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It’s about time … college basketball tips off tonight

Posted by Vince

Oct. 13, 2006 11:48 a.m. • 0 comments

COLLEGE BASKETBALL UPDATED 3:10 P.M.

I’ll be at Gonzaga tonight for the Bulldogs’ first basketball practice, and will report here after the media availability session.

The Zags will feature a new look this season, with starters Adam Morrison, J.P. Batista and Erroll Knight having moved on (here is the Zags’ preseason roster). But they aren’t the only ranked-last-season Northwest team that will have a revamped lineup. (One of the returning Zags, Derek Raivio, takes the ball up court against UCLA last season; Spokesman-Review file photo.)

UPDATE: ESPN’s Andy Katz writes about 25 teams that will have an impact on the season, and he includes the Zags not because they will be as good as last year (his opinion), but because of their schedule. They play so many high-caliber teams they will play a role in the rankings nearly every week.

The Washington Huskies, who will open practice with a big show tonight, no longer have Brandon Roy (with the Blazers), among others. They also have enough injuries to cripple their first few weeks.

Of course, every Division I college basketball program in the Northwest, men and women, starts this evening or tomorrow morning, so check here to keep up as the games get closer.