Ladies and Gentlemen: The Stan Heath Takes Off on Oct. 12

[Brad]

Courtesy USF

Stan Heath Era Kicks Off Oct. 12

The University of South Florida men’s basketball team and new head coach Stan Heath officially kick off preparations for the 2007-08 season with an open to the public practice Friday, Oct. 12, from 6-8 p.m. at the USF Sun Dome. Admission to the event is free.

“We anxiously look forward to the start of practice,” said Heath. “We have made strides in our preseason with skill development and strength gains. With several new players adapting to high level basketball and the implementation of a fast tempo approach, we realize the work in front of our team. We expect intense and high energy practices each time we take the court.”

The Bulls open the season with an exhibition game vs. Saint Leo on Wednesday, Oct. 31, at 7 p.m. at the Sun Dome. The regular-season home opener is set for Friday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. against Cleveland State as part of the Glenn Wilkes Classic. Season and group tickets for USF home basketball games can be purchased by calling 1-800-GoBulls. Single-game tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or via Ticketmaster phone at 813-287-8844. The complete men’s basketball schedule is available at www.GoUSFBulls.com.

With the arrival of Coach Heath, the 2007-08 season will be the start of a new era for the USF men’s basketball program. Heath will lead the Bulls into their third BIG EAST season after successful coaching stints at Arkansas and Kent State, which included three NCAA Tournament appearances, a 30-win season and an Elite Eight finish.

Leading the way for Heath and his staff will be senior center and All-BIG EAST Second Team selection Kentrell Gransberry. Gransberry, a 6-9, 270-pound force in the middle, is the top returning rebounder in the country. The Baton Rouge, La., native pulled down 11.4 boards per game last season, tops in the BIG EAST and third-best in the nation, averaged 15.6 points per game and shot 57.7 percent from the field in his first season in Division I. The big man will have some help as the Bulls return six of their top eight scorers, seven letterwinners and three starters in Gransberry and sophomore guards Chris Howard and Solomon Bozeman.

OPENING PRACTICE: Friday, Oct. 12 – 6-8 p.m. USF Sun Dome

[Buller64]

Let's get the chant started:

#12, #12, #12  ;D

Lets make the BE tourney this year, if Heath does that it would be a good year for us. 

[Polkcountybull]

Met Stan at a coaching clinic today in Daytona.  His talk was disrupted by the fire alarm going off and we had to evacuate the room.  He talked about his 1-1-3 match up zone discussing the traps and slides.  Hopefully, he can get the team moving in the right direction.