Orangeburg, SC--The 2015-16 edition of the South Carolina State men's basketball team got things started Monday (Oct. 5) with a three-hour afternoon practice at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center.

"It was great to get our first official day of practice under our belt. We told the guys from here on out a lot of new information will be introduced daily, and we have to make sure we carry over the schemes from one day to next," said SC State head coach Murray Garvin.

"Today might have been the best first day of practice since I have been here. With the high level of competition at each position, we will have very competitive practices and that's exactly what you want in preparation for the season, said Garvin."   "The next month should be very interesting to say the least. "

Garvin, who is entering his third full year at the helm as head coach, led the Bulldogs to their best MEAC finish (7th) last season since 2010. He returns a veteran squad with eight (8) returnees and four starters and welcomes four talented newcomers.

Senior forward Daryll Palmer leads the way as the top returnee for the Bulldogs. Palmer led the Bulldogs in rebounding with 6.7 rebounds and 7.5 points per outing. Sophomore guard Edward Stephens had a stellar freshman season and was among the top rookies in the conference averaging 12.0 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 1.2 steals.

Also, among the top returnees for Garvin this season are junior guard Greg Mortimer (8.9 ppg), senior forward Gabe McCray (4.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg), sophomore forward Tashombe Riley (5.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg) and junior guard Jalen White (6.3 ppg, 2.1 apg).

The four additions to this year's roster are juniors guards Eric Eaves and Najee Pritchard and junior forwards Mikeal Donaldson and Jaylen Reid.

After missing the entire 2014-15 campaign due to injury, the frontcourt should be much improved with the return of junior center Doudou Gueye and redshirt-senior power forward Luka Radvoic.

SC State opens the season on Friday, November 13 on the road against College of Charleston in Charleston, SC. Tip-off is 7 p.m.


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