Oct. 15, 2010
DAVIS, Calif. - The UC Davis men's basketball team is set to have their first official practice of the 2010-11 season, starting today. The Aggies begin their regular season competition in four weeks, after finishing with a 14-18 overall record and an 8-8 mark in the Big West a year ago.
UC Davis has improved in both total wins and conference wins every season, since joining the Division I ranks as a full-time member during the 2007-08 school year. After earning a No. 4 seed in the Big West tournament and advancing to the semifinals in 2009-10, head coach Gary Stewart is excited about his team this year.
"This is truly a special time of year," said coach Stewart. "We have been building toward this day since our semi-final game of the 2010 Big West Tournament. I am excited about the off-season progress we have made as a program and I firmly believe it will translate into a successful 2010-11 season."
The Aggies return an experienced group, including five players that started 10 or more games a season ago. Among the returners are seniors Joe Harden, Mark Payne and Todd Lowenthal. Harden was awarded Second Team All-Big West honors for the second consecutive year last season, after averaging 14.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.
Payne and Lowenthal each missed games due to injury, but Payne contributed 15.6 points, 4.4 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game in 24 contests. Lowenthal saw action in 21 games, starting 15, and chipped in with 3.9 points and 4.5 boards per game.
Notable returners also include All-Big West Freshman Team member Ryan Sypkens and red-shirt sophomore Ryan Howley, who was one of four Aggies to play in all 32 games. The 12-man roster is rounded out by returners Ryan Silva and Eddie Miller, along with newcomers Harrison Dupont, Alex Tiffin, Josh Ritchart, Tyler Les and Mike Kurtz.
While there is excitement that comes with the start of a new season, coach Stewart is also focused on the task at hand.
"Obviously, there is significant work to be done prior to our first contest and beyond," said Stewart. "October 15th begins another chapter of our programs development. We are meeting this challenge with enthusiasm unknown to mankind."
Fans will have their first chance to see the Aggies in action when they host Menlo College on Nov. 3 in an exhibition. UC Davis begins its regular season Nov. 12 against Florida Atlantic at the Athletes in Action Classic in Portland, Ore. The Aggies will take on host Portland the following day before concluding the tournament Nov. 14 against Wisc.-Milwaukee.
