Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Blue Raider hoops getting after it through one week of practice
10/4/2021 2:59:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Murfreesboro, Tenn.- Competition ran fierce in the second practice of the 2021-2022 season for the MTSU men's basketball team. The coaching staff stressed that if the team wants to be successful, they need to be tough as well as accountable.
As the team continues to develop camaraderie, Coach Nick McDevitt was encouraged by what he's witnessed to this point.
"I think our energy's been good this week," McDevitt said. "I like our competitive nature and spirit, and they're learning the fundamentals and our team identity."
As it's a new season, there's also new incoming prospects ready to make an impact on the team. MTSU welcomes some talented young men that are ready to make Blue Raider nation proud.
Freshman Teafale Lenard is a 6-foot-7 guard out of Snyder High School in Texas. During Lenard's senior year he was ranked No. 111 in the nation. He also won All-Conference Defensive Player of the Year in his district. Lenard will be depended upon for his defensive versatility via his long reach, speed, and ability to guard multiple positions as the season approaches.
"I think my length, and ability to get a lot of steals is going to help the team," Lenard said.
Another newcomer by the name of Isaiah Turner is a 6-foot-9 forward who transferred from Odessa College. As a sophomore for Odessa, Turner averaged about 10 points, and 4 rebounds a game. Turner shared his thoughts about his first week of practice with MTSU compared to Odessa.
"They're both very competitive," Turner said. "I just feel like you really have to earn your right to be here."
Looking to add a bit of toughness, shooting, and height at the forward position, Turner has a chance to be a key cog in the team's rotation.
Throughout the drills he put his team through, McDevitt hinted at what it would take to earn one of the five available spots in the starting lineup.
"I've got a little bit of an idea about who would be tough to beat out, but it's so early," McDevitt said. "We're still switching up playing combinations with our 3-on-3, 4-on-4, and 5-on-5 drills."
As the next five weeks of practice continue before the first game of the season, expect McDevitt to have a clear idea of how to play his talented roster.
As the team continues to develop camaraderie, Coach Nick McDevitt was encouraged by what he's witnessed to this point.
"I think our energy's been good this week," McDevitt said. "I like our competitive nature and spirit, and they're learning the fundamentals and our team identity."
As it's a new season, there's also new incoming prospects ready to make an impact on the team. MTSU welcomes some talented young men that are ready to make Blue Raider nation proud.
Freshman Teafale Lenard is a 6-foot-7 guard out of Snyder High School in Texas. During Lenard's senior year he was ranked No. 111 in the nation. He also won All-Conference Defensive Player of the Year in his district. Lenard will be depended upon for his defensive versatility via his long reach, speed, and ability to guard multiple positions as the season approaches.
"I think my length, and ability to get a lot of steals is going to help the team," Lenard said.
Another newcomer by the name of Isaiah Turner is a 6-foot-9 forward who transferred from Odessa College. As a sophomore for Odessa, Turner averaged about 10 points, and 4 rebounds a game. Turner shared his thoughts about his first week of practice with MTSU compared to Odessa.
"They're both very competitive," Turner said. "I just feel like you really have to earn your right to be here."
Looking to add a bit of toughness, shooting, and height at the forward position, Turner has a chance to be a key cog in the team's rotation.
Throughout the drills he put his team through, McDevitt hinted at what it would take to earn one of the five available spots in the starting lineup.
"I've got a little bit of an idea about who would be tough to beat out, but it's so early," McDevitt said. "We're still switching up playing combinations with our 3-on-3, 4-on-4, and 5-on-5 drills."
As the next five weeks of practice continue before the first game of the season, expect McDevitt to have a clear idea of how to play his talented roster.
Players Mentioned
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/ Men's Basketball2025 MTSU Basketball tickets on sale now - October 1st
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