Bowling Green State University Athletics
Men's Basketball Begins Practice On Friday
October 14, 2005 | Men's Basketball
Oct. 14, 2005
Bowling Green, Ohio - The BGSU men's basketball team will begin its ninth season under head coach Dan Dakich when it holds its first official practice on Friday.
Falcon fans can get their first look at the 2005-06 squad next Saturday, October 22, when the team holds a 1 p.m. scrimmage in Anderson Arena.
BGSU will open the season against Western Carolina on November 10 in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Media Day Quotes
COACH Dan Dakich
"What I've seen in our team, is a team that works really hard."
"When we do things one day, the next day they pick them all up and that works out well."
On starting the season in a tournament at Virginia Tech
"I wanted a tournament where we were going to play three games, not two games because we have a young team and we want to play a bunch of games. So, we looked at that one, they were interested in us, they called us and the days just worked themselves out. ...And I wanted to play three games right at the start of the season because I wanted this group to jump right into it."
On his excitement for the upcoming season
"This year, as much as any, simply because there are some talented kids. ...But literally, you can see everyday, they're learning. But we got lucky, in my opinion, because of the new rules (NCAA) allowing you full access to the team and what we did, over the last two weeks and yesterday, was just practice as a team and that helps."
On Martin Samarco
"He's been really interesting. He's a really vocal kid, which in this day and age, there aren't a lot of. He's a little bit like when we had (Anthony) Stacey, he'll demand of other people. Now, he's got to make sure that he's playing well, but in terms of demanding of others, he's been very good and demanding of others... He's been good, he's been very good and really they all have."
"I give Steve (Wright), John (Floyd), Matt (Lefeld) and Moon (Robinson) credit in leading these guys and Martin is going to be somebody that does that too, probably by Christmas."
"It is a different feeling from the last two years that I've been here and been a younger guy. But it is exciting. I'm relishing the role of being a leader. I'm looking forward to hopefully leading these guys to great things."
What do you see from the new players?
"Talent. They're definitely talented. Theyíve obviously got some growing pains to go through, they're not at the right spot at the right time and stuff like that, but that comes with time. But they are coming along faster than Coach thought, I, myself thought and all of the older guys thought."
"Our athleticism, being able to get up and down the floor. Coach
has talked about playing a much faster pace this year and said
that if can average 125 points, let's do it. And I think that
is really one of the strengths because we really do have 13 or
14 guys that are capable of playing 20 minutes a game."
Martin Samarco
"The difference between junior college at Schoolcraft and
Bowling Green really is time management. Here, I have to prove
myself over again but it all has been a learning experience
and I'm learning... It has been tough, but other than that,
I'm going to get through it."
"I feel like it (broken foot) is progressing real good. I've
been getting a lot of treatment on it."
You hope to be back by opening night against Western Carolina?
"That is my goal - to be back by November 10th."
Describe your thoughts regarding your new teammates and what
you've seen.
"They're very hardworking. We all get along with each other,
go out to eat with each other and spend time together as a
team."
