DENTON (10/11/06) Head coach Johnny Jones and the Mean Green basketball team begin gearing up for the 2006-07 season on Friday with the opening day of practice.
The Mean Green returns two-thirds of its scoring from last season, along with its offensive leader, Kendrick Davis, who earned Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year and second team all-conference honors. Davis became the 30th player in school history to score 400 points last season, and powered North Texas to the top offensive numbers in the conference.
“We are very excited to get practice started,” said North Texas head coach Johnny Jones. “With the season being moved up a week this year, it’s important that we get off to a great start.”
Led by Davis’ 16.8 points per game, North Texas posted single-game numbers that led the Sun Belt in points, field goal attempts and makes, as well as free throws made. North Texas ranked second in the conference and 32nd in the nation with nearly 77 points per contest.
But it isn’t just the offense that turns heads at the Super Pit. Jones’ mentality has transformed the Mean Green into a stingy defensive unit with the capability to dominate. North Texas led the Sun Belt in steals with 9.5 per game, finishing the season ranked 17th in the nation with the third most steals in school history (265).
What Jones’ formula adds up to is a recipe for winning, especially at home. The DeRidder, La. Native, and former LSU standout, has established a track record of wins in his career at the Super Pit. The Mean Green recorded 11 victories at the Super Pit last season, the most in 30 years. His 42 home wins over the last five seasons are the most in the Super Pit over a five year span since 1973-74 through 1977-78.
The Mean Green tips off against Texas College in exhibition play at the Super Pit on Nov. 7 and opens the season against Cameron at home on Nov. 10.
Click Here For The 2006-07 Basketball Schedule
Mean Green Ticket Office
