Oct. 22, 2008

RUSTON -- For Louisiana Tech, the 2008-09 season is shaping up to be completely different from seasons before.

This past weekend, the Bulldogs began practicing in preparation for the upcoming season, and Tech head coach Kerry Rupp liked what he saw.

"I thought we gave a good effort and had high intensity at points during the weekend," Rupp said. "We must learn to sustain a great effort during longer periods of time. We need an increased level of intensity physically, mentally and emotionally."

The Bulldogs have worked hard on both ends of the court, but Rupp said this past weekend was about creating an identity for the team.

"We are working hard establishing a defensive presence and developing a rebounding mentality on both ends of the floor which will be key to being successful," Rupp said. "We are looking to get more efficient offensively as we develop our team chemistry."

Junior Kyle Gibson leads three returning letterwinners from last year's team and is joined by seniors Adrian Rogers and James Loe. Rogers is the longest standing Bulldog member and was the last to play with Paul Millsap, who is now a member of the Utah Jazz.

Fresh faces pepper the Bulldog lineup including transfers Magnum Rolle and Kenny Cooper who will be eligible to play after sitting out last season. Freshman Olu Ashaolu is also preparing to suit up after sitting out last season to redshirt.

The newcomers include junior college transfers Jamel Guyton and David Jackson, along with sophomore Shawn Oliverson, who originally played for Cornell before serving his two-year Latter Day Saint Mission.

The Bulldogs also signed standout guard Brandon Gibson out of Marianna High School in Marianna, Fla., and added Anson Barlett out of Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Ark.

Tech has less than three weeks left before its exhibition match against Oklahoma Panhandle State on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. in the Thomas Assembly Center. Admission will be free.

LA Tech fans can purchase basketball season tickets by calling 318-257-3631 or logging onto www.latechsports.com.

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