guys. If we can stay healthy, then I think we'll have a great chance to compete in our league."

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

In 2008-09, the Bulldogs concluded the year with a 16-16 overall record and a 9-11 mark against conference opponents. Samford finished its inaugural season in the SoCon as the third-place team in the North Division and qualified for postseason play for an unprecedented 16th-consecutive year.

At the 2009 SoCon Tournament, the Bulldogs knocked off Furman and The Citadel to advance all the way to the semifinal round of the competitive 12-team tournament. Samford ended up losing to eventual-champion Chattanooga at The McKenzie Arena in downtown Chattanooga, Tenn.

"We feel great about this upcoming season," said Samford senior point guard Trey Montgomery. "I think it's been remarkable how well our team has turned it around in the last two years. Prior to last season, we were picked dead last in the conference and then we made it all the way to the semifinals of the tournament. We all feel good about the team this season."

The Samford University basketball team will begin its 2009-10 regular-season schedule on Nov. 13, as the Bulldogs square off against the Kent State Golden Flashes at 6 p.m. (CST). The matchup will be a part of the 2009 Hispanic College Fund Classic being held in Kent, Ohio.