The Alaska Nanooks' men's and women's basketball programs announced their 2010-11 schedules Monday. The men's slate features a full slate of 26 games, while the women will play 25.
The men's team, helmed by fifth year head coach Clem Johnson, looks to improve on a 9-16 (4-12 GNAC) season.
“We depend on the constant play and unity of all players” Johnson said. “Returning players are being asked to contribute and achieve above last year's level. The addition of new players will assist in our growth. I look forward to competitive battles in practice with a carry over to our games.”
The Nanooks open the season at home with the Alaska Invitational from Nov. 18-20. They will play King College in the opening round, Ft. Smith Arkansas on day two and West Florida on day three.
They are also scheduled to host the Glacier Classic Dec. 3 and 4, where they will face Tuskegee and Benedict. After the classic, the Nanooks will fly to Anchorage to compete in the AT&T Alascom Jamboree Dec. 18 and 19. They are scheduled to play Walla Walla and Florida Tech.
Conference play begins New Year's Day at Central Washington and runs through the end of the season, when they will play two against in-state rivals the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves.
“The season starts with dedication and hard work during the offseason,” Johnson said. “Players are directed to the weight room for added strength and toughness and into the gym to increase their ability.”
The women's team will welcome new head coach Cody Burgess to Fairbanks with a pair of home games against New Mexico Highlands on Nov. 16 and 17 before hosting the North Star Invitational sponsored by Mt. McKinley Bank from Nov. 25-27.
Alaska will play Dominican in the opening round, Mercyhurst on day two and Fort Lewis on day three.
The team finished just 2-25 (1-15) under interim head coach Dave Thompson last year. Burgess said her team will use the tournament to prepare for conference play, which opens at home Dec. 4 against Anchorage.
“The North Star Invitational is going to be fierce,” Burgess said. “We're facing some of the top teams from throughout the West, and we'll be working hard to make a name for ourselves.”
The Nanooks will head to Anchorage for the UAA Tournament Dec. 10 and 11 and close the season at Anchorage Feb. 24.
Both the men's and women's teams will face Simon Fraser University of British Columbia this season. SFU joined the GNAC and will play both teams in January.
“Our schedule is going to be packed with conference games with the addition of Simon Fraser,” Burgess said. “We're preparing for the GNAC.”
Should either Nanooks team advance to postseason play, they would compete in the GNAC Playoffs Feb. 28-March 5.
