Redbird men's basketball practice begins

[October 15, 2012]  NORMAL -- One month before the 2012-13 men's basketball season tips off against UC Santa Barbara, the Redbirds had their first day of practice Friday evening at ISU's North Gym practice facility. It was first-year head coach Dan Muller's first official practice as the team's leader.

"The first day of practice is always exciting. I've been waiting for this for a long time," Muller said. "Our guys are fired up to get out there every day and continue to build our team for the season."

Muller said the Redbirds will keep constructing their defense, which was the primary preseason focus. With practice under way, ISU is also working on its offense, along with improving individual skills and becoming a cohesive team that competes consistently.

"We've had a great offseason, and preseason conditioning went very well," Muller said. "I think our team is coming together very well. Practice is going to be intense, but we're always focused on getting better every day. That's our goal. And with practice here, now we can really build our team to become the best we can be."

The Redbirds return four out of their five starters from last season's team that made it to the championship game of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament and the second round of the National Invitation Tournament. The 2011-12 Redbirds finished with a 21-14 overall record.

This year's team is already receiving recognition, as senior forward Jackie Carmichael ranks No. 79 on the preseason top 100 national player list released by CBSSports.com.

The public will have its first chance to see the 2012-13 Redbirds in action on Wednesday during Hoopfest at Redbird Arena.

ISU's first and only exhibition game is scheduled for Nov. 5 versus Quincy. The season is set to tip off Nov. 12 at home against UC Santa Barbara.

For ticket information, call the Redbird Arena ticket office at 309-438-8000.

[Text from news release received from Illinois State University]