With a new coaching staff, five new players, and nine returning players, the Aggie men’s basketball team will finally get to show fans the hard work they have been putting in for the new season.

Earlier in the month Aggie Madness kicked off the start of winter sports, specifically the official start of the 2012-2013 basketball season. Since madness, the team has been able to practice for long periods of time almost everyday focusing on offensive and defensive principles, which will be key during their season.

“Preparation wise we have been focusing on playing good defense and most of all just playing hard and playing together,” said senior Forward Adrian Powell.

 The team enters this season differently than last with playing tougher and harder than before, constantly preparing, being confident, and most importantly determination. “The biggest difference from last year and this year is going to be our approach to the game and our mentality,” said senior Forward/Guard Austin Witter.

The team’s schedule this year includes 12 home games as well as non-conference games in states including Nevada, Ohio, New Jersey, Georgia, Texas, and California. “It’s a very challenging schedule,” said head coach Ty Alexander. “Our non-conference schedule is really going to test us early on. That’s going to be a good thing because there are so many quality teams in the MEAC. I’m hoping our non-conference schedule prepares us for the rigors of the MEAC.”

Powell as well as senior Guard R.J. Buck like the schedule and believe the team will be able to win a lot of games. Along with collecting wins the team is looking forward to traveling together, having fun, playing ball, and claiming the MEAC title.

The Alexander era will begin this Thursday at 7 p.m. in Corbett Sports Center with an exhibition game against Fayetteville State. “We are taking these games really seriously because they set the tone for our season,” said Buck.

In addition to being prepared and working hard the players have also been making self-improvements. “I would say that I improved in all aspects of my game. My mentality to the game has definitely changed as well as my skills,” said Witter. “I’ve improved my outside shot tremendously this year,” said Buck.

The team’s main focus for the season is playing hard, smart, and together with the ultimate goal of contending for the MEAC title and winning the tournament.

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• Symone Kidd, Sports Editor