Rockets Arrive In Austin Today

It's that time again. Basketball is back, people -- well sort of. The Houston Rockets will be arriving today in Austin for their second straight year of training camp at the University of Texas. The team will remain there until Oct. 7 when they will be returning to Houston. Sorry folks, all of the workout sessions in Austin are closed to the public, but have no fear; you will have your chance to see the new team at work before they open up their preseason schedule at New Orleans.

The Rockets will have an open practice on Oct. 8 at the Toyota Center with an intra-squad scrimmage. Not only will you notice that Bonzi Wells is missing another training camp, but fans will probably notice the new re-designed court. The Rockets have reworked the Toyota Center floor in hopes that the new color scheme will visually stimulate the fans, in turn helping your Rockets. We think it looks great so don't miss out.

Hurry up now: the first 1,000 fans will be receiving a voucher to get a chance to shoot a free throw on the new hardwood. Actually you can also use it to get a few autographs after the practice if you wish but come on; this might be your only chance to say you played on an official NBA court! We curse our sub-six foot frames.