Augusta State's basketball practice officially began Monday. Senior guard Demetrius Howard said it unofficially began in March.

That's when the Jaguars lost to Wingate in the Division II Tournament round of 32 at Christenberry Fieldhouse, the same place 16 players practiced for 2 hours Monday.

"Ever since that loss," Howard said, "everybody's been pushing themselves as hard as we can go every day."

The defending Peach Belt Conference regular season champion began its preseason practice ranked inside the top 10 in two polls for the first time in school history. The Jaguars are No. 6 in the Sporting News magazine's 2007-08 college basketball preview. They checked in at No. 9 in the Division II Bulletin poll released Monday.

Augusta State players returned appearing in better physical condition, especially junior center Garret Siler.

The 6-foot-11, 306-pound Siler is more muscular than he's been since he arrived at Augusta State. He recently lifted 305 pounds, almost reaching a goal he's had since his freshman year of lifting as much as he weighs.

Siler is also more vocal than he's ever been. For most of the drills, he communicated with his teammates, sometimes raising his voice.

"I'm trying to become more of a leader," he said. "We're going to be playing against the best competition in the Southeast."

The Jaguars, who return all five starters, are preparing without All-American senior forward Tyrekus Bowman.

Bowman, out with an unspecified heart condition, jogged lightly or walked along the sideline the first 15 minutes of practice. He later passed the ball to teammates during specific drills before getting in some light shooting.

"He wanted to be out here with his team. He wanted to do something," Metress said. "He's still limited, but he wants to be out here."

Metress said Bowman, who led the league in scoring with a 20.5 average last season, won't be allowed to fully practice until he makes a doctor's visit in two to three weeks. His status is unclear for the Jaguars' season opener at No. 15 Montevallo on Nov. 16.

Augusta State also is practicing without junior guard Steve Smith, who is recovering from meniscus surgery. He is expected to return in two weeks.