Oct. 16, 2009

San Marcos, Texas- - The Texas State men's basketball team held its first preseason practice as the Bobcats begin preparing for the 2009-10 season which opens on November 13.

Heading into his fourth season as head coach, Doug Davalos was quite pleased with the effort and attitude of his team as they went through a series of offensive and defensive drills ranging from one-on-one competition to five-man defensive drills.

"You can see the progress made by players who have been in our program the last two years," Davalos said. "Having guys who are beginning their third year in the program like Cameron Johnson, John Rybak and Jonathan Sloan helps us progress a little faster."

Johnson and Sloan are beginning their junior seasons after signing with Texas State as freshmen. Rybak is a transfer from Akron who averaged 10 points per game while starting 29 of the 30 games last season after practicing with the team the year before.

Davalos also was pleased with the overall effort and intensity the Bobcats displayed in their first practice as well.

"The energy level was great and their attitude was tremendous," Davalos said. "But, it was the first practice and we are not very good in terms of execution right now, which is normal. But, I like their attitude, their intensity and they came to work, so it was a good first day. But, it was just that- the first day. We have keep and getting better each day and retain what we have learned."