ETSU men’s basketball meets fans at open practice

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Bucs took the court at Brooks Gymnasium on Saturday morning, inviting fans to come out and catch a glimpse of the new-look squad on Homecoming weekend.

With the team divided in half, the players scrimmaged for 40 minutes of running clock. Head coach Brooks Savage said it was the longest game-like scenario the group has had this offseason.

There was plenty of talent on display throughout the session, including some flashes from the new veteran transfers brought in this summer.

Coaches and players alike know the key to unlocking this squad’s potential this winter lies in their ability to gel quickly.

“Today, we showed instances of the chemistry we’ve built,” graduate guard John Buggs III said.”

“It makes it much easier just having those guys to make shots on a consistent basis,” returning senior guard Quimari Peterson explained. “It’s just going to be fun. I just gotta worry about doing the little things and just helping everybody out.”

“We have seven or eight guys that can start,” Savage said Saturday. “We can only start five guys. So, how are you going to be when you don’t start and you think you should … We’re talented. It ain’t a talent issue. It’s going to be about all the other stuff.”

The Bucs will get their first test in just over three weeks, as they host High Point in a charity exhibition inside Freedom Hall. Tip-off on Sunday, October 27 is slated for 4 p.m.

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