DRC NT BB practice notes

OldTimer · October 20, 2003

Basketball: North Texasopens basketball practice

08:05 AM CDT on Sunday, October 19, 2003

By Brett Vito / Staff Writer<

Marqus Mitchell could feel the pressure Saturday afternoon, even though there was nothing more than pride on the line during the North Texas men’s basketball team’s scrimmage during Mid-Day Madness.

The junior guard went to the free throw line for three shots with no time on the clock and his White Team trailing by two points. Mitchell hit all three shots to lift the White Team to a 34-33 win over the Green Team at the Super Pit.

"That was a lot of pressure," Mitchell said. "I had to make those shots to show that we have the ability to make them at the end of games."

Mitchell’s performance in the clutch highlighted a solid performance by a host of players who are new to UNT this year. Mitchell led the White Team with 11 points, while Mark Wilson had 11 points for the Green Team.

Both players are in their first season with the Mean Green. Mitchell transferred to UNT from State Fair Community College, while Wilson played last season at Highland Community College.

"I thought some of our new guys played well," UNT coach Johnny Jones said. "I was really impressed with them."

Mitchell and Wilson are just two of several newcomers the Mean Green will depend on this year.

Shawnson Johnson and Michael Jones also made their debuts during the scrimmage. Jones scored eight points, while Johnson posted seven. Johnson has one semester of eligibility remaining and will not play in his first game with UNT until the spring semester.

UNT’s players believe the addition of four transfers and freshman Calvin Watson will help the team have a solid season.

"We have a lot of potential," Wilson said. "We have a lot of guys in different positions who have talent."

UNT will open its season with a home game against Northwestern Oklahoma State on Nov. 21.

BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870.