by Sports Xchange

KEY EARLY-SEASON GAMES: The Titans may learn a good deal about themselves at the Basketball Travelers Invitational on Dec. 21-23 in Logan, Utah. They will open against Weber State, a team that reached the postseason NIT last season, before playing Utah State and Morehead State, both of which made the NCAA Tournament last season. The Titans will play a four games against teams that appeared in last season's NCAA Tournament, including a nationally televised game against UCLA on Nov. 16 at Pauley Pavilion.

PROGRAM DIRECTION: The Titans have been up and down since coach Bob Burton arrived in 2003. They followed an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2007-08 with a 15-17 record last season, but Burton may be building toward another big year.

The coming season is difficult to project with so many new players in the mix, but whether this season or next, Burton believes the pieces are in place for another run at the Big West championship.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: PG Jacques Streeter, SG Aaron Thompson, SF Gerard Anderson, PF Jer'Vaughn Johnson, C Bryce Webster.

ROSTER REPORT:

--Senior Aaron Thompson is likely to step into the shooting guard spot previously occupied by Josh Akognon, a prolific scorer who averaged 23.9 points per game last season. Thompson started 16 games at small forward last season. He averaged 7.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.

--Senior Gerard Anderson will likely move from power forward to a wing position this season. Anderson led the team in rebounding with 5.8 per game last season. Coach Bob Burton said Anderson will have to improve his shot but could be more difficult to defend on the perimeter than he was inside.

--G Jamel McGuire is 6-5, gives the Titans length and athleticism, and could see minutes at both guard spots. He also has good genes. His brother, former Fresno State standout Dominic McGuire, is beginning his third season with the Washington Wizards.