The men's basketball team has been hard at practice for a little over the week now as the Titans continue to prepare for the upcoming season, which will get underway this Friday when UDM hosts Ohio Dominican in an exhibition contest at Calihan Hall. Below are some comments from sophomores Donavan Foster, Eli Holman and Chase Simon after Monday's practice.

Sophomore guard Donavan Foster

What has been the coaches' biggest message so far in practice?

"Communication and execution, especially on defense. Last year, there were a lot of games that we were in, but we did not communicate late in games and it cost us so now, we have been working everyday on getting everybody on the same page."

What he has been working on the most?

"Everything really, but the most important thing is to get bigger and stronger."

Sophomore forward/center Eli Holman

On the upcoming exhibition game with Ohio Dominican?

"We have been working hard on communicating and playing together so the exhibition game is all about getting out there and playing as a team. We respect every opponent so we know we need to work hard and continue to execute our offense and defense."

On the intensity of practice so far?

"We want to play. Everybody has been real focused and ready to go in practice everyday. We have worked extremely hard and there is not one person that can't wait for the first game."

Sophomore guard Chase Simon

On just getting back on the court in a real game after sitting out last season?

"I am very excited to go and play someone in a different uniform. Last year, I was at every practice working hard, but I was not able to play so now I will have that opportunity that I waited so long for."

On the main focus of practice?

"Execution. We need to be able to execute and communicate everything we do. We have a good team, but if we don't execute, it is not going to matter."