College basketball season is finally here.

The process, as coach Kevin Ollie calls it, begins for UConn tonight against Bryant University at Gampel Pavilion. Game time is 7 p.m.

The Huskies will receive their national championship rings during a pre-game ceremony.

Only Ryan Boatright, Phil Nolan, Amida Brimah, Omar Calhoun, Kentan Facey and Terrence Samuel return from the team that stunned the college basketball world. Walk-ons Pat Lenehan and Nnamdi Amilo played a supporting role.

UConn will be short-handed, missing Calhoun (knee) and newcomer Rodney Purvis, who’s serving a one game suspension for violating an NCAA rule by playing in two summer basketball leagues.

Sam Cassell Jr. replaces Purvis in the starting lineup. He came off the bench in two exhibition games, averaging 17.5 points. He's been UConn's best perimeter shooter, converting 7 of 14 from 3-point range.

The Huskies have only eight scholarship players available tonight.

Ollie is a believer in the next man up philosophy.

 "We've got a lot of guards," Ollie said. "You take Rodney out, and we've got another guard. You know the roster. There's no adjustment. All of our guys are interchangeable. ... We plug one guy in and everybody's just got to play with level five intensity."

Freshman Daniel Hamilton has the versatility to play multiple position, including guard.

Some other thoughts:

-- Brimah battled foul trouble during exhibition season. He has to shake the bad habit to take the next step forward in his career.

-- Ollie had a typical coach's reaction when asked about being ranked 17th.

"If we're 17th, that's fine. It really matters at the end of the season. I want to be No. 1 in team chemistry. I don't think USA Today or AP came out with a poll on that."

-- The Huskies are 25-0 in season openers at Gampel Pavilion.

-- Check back later for a post-game breakdown.