Whether you think that refers to the Washington U. Bears, or just all of Division III basketball in general, both are true. Division III schools approved the calendar being moved up to today, giving fans six extra days of Division III basketball to enjoy.

This season tips off with two defending champions with completely different outlooks. The men's champion, Wash U, loses an All-American but gains one off the injured list. The Bears open the season against North Park at Colorado College. The women's champion, Howard Payne, loses its top three starters and its head coach. Who's this guy at the helm of the women's champion? And who's that familiar face running the point for the men's titlist? That and more in this week's Around the Nation.

It's redemption time for a pair of teams whose 2007-08 seasons ended in disappointment. St. Thomas lost at home in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, while UW-Platteville lost in the quarterfinals of the WIAC Tournament and didn't even make the postseason. The Pioneers open their season at home against NAIA Viterbo.

Other interesting men�s match-ups include Redlands going coast-to-coast to play at NYU, No. 14 Randolph-Macon opening at Division I Richmond and the basketball version of the day�s big Cortaca Jug football game.

In women�s action St. John Fisher will play its first game ever without Phil Kahler as head coach when it opens against Geneseo State (scroll down for more). Stefano Trompeo debuts as NYU�s head coach when the Violets travel to Skyline preseason favorite Mount St. Mary.