EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) – We are not far away from the tip off of college basketball season, so let’s head to UE and check in with the Purple Aces Men’s Basketball Team.
A big difference for them, returners! The Purple Aces return two from their frontcourt, Connor Turnbull and Josh Hughes. They also have a lot of new faces, transfers, and some new international students that bring in pro experience. Now, a month out from the first game, it’s time focus all the talent and become a team.
“Trying to stay process-driven in our daily approach, but again, the team is very competitive, extremely coachable, very connected, the ball moves whenever we’re out playing 5-on-5, and again, they just get to the next play. It’s been a lot of fun to see guys learn their teammates, and grow into their role on our team, and every single day we’ve gotten a little bit better,” said Head Coach David Ragland.
Even the returning guys can tell something is different, and that’s got them ready to grow into their potential.
“Right off the get-go, just talent. Seeing that we’ve got guys that can come in, score the ball, and then play both sides of the ball too. Both years that I’ve been here, we’ve been great defensively, so I think that will be really important to take into this season, not just offense,” said Junior Forward Joshua Hughes. “This year, we’ve really noticed the increase in leadership, from myself, just growing as a player, but also having these other guys come in, specifically KP and Alex.”
“This is a new era. This is a team that we can switch around and turn around and win the conference this year,” said 5th Year Guard Keishon Porter.
The Purple Aces open the season at Purdue on November 4th.
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