Yates scored double figures in 19 games and led the Blue Raiders in scoring 10 times, while ranking first among Sun Belt rookies in field goal percentage, 3-point field goal percentage, and second in scoring average.

Being one of the best freshmen; however, was not good enough for Yates, who spent his off-season improving his strength, his shooting and his overall rebounding.

It seems to have paid off at the outset of preseason practice.

"I believe the number one thing for me is I'm a lot tougher this year," Yates said. "I went through an entire year as a freshman and didn't really have a lot of toughness. This year I am in better shape. I worked hard with (strength coach) Jason Spray all summer and I have come back with more toughness in my game."

Blue Raider head coach Kermit Davis said it has been a joy to watch Yates' development.

"It's fun to watch young guys mature," Davis said. "You look at what Boogie has done in the classroom and what he is doing now and to think he's only a sophomore. To me, it's just his communicative skills on the court and the leadership he is trying to show."

Although Yates was sound in his initial season as a Blue Raider the one area Davis believed his prized recruit needed to improve most was in the rebounding department after he averaged 3.4 caroms as a freshman.

The early results have been promising.

"I have been among the top rebounders in our first practices so I se that my hard work is already paying off," Yates said. "Coach Davis talked to me a great deal about how much better of a player I would be when I improve my rebounding and become stronger and he was right."

Yates primarily played the "3" for the Blue Raiders last season out of necessity and Davis believes a change to his more natural low-post position will be productive.

"He is playing his natural position which is a 4-man who can step out and make 3s and I believe he can be as good as any low-post scorer in our league," Davis said. "He is a fun guy and every day you walk in the gym he is smiling. He wants to get better and works at it. He is a pleasant guy and a fun guy to coach."

SUSTAINED EFFORT: Middle Tennessee has almost completed its first full week of preseason basketball practice and Davis is pleased with the effort his squad continues to make on a daily basis.

The veteran coach said the sustained effort exhibited by the Blue Raiders has been satisfying.

"I thought we had our most determined effort over a long period (Tuesday) and that was our fifth practice of the preseason," Davis said. "Our returning guys are just solid for longer periods of time and I have been encouraged by the new guys."

QUOTE OF NOTE: "Those older guys are just solid and they ring the bell every day with great attitudes." - Kermit Davis.

YATES ON EXPERIENCE: "We have a lot of older guys who have been here and we have played a lot of minutes together. We are learning and we are playing hard with each practice. It's a great situation because we have a lot of veterans who have been through the wars here but we are still young overall. We are all back again next year, too, so we are young but we are young with some experience. I just like our team and I believe our fans will as well."

KANASKIE ON STARTING STRONG: "My first two years we have got off to slow starts and the start of this season we want to come out and start strong from the get-go."

KANASKIE ON TEAM'S PROGRESS: "I think we are playing at a higher level and playing harder as a group. Each day we are getting better. We have high energy. We just need to get more fundamental in what we are doing. Everyone on the team is unselfish. No one really cares who scores. We are all in it together."

BLUE-WHITE SCRIMMAGE: The Blue Raiders will conduct their first Blue-White scrimmage of the preseason Saturday from 10 a.m.-to-noon at Murphy Center. The scrimmage is open to the public and fans tailgating prior to Middle Tennessee's football game vs. Arkansas State at 2:30 p.m., are invited to stop in to get a sneak peak of this year's team.

EXHIBITION ACTION: Middle Tennessee will face Lincoln Memorial in its only exhibition game of the preseason, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. at Murphy Center.

SEASON TICKETS AVAILABLE: Fans may purchase Middle Tennessee men's basketball tickets by calling the Middle Tennessee Ticket Office at 1-888-YES-MTSU or (615) 898-2103. This year's season ticket package features a record 17 games, including the Dec. 15 contest against Memphis at the Sommet Center in Nashville, as well as the second game of the doubleheader pitting Western Kentucky and Tennessee. The season-ticket package also includes all six games of the First Shot Exempt Tournament (Nov. 15-17). Price for the package is $140. Fans may also purchase the Blue Raider Combo Pack, which includes season tickets for both the men's and women's teams, for $210 per season ticket. The deadline for season ticket renewals is Monday, Oct. 22.

MEDIA DAYS: The Sun Belt Conference Media Days will be held in Mobile, Ala., Monday and Tuesday. South Alabama will serve as the host for the 2008 Sun Belt Conference Men's and Women's Basketball Championships. The preseason coaches poll and preseason All-Sun Belt Conference Teams will be released Monday afternoon. Coach Davis will spend Monday afternoon doing several radio and DVD interviews before attending the league's reception and dinner that evening. Following breakfast Tuesday morning, Commissioner Wright Waters will address the coaches and media, followed by guest speaker Jimmy Dykes, ESPN College Basketball analyst. Coaches will take part in interviews with print media before the two-day event concludes Tuesday afternoon.

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