Men's Basketball Takes First Steps Toward 2011-12 Season

MACON, Ga. – The waiting is over for the 2011-12 edition of the Mercer University men’s basketball team, as the Bears took the court – along with hundreds of other programs around the country - on Friday at 5 p.m. for the first official practice time.

As fans - and perhaps opponents alike - wonder what will be on the “menu” for MU head coach Bob Hoffman’s (fourth season) squad, one thing is certain:  Youth will be served.  The Mercer team is comprised of just one senior, and four juniors, with the balance of the roster made up of nine sophomores and four freshmen.  Two of those juniors are JUCO transfers and are still assimilating to Bears Basketball.

Local media members garnered last minute interviews and assessments from Hoffman and his charges prior to the 5 p.m. tipoff for 2011-12 practice. But when that appointed hour came, it was down to business for Mercer in what was a spirited and focused practice session.

One of the most noticeable aspects of the MU team was its triad of big men: Monty Brown (6-11, 240), Daniel Coursey (6-11, 210) and Paul Larsen (6-6, 220). All three showed the positive results of some obvious off-season work – with Brown turning the proverbial “freshman 15” into some serious “sophomore solid” as he added muscle mass while losing weight and Coursey putting on 10 pounds of muscle to his weight, along with an already-solid Larsen displaying increased quickness and mobility - which will allow them to be interchangeable in Hoffman’s plans and a headache to opponents.

Among the new faces to the 2011-12 roster are junior transfers Travis Smith (Johns Island, S.C./Gulf Coast C.C.) and Shaquille Harris (Americus, Ga./Enterprise, Ala., C.C.). True freshmen Kymon Woods (Gainesville, Ga./East Hall H.S.) and T.J. Hallice (Weddington, N.C./Fishburne Military Academy) are also newcomers. Redshirt freshmen Jibri Bryan and Darious Moten will be seeing the first action of their MU careers, as well.

Fans will have the opportunity to see MU on display on Sunday, October 23 at 3 p.m. when the team plays its annual “Orange & White” intersquad contest, which will be open to the public.

Season tickets for the 2011-12 season remain on sale by calling (478) 301-5470 or go to MercerBears.com.