INDIANAPOLIS -- IUPUI sophomore forward Kerah Nelson recently sat down with IUPUIJags.com to talk about the upcoming women's basketball season.  The Jaguars have been busy conducting open-gym sessions in preparation for the beginning of official practices in a week.

Nelson, who sat out last season for the Jaguars, is anxious to get going on the 2009-10 season, remarking, "It was tough last year, because I'm used to playing every minute of every game. 

"The first [few] games have been the only thing on my mind; I know I'm going to have a lot of emotions built up, so right now I'm just trying to think of ways to control them and play my game of basketball."

Still, Nelson is one of six Jaguars who were on the team in 2008-09, making her one of a handful of "veterans" for the youthful squad.  While it has made for some interesting moments during open gym, Nelson said, "It is very different [with seven newcomers] - at first, we thought it was going to be hard to get everyone used to Coach Hart's system, but everyone came in willing to work, so it has been great so far."

Looking at her new teammates, Nelson has been extremely impressed with everyone, but admitted that Alyse Poindexter "has been stepping up and playing her game a lot.  She has a big body and is really strong and has been using it well lately."

Both Nelson and Poindexter, along with Clara Mitchell, will be counted to on to help replace the production of the departed Jernisha Cann, who finished her career at IUPUI as the first 1,000-point, 1,000-rebound performer in school history.

Nelson knows that this year's team will be vastly different than last season's squad.  "Everyone sees the potential we can bring to this program and make a difference.  Whether its intensity or wellness, everyone wants it this year."

With the start of official practice just one week away, Nelson is taking a big-picture approach to the season, remarking,  "I'm past excited for practices to start!

"My teammates are by far the best teammates I've ever had.  Open gym has been really good so far, and we're taking advantage of every moment in the gym.  Because we work so hard and put in so much effort, each individual makes you want to give it your all in practice.

"I'm ready to get back into practice and be coached by Coach Hart, Coach Spriggs and Coach Green.  They have big dreams for us, and we as a team plan on accomplishing them."