Story by: Carlee Loyd

The University of Montevallo men’s basketball team had their first official practice on Monday, November 9th since returning to campus after COVID-19 shut the university down in March.

All spring sports got their seasons cut short, but luckily the basketball team was able to finish their season before the pandemic.

The team ended last season with an overall record of 12-17 and a GSC conference record of 8-12. For this new team to be better than last years team, Head Coach Danny Young said hopefully they will have a lot more bodies than last year. 

“We had a couple broke feet, a torn ACL before the season started, another guy came with a knee injury when he got here so we did not have very many scholarship players to actually play with.”

This upcoming basketball season will look different than in the past. With COVID restrictions of possible fan reduction, more gameday balls available, and extra sanitizing.

The Falcons will play a mirror schedule this year due to the virus. “If the men are at home the women will be away and vice versa. There’s going to be some changes this year.” says Coach Young.

The Falcons will play their home games in Trustmark Arena hoping for a season opener in December or January. Senior-Guard Xavier Malcom says, “I’m excited we get to play. They wanted to shut it down, but I’m grateful we get to play and hopefully win a championship.”

The 2020-2021 men’s basketball schedule is on the University of Montevallo Athletic Website.