229th

[Brad]

I assume we’re not surprised?  😮 

[Brad]

Probably good to follow with this:

VETERAN LEADERSHIP HELPING BULLS JELL WELL THIS PRESEASON

October 25, 2017

By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer

TAMPA, OCT. 25, 2017 – USF's home exhibition game is about a week away and the new-look Bulls have been making steady progress in practice with 10 new players on the court.

"Guys are starting to understand their roles a little bit and that becomes more defined as we move forward," head coach Brian Gregory said.

With nearly 250 victories as a head coach, Gregory is building a winning foundation at USF, not only for the future but this season as well. The 2017-18 roster features plenty of young talent and proven veterans that are embracing their roles as leaders.

Gregory's first signing class at USF included three graduate transfers – 6-foot-6 wing Payton Banks and 6-foot-3 guard Terrence Samuel from Penn State, along with 6-foot-1 guard Stephan Jiggetts from Fairleigh Dickinson.

USF's three graduate transfers have combined to make more than 200 career starts and that type of veteran experience is already paying dividends for the Bulls.

"We've really grown a lot," said Banks of the team. "That comes with being connected as a team and knowing that we all are working toward the same goal and we all want the best for each other."

Banks said that type of close, family environment attracted him to USF and the acclimation process also has been smooth for Jiggetts, who racked up team-high 125 assists last season for Fairleigh Dickinson.

"Everything is perfect for me," Jiggetts said. "I'm getting adjusted to the new coaching staff. I'm getting a good feel for everything really."

USF is in the third week of preseason and high-energy practices have allowed the Bulls to steadily pick up new coaching approaches on both ends of the floor at the Muma Center.

"We have a group of unselfish players, we really do. I always tell them sometimes when you talk about that, it usually always refers to the offensive end," Gregory said. "Being unselfish defensively is important, too. That's where guys trust in each other, being connected and knowing where guys are going to be on the court, trusting in the rotations and different things like that."

The trust factor is definitely there, and so is a court chemistry that's developing quickly. The veterans credit the coaching staff for getting new players with styles that complement each other well.

"Coach Gregory did an awesome job. He knew who we wanted to recruit. He knew who we were going after," Banks said. "All of our games pretty much fit together. It's about knowing how to talk to each guy. Knowing his tendencies, which way he likes to go, certain stuff like that. It was really easy. The guys fit like a puzzle."

Catch the Bulls' Exhibition Game
Fans can watch USF continue to put its puzzle pieces together on Friday, Nov. 3, when the Bulls host Flagler College in an exhibition game. Fans can attend the 7 p.m. game for free and also park for free in the Sun Dome lots.

"I'm looking forward to it," graduate guard Stephan Jiggetts said. 'It's my last year and I believe we're going to surprise a lot of people."

Fans have a chance to chat with Jiggetts and the rest of the Bulls after the game during a team meet-and-greet autograph session.

About USF Men's Basketball
The USF men's basketball team is led by head coach Brian Gregory. On March 22, Gregory was introduced as the 10th head coach in program history. He previously led programs at Georgia Tech (2011-16) and Dayton (2003-11). Gregory spent nearly a decade as an assistant coach under Michigan State's Hall of Fame head coach Tom Izzo and helped the Spartans win the 2000 NCAA National Championship. Gregory brings nearly 250 career head coaching wins and six postseason appearances, including the 2010 NIT Championship, to Tampa.
USF has retired three numbers in its 47-year history: Chucky Atkins (12), Charlie Bradley (30) and Radenko Dobras (31). The Bulls have earned three NCAA tournament bids and appeared in the NIT eight times.

To stay up-to-date on the latest USF men's' basketball news, follow the Bulls on social media (Twitter | Facebook | Instagram).

[JoeB]

No way we are worse than 221

[chrisdashley]

Until we prove differently, we suck. I hope we come out and kick butt, but being competitive is the best I can ask for... At least for this year.

[ForestBull]

Nowhere to go but up!

[Fold FB Invest in BB]

Yes, that would be the bottom end of expectations, but, there's really nothing to base this projection on.

[bullstampede9922]

I'm going to support them because they took a chance to come to USF and play for a team that was a dumpster fire last year. 

[jchem1995]

Watch them make a tourny run.

[Paisa el Toro]

19 minutes ago, jchem1995 said:

Watch them make a tourny run.

Time to invest in Flying Pig futures? 

[jchem1995]

I don't know about the rest of you but when someone tells me what I can't do,  I do it twice and take a picture too.  I think thess Bulls will use this to their advantage.  They know they can play.  I mean heck we still have a team at this point.