Georgia basketball: Kenny Gaines, Brandon Morris could challenge for starting spot

Friday marks the opening of practice for the Georgia Bulldogs' mens basketball team. While the Bulldogs, who are coming off a disappointing 15-17 record in 2011-12, return plenty of experience, two freshmen could battle for one of the starting spots.

Georgia is returning four starters, and newcomers Kenny Gaines and Brandon Morris could battle for the fifth starting spot. Gains and Morris still have to impress Coach Mark Fox, as he explained to the Associated Press:

"I've had a lot of freshmen in my career who have started for me. They would have to earn that, and they've got some guys ahead of them that don't want to be beat out. It will be fun to watch.

"I think we have great competition for playing time on this team, and that's something we've never had here since I came."

Both Gaines and Morris were big recruits for the Bulldogs after successful high school careers. Gaines was a Parade magazine All-American.