DURHAM, N.C. – New NCAA legislation that allows women’s college basketball teams to practice during the summer has afforded North Carolina Central University the opportunity to put a difficult season in the past and to build team chemistry for the upcoming campaign.

The Lady Eagles wrapped up their summer practice sessions on Wednesday evening, and second-year NCCU head coach Vanessa Taylor said the extra time has been a great benefit for the program.

Taylor emphasized that it allows her student-athletes to get ahead academically by attending summer school classes, providing them with a greater opportunity to earn undergraduate degrees in 3-4 years and perhaps attend graduate school during their final year of athletic eligibility.

Taylor said the workouts were critical this summer because they helped build team chemistry, especially with just two returners and 11 newcomers to the squad.

“It gives us a jump start on them learning the philosophy of our program and getting to know each other as teammates,” Taylor said.

To hear more of Taylor’s comments and to get an inside look at the Lady Eagles final summer practice, visit the NCCU Athletics official YouTube page at www.youtube.com/NCCUEagles.