Season tickets and individual game tickets for 2009-10 Panther Basketball are on sale now through the Georgia State ticket office (online or 1.866.GA.STATE).
ATLANTA-Improved depth and versatility in the backcourt have been on display in Georgia State's preseason practices as the Panthers continue preparations for next week's exhibition game.
The Panthers host Shorter on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Georgia State Sports Arena in their only preseason exhibition. The following week, Georgia State will be one of the first teams in the nation to open the regular season when the Panthers play at NC State, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C.
Georgia State posted a 12-20 record in 2008-09, but the Panthers finished strong, winning five of their last seven games, and look to build on that momentum.
"Practice is going well," said Georgia State head coach Rod Barnes, entering his third season at the helm. "I like the intensity. Our guys are working hard, and we're trying to build chemistry. I really like the effort on the court, especially the way we're defending.
Preseason all-Colonial Athletic Association guard Joe Dukes is the Panthers' marquee player, and the 6-1 senior is the model of versatility after averaging 12.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game. He played primarily at the point last season but should have an opportunity to spend more time off the ball this season to capitalize on his scoring ability.
Allowing Dukes to move off the ball are sharp-shooting senior Trae Goldston and NC State transfer Marques Johnson.
"The backcourt is definitely the area where we have the most depth," said Barnes. "It all starts with Joe Dukes, who I think is one of the better guards in our league. He and Trae Goldston finished last season playing really well, and now we can add some other guys. Marques Johnson is a versatile, big guard who can play any of three positions for us.
"On the wing, we also return Dante Curry, who's a really good outside shooter, and we add Jihad Ali, who's got some size, coming off his redshirt year.
Also displaying improvement is sophomore backup James Fields, who can play both guard positions. Sophomore Mi'Kyel Nero, a junior college transfer, adds depth.
"Because we're so versatile, we can show people a lot of different looks," said Barnes." If we need defense, we can play guys like James Fields and Marques Johnson along with Joe Dukes, but if we need offense, we would probably look at Trae Goldston, Joe Dukes and Jihad Ali or Dante Curry. At any time, we can change the game by changing the combination. I'm excited about that."
While the Panthers do not have the same depth in the post, seniors Xavier Hansbro and Ousman Krubally have been playing well.
"Xavier Hansbro is our most improved player, and he's looking to have a really good senior year," said Barnes. "When he came here, he was more of an outside shooter, but he's really worked on his inside game. From 15 feet and in, he's really been producing in practice, and hopefully beginning next week, we'll see him carry that to the games."
Rugged 6-7 senior Trey Hampton provides rebounding and defense, while 6-7 junior college transfer Jamar Taylor gives the Panthers another strong rebounder. Freshman center James Vincent has been sidelined by injury but looks to return to practice next week.
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