Men's Basketball Holds First Practice
October 03, 2015 | Men's Basketball
Click on the play button on the photo above for a video recap from Saturday's practice, including interviews with Wayne Tinkle and players.
Click on this link for a gallery of photos that were taken by Scobel Wiggins.
CORVALLIS, Ore. – What a difference a year makes.
Last year at this time, the Oregon State men's basketball team had nine players suited up for its first official practice, which was held three days before the team had open walk-on tryouts to fill out the roster.
On Saturday, head coach Wayne Tinkle ran 15 players through nearly three hours of practice with the emphasis on defense and fundamentals. Freshman Tres Tinkle sat out the practice with a minor ankle injury, but he's expected to return to action in the next couple of days.
“It's exciting,” Wayne Tinkle said. “We have a full complement of guys. A year ago we weren't sure what our roster was. The guys brought a lot of energy, but we have a long way to go. This is day one in a long process, but it was fun to get it underway.”
The expectations are high for an Oregon State team that surprised everyone last season by finishing 17-14 overall, including program records for best start at Gill Coliseum (14-0) and most home victories (15).
This year's squad has a full complement of 13 scholarship players, including five seniors, two juniors and six freshmen. The seniors have played a combined 357 games at Oregon State and the freshmen comprise a recruiting class that was ranked No. 14 in the nation, the highest ranking in program history.
Fans can secure new Oregon State men's basketball season tickets by visiting this link or calling 800-GO-BEAVS. Far West Classic Invite tickets will be included for all Oregon State men's basketball season ticket holders, giving fans a total of 18 games to watch in Corvallis and Portland during the 2015-16 season (including an exhibition game).
