SUU's schedule is much more favorable this season, with its longest non-conference road trip consisting of a trip to Idaho and Washington in early December.

The T-Birds will play host to 16 home games (counting two exhibitions) at the Centrum Arena — where they have historically won more than 80 percent of the time. Home opponents include in-state rivals Weber State and Utah Valley State, as well as Idaho, Denver and former Mid-Con rival Chicago State.

It will be interesting to see how the team meshes this season. Last year's squad, which finished in a tie for fourth with an 8-8 Mid-Con record, thrived mostly on team chemistry and leadership.

But this team looks almost nothing like last year's squad. Henry Uhegwu was academically ineligible, which was devastating news for SUU. Uhegwu had first-team All-Mid-Con potential and an infectious love the game that rubbed off on his teammates. Instead, he's signed on with a pro team in Europe.

Fernando Bonfim was not invited back.

The Janes brothers graduated. Rand is now the head coach at Richfield. Nate is still in Cedar City.

Esteban Bonzano and Lubor Olsovsky finished their eligibility. I ran into Esteban on campus yesterday, and he's trying to finish his degree this semester.

The only returning players for SUU with starting experience are All-Mid-Con honorable mention point guard Steve Barnes — which is good news for SUU — and sixth man Justin Allen, who will likely slide into the starting lineup.

Allen seems up to the task. I talked to him briefly after SUU's soccer game today, and he's excited for the season to start.

At the Mid-Con tourney last spring, I watched as SUU was overmatched by Valpo's big men, especially Dan Oppland and Mohamed Kone.

SUU hopes it has addressed these problems in the offseason. The key could be 7-foot-2 JC transfer Brad Kanis. The T-Bird coaching staff was high on Kanis when they signed him. Assistant Ken Carillo told me if not for injuries last year, SUU might not have had a chance to sign him.

A few notes: The B-Ball Bash, now renamed "Thunderbird Madness" will be on Oct. 26. SUU will have exhibition games at the Centrum Arena on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. The T-Birds officially open the season on Nov. 10 against Utah at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City.

— Rich J.