MUNCIE, Ind. (NewsLink) — Basketball season is right around the corner as things are starting to heat up for the Cardinals as they begin their very first practice of the year.
The team is equipped with a number of new faces as well as several returning players. The Cardinals are hopeful that this season will mark their first appearance in the NCAA tournament in almost 20 years.
Head coach James Whitford believes the chemistry on this team will be a key factor in their success.
“I think it’s critical. When you are part of a connected group you are more inspired to work towards the team goals,” said Whitford.
The team finished 16-17 last year with a lot of their losses coming from conference play as they finished 6-12 against other MAC West opponents.
One thing that the Cardinals will count on is their impressive road play from last season as they finished 8-7.
Junior Ishmeal El-Amin emphasized that today's practice was a continuation of what the teams goals were at the end of the season last year.
“We’re just putting everything together, just like the practice before,” Said El-Amin.
The team will officially start their season on Nov. 5th when they go head-to-head with Defiance at Worthen Arena.
