By Dustin Dow
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Thad Matta has to be glad it's only October, because the Xavier coach's two best players, David West and Romain Sato, are far from midseason shape.

West, a 6-foot-9 candidate for player-of-the-year honors, just started eating again Saturday after he had all four of his wisdom teeth removed earlier in the week.

"We're uncertain here as far as Dave's status on contact," Matta said. "He lost about 8 pounds."

Sato came down with a stomach virus Friday and was unable to go in the first practice after midnight Friday night.

"I think he's feeling better," Matta said. "We just tried to get him as much sleep as we could."

Matta changed Saturday's practice schedule because of the weariness of West and Sato. Instead of starting Saturday morning, players practiced from midnight until 2 a.m. and came back at 7 p.m. for an evening practice.

"I think that was good," Sato said. "It helped me get some rest."

Sato practiced Saturday night; West went through drills but stayed out of contact. He said he felt fine but was still feeling the effects of not eating for about three days.

ESTABLISHING INTENSITY: Matta said the first few days of practice will be about getting used to playing hard, rather than installing any plays.

"Last night's practice was very physical," Matta said Saturday. "And that's what we want. We kind of put our whistles away and wanted to get that element established that college basketball is a tough, physical game. I was pleased with our work ethic."

That's how the players like it, senior Dave Young said.

"It was pretty fun and exciting to get back out there," he said. "We're going full-stride. Not playing around, we're going hard at it."

OTHERWISE HEALTHY: West and Sato were the only questionable players in terms of health. Freshman Dedrick Finn recovered from the thigh injury he suffered during workouts in September.

MADNESS COMING: Xavier didn't open its first practice to fans but will do so at Musketeer Madness on Oct. 20. Doors will open at 4 p.m., and a women's scrimmage will take place at 5 p.m., followed by a men's scrimmage at 6 p.m. Admission is free.

E-mail ddow@enquirer.com