One number from UConn's exhibition opener last week caught coach Kevin Ollie's attention.

Twenty-nine.

That's the combined number of rebounds UConn's starting frontcourt grabbed against Southern Connecticut in Tuesday's victory.

Granted, their inside domination came against a Division II program, but the Huskies have to start somewhere. And they were out-rebounded by the same team last season.

Given that success rate, the frontcourt trio of Daniel Hamilton, Amida Brimah and Kentan Facey will likely be back in the starting lineup for today's exhibition finale against Assumption at the XL Center in Hartford at noon.

"I really like my front line rebounding," Ollie said after practice Friday. "Twenty-nine rebounds out of my front line, I don't think I've ever seen that stat my two years coaching. That was pretty good to see Daniel get nine and Kentan get nine and Amida to get 11.

"So I was very pleased with that."

Rebounding was an issue during the national championship season. UConn's starting frontcourt trio didn't even come close to reaching 29 rebounds in any game, topping out at 18.

In fact, 6-foot-1 guard Shabazz Napier led the team in rebounding for nearly the entire season until DeAndre Daniels wrestled away the crown during the Final Four, ending up with a 6.0 to 5.9 edge.

The Huskies can't afford for that to happen again this season. They're a different team, needing more help from their frontcourt with the loss of their top three rebounders - Napier, Daniels and Niels Giffey.

Rebounds are needed to fuel a fast break, which is expected to be a vital part of UConn's game plan this season.

Ollie has challenged the frontcourt to attack the boards.

"He said there's no way a guard should ever lead the team in rebounding ever again," Facey said. "So we took it upon ourselves to make that happen."

Facey, a 6-foot-9 sophomore power forward, and Hamilton, a 6-7 freshman forward, are in the early stages of their development. Facey saw limited action in 23 games last season, averaging 1.5 points and 1.8 rebounds in 5.3 minutes per game.

Facey earned the starting job based on his practice play.

"I like his aggressiveness," Ollie said. "He's really understanding the offense and he's become a communicator out there, which is good.

"Last year, he just got caught in the moment where he really didn't understand where to go and he was thinking so much. Now, he's just reacting. I believe it's going to be a great season for him."

Facey is embracing his expanded role.

"I've been working hard in practice," Facey said. "That's a spot that's open to come in and contribute on the boards."

During his high school days, Hamilton showed the ability to be a rebounding force, averaging nine per game at St. John Bosco in Bellflower, Calif. While his skill set is suited to play on the wing, he'll be asked to move to the four spot at times.

That's fine with Hamilton.

"I don't mind it," Hamilton said. "I've got to learn the plays a little bit better. … I like playing it because I can take the four off the dribble like DeAndre was doing last year."

UConn has a limited number of frontcourt options. Junior Phil Nolan, who started 19 games last season, is the most experienced of the bunch and freshman reserve Rakim "Rock" Lubin, who used his rugged 6-8, 260-pound frame to grab four rebounds in seven minutes against SCSU.

Today's game is the last tune-up before UConn opens the regular season against Bryant University Friday night in Storrs.

g.keefe@theday.com

Twitter: @GavinKeefe