CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. --- With football season rapidly approach at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with Saturday's 3 p.m. kickoff against Appalachian State at Finley Stadium, the Mocs men's basketball began its work to get ready for the 2010-11 season.  Individual workouts began today in the Chattem Basketball Practice Facility and the McKenzie Arena.

"This is one of my favorite days," said head coach John Shulman who is entering his seventh year at Chattanooga.  "Any day I get to work on the floor with our student-athletes is a great day for me.

"This is a special group of kids," added Shulman.  "Their work ethic is amazing.  I love their energy, I love their passion."

The individual workout session lets coaches work with four players on the court at a time for two hours per week, per individual.  It allows the Mocs to begin implementation of offensive and defensive philosophies that will help prepare for the start of practice in October.

UTC's basketball staff holds the individual workouts twice a week from August 31 through September 15.  On Sept. 15, the staff is allowed to work with more than four at a time with the two-hour restriction still in place until practice starts in mid-October.  The workouts are closed to the public per NCAA rules.