SLU has ample options for starters and rotation, so Josh Schertz hoping for more separation

Billikens start official practice today with good problem: Depth

The struggle to analyze a basketball team’s strengths and weaknesses when players are practicing against each other every day is a tale as old as Josh Schertz.

Are those turnovers in workouts the result of sloppy offense or great defense? Is that precise passing that leads to a layup the product of great teamwork or lack of ball pressure?

Schertz already is clamoring for a chance to see the Billikens play against outside competition and SLU hasn’t held its first official practice. That comes Monday when players will be allowed 20 hours of weekly work — practice, weight training, film — instead of the eight-hour maximum through the summer.

But the Billikens have practiced extensively — throughout June and July and again since August. 26. Schertz and his staff have seen this group for large chunks of time, and they still won’t see them play someone else until the closed scrimmage against Iowa on Oct. 11 and the exhibition game at Bradley on Oct. 23.