Jacksonville State Basketball teams have tip- off luncheon

By Kevin Brant
On Nov. 9 2011, More than 75 people took part in a tip off luncheon for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams at JSU. This event took place at the stadium club of Burgess- Snow Field on the JSU campus. This event is an annual event that is a way for fans to get to know both coaches, to get to know some of the players and for the coaches to share their expectations for the upcoming season.
Opening comments were delivered by J SU Athletic Director Warren D. Koegel. “I can’t wait to see all of you players perform on the basketball court,” Koegel said. He also mentioned several important things that need to happen this season. “It’s very important for us in our men’s and women’s basketball programs to do things the right way, to play with intensity, to play with dignity, to play with integrity and to play with class,” Koegel said. “When you do that, good things will happen.
After Koegel spoke, the women’s Basketball coach Annette Watts spoke about her team. She introduced her assistant coaches and several of her players. Each player encouraged the fans in attendance to come out and show their support at their home games. Watts spoke on a story she has told her players on what to do when things get tough in a game. “When you see us struggling on the court and I am shaking and stepping up, I am not having a seizure,” Watts said. “I will need your help as fans to show shake it off and step up.”
After Watts spoke, The men’s basketball coach James Green stepped up to the microphone to speak about his team. He spoke about his expectations for the men’s basketball team and introduced his assistant coaches. Green also introduced several of his players. “We have the ability to score a lot of points in a game,” Green said. Green even encouraged the fans in attendance at this event. “ Fans, become a real fan of us defending,” Green said. Green also spoke on the defense end of basketball. “If we want to win games, we need to get better on the defensive side of things.” Green said.
After green finished speaking Green opened the floor up for questions from fans. Green is the head coach for the JSU men’s basketball team. He is assisted by Tom Schuberth, Reggie Sharp and Ben Hicks. Annette Watts is the JSU head women’s basketball coach. Watts is assisted by Dee Bell, Yvette Sparks and Shaneka Bates.