In the Bluejays’ third week of practice before the 2015-16 season, injuries began to mount: they had to cut practice short on Monday because they were short bodies, and on Friday two coaches ran with the scout team so they had enough players to go 5-on-5. Here’s a rundown of what happened this week as they prepared for Saturday’s “secret” scrimmage at Mizzou, thanks to tweets from WBR’s Matt DeMarinis and others who have been present.
Sunday, October 18
Of the players who did not participate in the Bluejay Madness scrimmage last night, Zach Hanson is the only Jay practicing today.
— Ralph Bistline (@RalphBistline) October 18, 2015
James Milliken is doing some non-contact drills with the team today. — Ralph Bistline (@RalphBistline) October 18, 2015
Finishing up practice with some work on the press. Ronnie and Khyri at the top of the press for their respective teams.
— Ralph Bistline (@RalphBistline) October 18, 2015
Monday, October 19
The 1st of today’s @BluejayMBB practices just starting. pic.twitter.com/syAGoRSk7m — Ralph Bistline (@RalphBistline) October 19, 2015
First of two practices today for Greg McDermott’s Bluejays — working on a breaking down the zone defense right now. pic.twitter.com/MrVKoZOBw4
— Matt DeMarinis (@mjdemarinis) October 19, 2015
James Milliken is back practicing full time today. — Ralph Bistline (@RalphBistline) October 19, 2015
James milliken back on the practice floor after missing 4 days with concussion symptoms
— Steve Pivovar (@PivOWH) October 19, 2015
Reviewing sets at game speed. pic.twitter.com/yStSAS1wxo — Ralph Bistline (@RalphBistline) October 19, 2015
Blues and whites working on full court pressing.
— Ralph Bistline (@RalphBistline) October 19, 2015
Jays going 5-possession in the half court now. White unit (Khyri, Patton, Malik, Martin, Clement) taking it to the Blue team so far. — Matt DeMarinis (@mjdemarinis) October 19, 2015
Blue team rallies in last turn through, scoring on 4 of 5 possessions, but it wasn’t enough to win the drill and avoid a down & back.
— Matt DeMarinis (@mjdemarinis) October 19, 2015
Practicing free throws – trying to make as many as they can in one minute. pic.twitter.com/LsR3xtsRRS — Ralph Bistline (@RalphBistline) October 19, 2015
Zach Hanson was not at this morning’s @BluejayMBB practice. Has a boot on his right foot this afternoon.
— Ralph Bistline (@RalphBistline) October 19, 2015
Zach Hanson marlon Stewart and Isaiah zierden not practicing this afternoon — Steve Pivovar (@PivOWH) October 19, 2015
Afternoon practice shortened. Jays went this morning too. Said Mac: Were running out of bodies
— Steve Pivovar (@PivOWH) October 19, 2015
Creighton cut short Monday practice because it was “short on bodies.” Five players sat out: https://t.co/sVZSKcjlGK pic.twitter.com/euW1AnbKhf — World-Herald Jays (@OWHjays) October 20, 2015
Tuesday, October 20
The Jays took Tuesday off, but there was news on the injury front:
Bad break for Bluejays: guard Marlon Stewart says he has torn meniscus in his knee, will have to have surgery and will be about a month
— Steve Pivovar (@PivOWH) October 20, 2015
Wednesday, October 21
Bluejay Media Day at the Championship Center. pic.twitter.com/cfMQdZ5n5h — Matt DeMarinis (@mjdemarinis) October 21, 2015
The team is stretching. Today’s @BluejayMBB practice about to get started. pic.twitter.com/g42LVGg7MV
— Ralph Bistline (@RalphBistline) October 21, 2015
Doing shooting drills right now. pic.twitter.com/opHjMfgwTN — Ralph Bistline (@RalphBistline) October 21, 2015
Alex O’Neill is back at practice today. Isaiah Zierden and Zach Hanson are still out.
— Ralph Bistline (@RalphBistline) October 21, 2015
Thursday, October 22
Thanking God for a successful surgery!! I’ll be back. #speedyrecovery @… https://t.co/SrzwHN6c2W — marlo (@Marthestarr1) October 22, 2015
Isaiah Zierden back at practice. Zach Hanson still sidelined.
— Steve Pivovar (@PivOWH) October 22, 2015
Some weight and conditioning work preceded the start of this morning’s @BluejayMBB practice. pic.twitter.com/Wh3FSfVhKj — Ralph Bistline (@RalphBistline) October 22, 2015
Isaiah Zierden participating in pre-practice drills today.
— Ralph Bistline (@RalphBistline) October 22, 2015
Today’s morning session will be light – some review and walk-through work. — Ralph Bistline (@RalphBistline) October 22, 2015
The Jays are working on their inbounding plays under the basket.
— Ralph Bistline (@RalphBistline) October 22, 2015
Friday, October 23
Team huddle before the start of Friday’s practice. The team will leave for Columbia, Mo. later today. pic.twitter.com/EOTW6CnyGJ — Ralph Bistline (@RalphBistline) October 23, 2015
Two of the coaches are playing on the scout team because of the shortage of healthy players.
— Ralph Bistline (@RalphBistline) October 23, 2015
Mac to a player: “The next time you forget (to get into the press) after a made basket, you’re going for a jaunt.” — Ralph Bistline (@RalphBistline) October 23, 2015
Blues and whites working on defending the inbounds pass under the basket.
— Ralph Bistline (@RalphBistline) October 23, 2015