Only one Flyer was sidelined for 5-on-5 scrimmage Monday
The recent drill seemed almost rule-less; players relentlessly pursued the ball even when it went out of bounds, putting anyone on the sidelines—including invited local media—at risk of being run over in the hustle.
Typically, Dayton practices are closed to the public, but Coach Anthony Grant allows media to observe a summer session and an early preseason practice. These glimpses reveal the high intensity the Flyers bring to every training. This particular session, the sixth of the preseason, was no exception.
As Grant enters his eighth season, kicking off on Nov. 4 with a home match against St. Francis, fans can catch the team twice beforehand in exhibition games: once against Xavier on Oct. 20 and again against Ashland on Oct. 26.
For the Flyers, these early practices focus on building chemistry and conditioning in preparation for the upcoming 31-game regular season and beyond.
“The guys are putting in the effort,” Grant noted. “Today marks our sixth practice. We’re working on establishing offensive and defensive habits. Thanks to summer sessions, we have some familiarity with each other. Now it’s about discovering our strengths on both ends of the court. These weeks leading up to outside competition are crucial for putting everything together.”
Fans got an extended preview of the team with a nearly four-minute highlight video from a recent intrasquad scrimmage shared on YouTube. Twelve of the thirteen scholarship players took part, except for redshirt freshman guard Marvel Allen, who is recovering from early June knee surgery. While he warmed up, he didn’t engage in full-contact drills.
“Marvel is still working through his recovery,” Grant explained. “We want to ensure he’s 100% ready to return. He’s making progress, and we’re hopeful that his return is approaching.”
Senior guard Nate Santos will represent the Flyers at the Atlantic 10 Conference Media Day on Monday alongside Grant, as well as women’s coach Tamika Williams-Jeter and Ivy Wolf. Santos has been fully engaged in practices after missing the summer due to hip surgery, and this will be his first time back in physical contact since last season.
“This is our sixth practice, and it’s his sixth time participating since the surgery,” Grant said. “He has some adjustments to make, but he’s working hard and progressing well in his rehabilitation.”
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