Troy University Athletics
Men's Basketball Prepares for Saturday Exhibition
11/10/2005 12:00:00 AM | Basketball (M)
TROY -- The 2005-06 Troy men's basketball schedule unofficially begins on Saturday when the Trojans host Piedmont in an exhibition game at 1 p.m. Admission is free so that fans can come out and get a sneak peak at the team.
"With a lot of new faces this season, the exhibition will be a good experience for us," said Head Coach Don Maestri. "Our players will be able to put on their uniforms and get an actual feel of a competitive game."
Troy returns just six players from last year's squad and will be counting on the seven scholarship newcomers. Among the familiar faces are the leading scorer and top three three-point shooters from the 2003-04 squad. Senior Bobby Dixon averaged 14.7 points and 4.1 assists a year ago, finishing just one three-pointer shy of the school's Division I-era record. He converted 39.9 percent of his attempts (91 of 228). Jacob Hazouri hit 75 threes last year.
The incoming class of newcomers is highlighted by junior college transfers Boo Ramsey, Sammy Sharp and Cedric Jackson. Ramsey is a prototypical shooting guard, while 6-foot-8 Jackson and 6-foot-7 Sharp will add much-needed height to the inside attack. Additionally, 6-foot-8 Todd Martin sat out last season after transferring from Albany and should be a solid force.
As far as Saturday is concerned, the coaches have no preconcieved plan of attack. "Our objective is to play everyone, to give some experience to those who may not get significant time during the early part of the regular season," added Maestri. "But you never know when those players will be called upon."
The 2005-06 regular season opens a week from Friday in New York City as the Trojans face Quinnipiac at the Columbia Classic. The home opener is Nov. 23 against Oakwood.
