NATCHITOCHES – The sound of bouncing balls isn't new in Prather Coliseum as Northwestern State men's basketball players have worked in small groups over the summer into early fall.
 
The new sound in Tuesday's first official practice is coaches yelling defensive instructions with all 15 players on the floor, signaling the start of fall camp that leads into the regular season.
 
"It's a great day because it's the first day," said NSU coach Mike McConathy, who will begin his 23^rd season on the Demons sideline. "You can feel the excitement level in the gym, and everybody was here way ahead of time because they want to be a part of it.
 
"Our first goal in camp is to install a defense and get it set up. We want to pick up full court again and get to where we can run the ball."
 
Eight players and two starters return from an NSU squad that earned its second straight No. 4 seed in the Southland Conference Tournament.
 
Guard LaTerrance Reed and center Larry Owens are the old guard in Natchitoches as the only fifth-year college basketball players.
 
Owens has spent the previous four years at NSU while Reed is entering his fourth year in Natchitoches.
 
Reed said the returners and newcomers are blending well.
 
"It felt really good to put the gear on (Tuesday), get on the floor early and get to work after being able to work unofficially in small groups," Reed said. "We've gotten to see what everybody does well in those small groups and see which guys fit with each other, but now we get to bring the whole thing together.
 
"Guys are meshing well, and it's exciting because you can see everything unfolding in front of us. The younger guys are learning from the older group, and the older guys are learning how the young guys play."
 
Shooting ability was a focal point of a six-member signing class that includes three junior college transfers and three high school newcomers.
 
NSU will be replacing four key components, including shooters Trenton Massner and Jairus Roberson along with post presence Jamaure Gregg and point guard C.J. Jones.
 
"The newcomers have really good basketball mentalities, they're athletic and they can shoot the ball," McConathy said. "We have guys that can go make plays, and at the end of the day, if you don't have that, you're not going to be able to score.
 
"We have a really good blend with the old and the new. In the signing class itself, we have JUCO guys that have already been to college and some incoming freshmen."
 
The Demons open the season Nov. 9 at Oklahoma with its home opener Nov. 13 against Champion Christian.