CULLOWHEE, N.C. – Western Carolina men's basketball held its first official team practice for the highly-anticipated 2023-24 season on Ingles Court at the Ramsey Center on Tuesday evening.
 
"The biggest thing early on is keeping everybody healthy," explained third-year head coach Justin Gray. "We want to go, we want to play fast, and we want to be a physical team – but we want to be healthy as well."
 
Gray added, "We're also working on concepts – habits we call them. We're teaching these guys how to play not only for a segment, not only for two possessions, but over and over and over.  I think what all coaches are looking for right now is consistency. We know what we want to accomplish but if we don't check off that box we'll stay on it until we get it right."
   

During Tuesday's practice, the team worked on its three core values of relentless effort, competitive excellence, and the power of the unit which make up the "Western Edge" that Gray and his staff want displayed at all times. Additionally, an emphasis was placed on building winning habits.
 
Under the direction of Gray, who earned NABC District Coach of the Year honors a season ago, the Catamounts return eight players from the 18-win squad that made just the fourth postseason appearance in program history all time. WCU's top returners include second-team All-Southern Conference selections in guards Tre Jackson and Vonterius Woolbright. Additionally, seven newcomers joined the team for the upcoming season.
 
Season tickets for Catamount basketball at Ingles Court in the Ramsey Center are on sale now and include a $101 All-Hoops General Admission Season Ticket good for all home men's and women's basketball games. Adult season tickets for men's basketball are just $81. Youth season ticket pricing is also available starting at just $36. A special discounted season ticket rate is available for WCU faculty and staff. For more information about WCU faculty and staff ticketing call the Catamount Ticket Office at 828-227-2401. Fans will also be able to purchase or renew their season tickets online at CatamountSports.com or by calling the Catamount Ticket Office.
 
All fans are encouraged to come out and meet the 2023-24 men's and women's basketball teams on Tuesday, October 24th as Catamount Basketball presents: A Night in the Whee, brought to you by Prospect Cullowhee. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. in the Ramsey Center with the event starting at 7 p.m. WCU students will have an opportunity to win great prizes throughout the night and a few lucky WCU students will be able to compete alongside the student-athletes.
 
Keep track of everything related to Catamount men's basketball and WCU Athletics through our social media outlets on Facebook (fb.com/catamountsports), Instagram (@catamountmbb @wcu_catamounts), and Twitter (@CatamountMBB @catamounts).