 "Photo: File photo")
Forward Mike Singletary believes the Red Raiders have improved as a team since their 2008-2009 season wrapped up last March.
It is quite possible the biggest improvement for Singletary and company was a rededication to strength and conditioning. Singletary lost about 15 pounds during the offseason.
“I wanted to be quicker, and I wanted to be faster, I wanted to jump higher and stuff like that,” Singletary said. “We felt like 215, 217 (pounds) would be a great weight for me. Last year I played at like 230. We just felt that was too heavy. It was just a combination of weight training and a combination of dieting and watching what you eat. Just eating a lot of things that are good for you.”
Singletary said he believes shedding a few pounds will not impact his effectiveness around the basket. He asserts he still has the strength he had last season without the excess weight. Instead, he expects to be quicker than the big men guarding him underneath the basket.
Tech coach Pat Knight said the new Singletary also is an improved one.
Knight said fans will not only be surprised by Singletary’s new level of fitness, but also the condition of some of the other players returning from last year’s squad.
“Mike is actually playing like an athlete now,” he said. “He drives better than what he did, runs the floor better. He can get dunks now and without the added weight, his speed’s better and jumping ability is better. It’s not the same for every guy, but I think people will see a big difference up and down our lineup.”
Robert Lewandowski, a 6-foot-10, now-248 pound forward, gained eight pounds since last season and guard John Roberson maintained his weight of 165.
Singletary, Lewandowski and Roberson all agreed the entire roster — even the three transfers and two freshmen — have improved both physically, whether they lost or gained weight, and mentally on the floor since the beginning of their summer workouts.
As a result, the Red Raiders cannot wait to test their endurance this weekend.
Tech faces South Dakota, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Oregon State respectively in the Duel in the Desert Tournament this weekend in the United Spirit Arena.
Tech faces South Dakota at 6 p.m. Friday, A&M-Corpus Christi at 6 p.m. Saturday and OSU at 3 p.m. Sunday.
Fatigue might be an issue when Tech plays its seemingly toughest opponent in Oregon State from the Pac-10 Conference, but the players said they are up for the challenge.
Lewandowski said the last time Tech played games as close together as the upcoming set was last year in Newark, N.J. Tech played Pittsburgh and Mississippi State — two eventual NCAA tournament teams — back-to-back last season in New Jersey.
“It was definitely trying on your body and stuff like that,” he said. “But we’re really looking forward to it, it’s going to be a lot of fun, especially at home. We’re really looking to start the season with three good wins.”
Be the first to comment on this article!