First day of practice is today.  We waited until a little later than most programs to start official practice.  We could have started last week, but with this team being young, starting a little later can will be more effective as the non-conference season can drag on for younger players. 
I know there is always this excitement about the first day of practice, but over the years I've come to see it as just another day.  I think players should already be working hard and 'the 1st practice' shouldn't be a reason to all of the sudden start focusing and being energetic more than usual.  Trying to avoid relying on external things motivate is something today's players don't do.  They need music to lift.  They rely on someone to tell them they are doing a good job.  They need someone else's quotes to get them 'pumped' for a big game.  We are losing the desire to just outwork people, to beat someone else simply because that is what we enjoy doing.  When you rely on external things to motivate you, you lose control of how you act. You give that power to your external devices and if they are not there, then what?
The first day of official practice does change what we are allowed to do as a team, but it should not change how you are and what you do as a basketball player