Hoop Camp: Edgar introduces Redhawks to new school year with training regimen

Scott Edgar has started to get the first real look at what he'll have to work with during his initial season as the Southeast Missouri State men's basketball coach.

So far he likes what he's seen -- particularly with the work ratio of the Redhawks. Edgar says his players have not shied away from his rugged conditioning regimen that he has dubbed "Hoop Camp."

"It's going well," said Edgar, hired in April. "They're working hard."

While official practice does not begin until Oct. 15, the NCAA allows college basketball teams to condition as a group for up to six hours per week beginning when school starts.

Also during that period, squads can hold individual skill workouts for up to two hours per week per player, with no more than four players allowed to be together at the same time. Beginning Sept. 15, more players can be together at the same time, but the limit is still two hours per week per player.

Edgar, hired in April, began his Hoop Camp on Aug. 24, three days after classes began. It will officially conclude Thursday.

"This is just something to let these guys realize it's a new time, it's a new era, and this time is for them," Edgar said. "Even though it's very early, this is when you start mentally and physically to prepare yourself for the journey."

Hoop Camp has featured 6:30 a.m. daily runs, both inside and outside. The Redhawks also lift weights most afternoons, along with their individual skill work in the evenings.

Edgar said the Redhawks' first morning run during Hoop Camp lasted exactly 23 minutes -- for a reason. It was to symbolize the amount of Ohio Valley Conference games he plans to play. There are 20 regular-season OVC contests, and the eventual conference tournament champion will have played three additional games.

"Our goal is to play all 23," Edgar said.

Edgar said Hoop Camp has been intense by design. He wants to introduce the Redhawks early to the type of work they'll have to put in to be able to play the high-octane offensive and defensive styles that have been his trademark.

"To play the way we want to ... we play defense with every joint and fiber in our bodies," Edgar said.

Edgar said the positive and enthusiastic way the Redhawks have so far embraced the new system has not surprised him.

"They're coming together for a common cause. That is to be part of the best mid-major program in the country. Hoop Camp is the foundation for future championships," Edgar said. "This is a great start, but it hasn't surprised me. I'm very happy with this group so far."

Although Hoop Camp will be over by late Thursday afternoon, the Redhawks will continue with conditioning and individual workouts until official practice begins.

"We'll keep working hard," Edgar said.

Another transfer added

Edgar said the Redhawks have added another transfer who will be able to practice with the team this season but won't be eligible for games until the 2007-08 campaign.

Herbert Terry, a 6-foot-7, 220-pound forward from Fort Wayne, Ind., will have all four years of eligibility remaining.

Edgar said Terry originally signed with Mississippi out of high school but was released from his letter of intent when Rod Barnes was fired. He enrolled at Ball State this summer before deciding to leave. Although he never played for the Cardinals, he is considered a transfer.

The scouting Web site Scout.com lauded Terry's jumping ability and described him as a "freak" of an athlete. It said he exploded over the summer after averaging more than 30 points per game at the Hoosier Shootout.

Terry joins Colorado transfer Calvin Williams, a 6-8, 210-pound forward, as Southeast players who won't be eligible for games this season. Williams will have three years of eligibility with the Redhawks.

"Herbert is a a very good athlete, and we have high hopes for him. The same goes for Calvin," Edgar said. "They are both two very good forwards for the future."