Citadel Basketball Completes First Full Week of Practice

Charleston, S.C.- The Citadel Basketball team completed its first full week of practice under the direction of Head Coach Chuck Driesell. Driesell brings a high-octane offense that will certainly be a transition from the methodical Princeton offense that was utilized last season. The style is similar to the fast paced offense from Maryland that has averaged 75.8 points per game over the last four years.

"I am very excited about our first week of practice," said Driesell. "The guys are working hard, picking up the system and most importantly their attitude and effort is outstanding. This team will have some depth, especially in the back court, but also in the front court with the addition of some new players. It will give us an opportunity to have a solid rotation in this offense."

Senior swingman Austin Dahn has also seen the differences that Driesell's offense has brought to the team. "The offense has helped me by pushing the ball more in transition and I am able to get more open shots, especially from 3-point range," said the three-year starter. "I am getting a lot more mid-range shots than the last few years. We have really been able to focus on our spacing, setting up the offense quickly and moving the ball around. The offense this year will help me out as opposed to the movement over the last three years. I have really worked on my conditioning, getting my legs under me, and trying to adjust myself to high speed play while staying under control and knocking down my shot."

Citadel freshman DeVontae Wright, who hails from nearby Goose Creek, spoke to members of the media following the first full week of practice. "The biggest difference is the change of speed in the game from high school to college," said Wright. "Being that Coach Driesell comes from Maryland, I was expecting a high level of intensity. He's going to expect us to play up to those standards and that is something that I am getting adjusted too. I am used to that style of offense because that is the offense that we ran while in high school."

KEY DATES FOR CITADEL PRESEASON BASKETBALL

October 30:  Blue-White Scrimmage, 10-Noon
November 1 (note, this date is originally moved from Oct. 18):  Former Citadel Basketball standout Chuck Cordell is offering Bulldog fans a unique opportunity to participate in his "Bucket List." The proceeds will benefit the Basketball Complex Renovation at McAlister Field House. The raffle drawing will take place on November 1st.
November 2:  Exhibition Game vs. North Greenville, 7 p.m.
November 9:  "Meet the Bulldogs", McAlister Field House, 6 p.m.
November 10:  Single game tickets go on sale for non-season ticket holders.

The season will tip-off on Nov. 12 when The Citadel travels to Richmond, opening with a Spiders team that reached the 2010 NCAA Tournament before bowing out to Saint Mary's in the first round. The Citadel will host 14 games at McAlister Field House, including nine against Southern Conference competition, beginning with a pair of November games against James Madison (Nov. 20) and High Point (Nov. 23).