MOBILE, Ala. --- As the University of South Alabama men’s basketball team wrapped up its first week of preseason practice, head coach Ronnie Arrow noticed there have been some expected ups and downs.

“The first couple practices were good but the third one is always the toughest and it showed. The guys weren’t as sharp as they were before and the adrenaline of the season starting has worn off. We just now got the first team and second team sorted out and now the competition has picked up. The effort was a lot better after the third day.”

Arrow noted that having more returning players this year as opposed to last has helped the early practice sessions go more smoothly.

“We have some young guys inside that have to grow up in a hurry. Our point guard spot has been very competitive between Allyn (Cooks) and Doodles (Raymond Sims). They should make each other better every day. The biggest thing is that our guys that were here last year have to compete every day. They have to show up and do the things they learned from last year and carry over so that our drills go more smoothly and we don’t have to do it as much so we can go five-on-five.”

POINTS OF INTEREST

Going into preseason practice, the point guard position is almost a dead heat between senior Raymond Sims (Philadelphia, Pa.) and junior Allyn Cooks (Bryan, Texas).

“Their quickness has impressed me,” said Arrow. “The way we play, I tell our point guards that they have ability to lead the nation in assists, but they have to want to get those assists. They’ve competed well against each other and once we get into game time they should be ready for anybody we play.”

Cooks started 27 times last season and led the team with 82 assists while averaging 7.3 points per game, sixth-best on the squad.

Sims appeared in the first 10 games before sitting out the remainder of the campaign due to suspension. While Cooks saw five minutes more per game through Dec. 12, Sims dished out four more assists but Cooks scored 3.7 points more per outing.

“They have to become leaders,” said Arrow. “That’s the biggest thing with them. They have to get this team running and doing the things we need to do to get better.”

“I’m just trying to push my guys every day because I’m really anticipating the season,” said Sims. “I think we’ll have a good team this year, but without Allyn and me, I don’t think it’s possible.”

With the two so evenly matched, the competition between them can do nothing but help.

“Coach has been telling us that we have to push each other for us to be good,” said Sims. “The team starts with us; we need to be leaders and coaches on the floor. And if we don’t start practice or a game well, the whole team will start slow.”

“Nothing helps an individual get better than competition,” said Arrow. “When you have to look over your shoulder and can’t be at ease it helps you get better. They’re competing every day and I think that’s a good thing.”

“We have to compete to make each other better,” said Sims. “If we don’t, the games will be harder. But if we push each other in practice, everything will be easier when it comes to the games.”

“It’s great (working with Sims),” said Cooks. “I can come into practice and get pushed every day and vice versa. If we keep pushing each other like we have, I don’t see anybody in the Sun Belt guarding us.”

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com.  Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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