Men's Basketball | 10/2/2015 8:02:00 PM

STATESBORO, Ga. – The Georgia Southern men's basketball team officially opened the 2015-16 season with its first full-team practice Friday afternoon in Hanner Fieldhouse.

"They guys had a great summer and have been working really hard in the preseason," said Georgia Southern coach Mark Byington. "I think they are anxious to start putting it together, getting after it and competing."

Georgia Southern posted a 22-9 record and advanced to the Sun Belt Championship title game in 2014-15. It was the Eagles' first 20-win season since 2005-06 and their first appearance in their conference championship game since the 1992 Southern Conference title contest. 

The Eagles return two starters in Mike Hughes and Jake Allsmiller along with six lettermen from last year's team. Three student-athletes who redshirted as freshman last season – Shawn O'Connell, Aubrey McRae and Jonathan Sanks - will make their debuts this year. 

Georgia Southern also added five newcomers, including graduate student Devince Boykins, the brother of sophomore guard Devonte Boykins. Devonte played in all 25 games last season, and Devince transferred from Marshall and is eligible to suit up for the Eagles this season.

"We are one of the youngest teams in the country this year with just one upperclassman, but I think our young guys are really talented," said Byington. "We redshirted a couple guys last year who have all gotten better, and I feel like we're the type of team that will get better and better throughout the year."

Season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at GSEagles.com/tickets or by calling 1-800-GSU-WINS. Season ticket options are available for both general admission and reserved seating, which comes with reserved parking when purchased.

Fans can enjoy chair-back seats in the reserved sections for $90 a season ticket for either men's or women's basketball. Alternatively, general admission season tickets are $65 and are located behind the baskets on bleachers. A combo package is also available for $120 and includes both men's and women's basketball contests.  

Georgia Southern Athletics provides up-to-date information on all its sports through its official website, GSEagles.com, through social media channels facebook.com/GSAthletics, twitter.com/GSAthletics, iOS app Georgia Southern Eagles and Android app Eagles GATA. For tickets to Georgia Southern athletics events, call 1-800-GSU-WINS or visit GSEagles.com.