By MATT VAUTOUR
AMHERST — The seven new members of the UMass men’s basketball team have gotten plenty of attention and they’re going to get plenty of playing time.
Anytime a freshman class arrives, in any program, with a lot of players and fanfare, there’s always a risk that the veterans will be resentful.
But according to Zach Coleman, a junior leader on a team with no scholarship seniors, the older Minutemen are excited about what the younger ones are bringing to the table.
“I like the energy that we’ve had since our freshmen have been here. Our vets, we’ve been stepping up to the plate as leaders and showing them how things should be done,” Coleman said. “The older guys that were here before us did a great job bringing us along. All we’re doing is what they did for us.
“They are picking up everything really fast and really showing their potential,” he continued. “I think we’re going to have a really good season this year.”
Last year’s thin roster forced the Minutemen to lessen the amount they ran and pressed as the season progressed. With a full roster again, UMass coach Derek Kellogg said he’s planning to increase the pace of the game again.
He said playing that way means a lot of minutes to spread around.
“We might not be able to do it right off the bat to the level I want. But that’s the blueprint I want to use,” he said. “We’re going to be a pressing, fullcourt running team that’s going to put guys in an out of the game. We’re going to use our length, athleticism and basketball IQ to wear teams down and hopefully beat them.”
Kellogg was confident winning would be his team’s highest priority.
“For us to be good, everybody has to play and give up a little bit of themselves,” Kellogg said. “The guys want to win and right now they’re trusting our coaching staff, and the process of what it takes to win.”
HEALTH AND RECOVERY — Freshman Brison Gresham, who was out with a stress fracture in his hip, has begun short stretches of activity.
“He’s doing some stuff on the floor for 15-20 minutes to see how he reacts,” Kellogg said. “I’m hoping by the time we start real practice on September 30 he’s able to go.”
Malik Hines, who missed the second half of last season with a stress fracture in his foot, is healthy and has impressed Kellogg.
“Malik has made a pretty good jump,” Kellogg said. “He looks athletic. Injuries plagued him more than anybody.”
MISCELLANEOUS — Kellogg hoped to have an event at the Tulane game (Oct. 1, McGuirk) where fans could interact with his players. He wasn’t sure what it would be yet.
“I’m just trying to get our guys out as much as possible. I think it’s a good group,” he said. “They’re going to work hard. They’re going to compete and be a fun group to be around.”
Former Minuteman Chris Kirkland visited UMass practice Monday.
Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage