Dayton Flyers open practices with a ‘good first day’

Fifth-year senior forward Ryan Mikesell and senior guard Trey Landers spoke to fans through a Twitter video shared by UD on Wednesday.

“We’re here to talk about our first last day of practice,” Landers said. “For me, it was sad but also heartwarming because the season’s coming up. I’m really excited to get on the floor with my teammates.”

“This is No. 5 for me, so I’m the old head,” Mikesell said, “but it was a good first day. It was competitive. I’m ready for the year.”

Last week, Mikesell talked to reporters about the season ahead. The Flyers have six returning players and five newcomers. Four transfers who sat out last season will make their UD debuts.

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“I think the sky’s the limit,” Mikesell said. “Talent wise, everybody on the team brings something a little different to the roster. As long as we can mix those talents together, that’s going to be the biggest thing: finding that sweet spot that each player needs in order to be impactful. If we can get everybody to be on the same page, it can be awesome.”

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Mikesell and Landers are the last remaining players from the 2016-17 team that won the Atlantic 10 regular-season championship and reached the NCAA tournament. Dayton finished 14-17 the following season as Anthony Grant took over the program from Archie Miller and then 21-12 last season.

“I’ve set out goals team-wise,” Mikesell said. “I want to win the A-10 and make it to the NCAA tournament. That’s what I did my freshman and sophomore years. It’s always been the same goal each year. This is nothing different.”