The Auburn men's basketball team is set to take on Victory University in its first exhibition game of the season Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. in the Auburn Arena. The game is a chance for Auburn players and coaches to assess how well the players are responding to things they've been working on in practice.
Head Coach Tony Barbee talked about the effort the players are showing in practice and where they are as a team.
"Practice has been going great -- they've been spirited, they've been physical," Barbee said. "Obviously the veteran players are ahead of the curve. Guys that have been with me two years have been unbelievable in terms of their leadership and their understanding of what we want to do offensively and defensively. They're doing a great job of coaching the younger guys. The younger guys are coming along, but they're behind -- we have to get them caught up so we can move things along."
Fifth-year senior guard Frankie Sullivan talked about the how well the incoming players have responded and what it means to embrace the leadership role Barbee expects from him.
"Guys came into summer with a great attitude... it makes it a lot easier for the seniors in a leadership role," he said. "Freshmen are taking it in, soaking it in and responding to it -- not just hanging their head. Most guys come in from high school thinking they know it all, but these are a great group of guys... they make our jobs as seniors easier. I have to be more vocal... when coach Barbee is on the team or me, I have to show the freshmen how it's done because coach is counting on me in that leadership role. Coach isn't doing that to break us down, but doing it to make us a better team."
Sullivan also emphasized some of the key points Barbee has preached to them in practice this week gearing up for their exhibition game Tuesday.
"Effort and hard work," he said. "Exhibition games let you know where you're at and things you can continue to improve on in practice. Great defense. We've been focusing on defense. Defense wins championships -- defense and free throws. We're not just trying to win ball games. We're trying to win a championship here."
Sullivan is Auburn's leading returning scorer, averaging 12.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists last season.
Auburn also returns senior Rob Chubb, who averaged 8.1 points and 5.1 rebounds last season.
Barbee said he expects a lot from his team this season and knows it starts with having good practices and great effort.
"I have to make sure every day we're getting better," he said. "I told guys we are talking about doing something special, accomplishing something special and winning at a different level than we've won since we've been here, but to do that you have to have winning practices. You have to have championship practices. You can't have anyone not focused on getting better, and we have to hold each other accountable every day, but to do that you have to hold yourself accountable first."
The men's basketball team held a pep rally at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26 and an open practice Saturday, Oct. 27 before the football game in an effort to get students and fans excited for the upcoming season.
"The pep rally is a way to show our appreciation for the students on Friday night," Barbee said. "A chance to let them know basketball is around the corner -- that there's a buzz about this team, an excitement. We're a long way away from being a good team, but the guys are working hard and we want to give the fans a chance on Saturday to come out and see the basketball team and get an early look of where we're starting. They'll get a look at how far we are away, but once we get to that finished product we have a chance to be a good team."
The team finished 15-16 last season, but Barbee said he hopes added depth and senior leadership will lead this year's team to new heights.
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