Storrs — A sure sign that changes are under way in the UConn basketball camp came minutes before the start of the Husky Run on Wednesday.

In a rare move, junior Kemba Walker jumped up on the short retaining wall near Gampel Pavilion and spoke to the crowd of runners.

"On behalf of the team, thank you for coming out and doing the Husky Run with us," Walker said.

Then Walker rejoined the pack and took off running.

The Huskies are taking steps to put last year's disappointing season in the distance. Walker set the tone Wednesday with his short pre-race speech.

"I'm trying to establish my leadership role with this team and just have fun today, that's the main thing … and get a chance to bond with the fans," Walker said.

With Walker and senior Donnell Beverly taking charge, the Huskies are filling the leadership void that hampered them last season. They're also working on becoming a cohesive unit.

Beverly has noticed an improvement over last year.

"Last year we had a good group of guys but we want to make sure everybody is on the same page, doing the same things at the same time," Beverly said. "So far, it's been great."

Months leading up to the official first day of practice Saturday, the Huskies have spent working on doing the little things right: Be on time for workouts; go to class; attend study halls; take care of business on and off the court.

That's especially important this season with a roster loaded with underclassmen, including six impressionable freshmen.

"We don't want them coming here thinking they do can whatever they want and not having any leaders," Walker said. "We want to show those guys the ropes."

The message is sinking in.

So far, the Huskies are staying on track. When a player did slip up recently and miss a class, coach Jim Calhoun made the entire team get up early one morning and run.

"The big rule is, don't be late," said freshman Shabazz Napier. "Secondly, it is going to class and getting your books done. They set a goal for us trying to get a 3.0 (grade-point average) or higher. We're looking forward to trying to do that.

"They push us every time we step on the court and every time we're off the court. … They want us to go hard in every aspect in life."

These Huskies have only passed a quiz. The real tests take place when practice begins. First Night will be held Friday at Gampel Pavilion. Doors open at 6 p.m. The first official practice is Saturday morning. That's when the freshmen will be introduced to another side of Calhoun.

Veteran Huskies are warning the newcomers that a storm is approaching. "They said it is crazy but it's going to get us better," freshman Jeremy Lamb said.

Calhoun skipped the Husky Run, leaving for Indianapolis earlier in the day to prepare for Friday's hearing with the NCAA Committee on Infractions. He's expected to return late Friday, missing First Night.

Associate head coach George Blaney is filling in for Calhoun.

"Oct. 15 is a fun day for most basketball people because it is the start of something," Blaney said. "You can always see how much hard work they actually did do (in the offseason). You'll be able to tell that in the first three days Certainly from what we see right now the work has been stupendous."

• Senior walk-on Kyle Bailey was the first player to finish the Husky Run (3.4 miles), crossing the line in 21 minutes, 12 seconds. Freshman Tyler Olander was next at 21:15, followed by sophomore Jamal Coombs-McDaniel at 21:22. Other times: Napier, 21:58; Alex Oriakhi, 22:10; Michael Bradley, 22:22; Charles Okwandu, Roscoe Smith, 22:28; Walker, 22:50; Lamb, Niels Giffey, 23:44. Beverly, who's recovering from offseason hip surgery, did not run.

g.keefe@theday.com