So there was a lot going on at the Mad Ants' practice on Monday at Concordia Seminary's gym.

Mainly, there was quite the media crush so we could all get our first good look at new assistant coach Christian Laettner.

When the news broke that he was going to join the Ants staff, he was on his way to Sioux Falls, S.D., and the media hoard had to take the Ants' word that, sure enough, he was with the team.

But there was Laettner on Monday, standing around a lot during practice, then doing a few one-on-one drills with Sean Sonderleiter, and shooting a few free throws, and then finally getting some face time with all the locals who had a camera or recorder.

Meanwhile, there was also the appearance of a new point guard in Travis Walton, the former Michigan State guard who led the Spartans to the 2009 NCAA championship game.

Now that Walker Russell Jr. is in the NBA and serving as the backup with the Detroit Pistons, the Ants needed another point guard to help out Tory Jackson, and they came up with Walton, who is expected to play Wednesday when the Ants visit Rio Grande Valley.

Chances are that 6-11 center Jarrid Famous will not be in uniform, since he sat out practice with a tender knee. Ants president Jeff Potter said he might have to find somebody to fill the vacant roster spot, at least until Famous returns.