A new day, a different team and ready for another test.

That's how George Brown varsity men's basketball head coach Jonathan Smith is hoping his veterans and rookies are approaching the Huskies next pre-season game set for August 30 against Fairmont State University from West Virginia.

"We have to get better, play more as a team, build on our strengths and learn from the mistakes," said Smith, whose team will host the Fighting Falcons for a Saturday game at the St. James Campus with tip-off at 6:00pm.

Fairmont plays in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division Two circuit and last year had a 20-10 record in the Mountain East Conference before being eliminated in the playoffs. George Brown also had an impressive season in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association going 15-5 and also lost in the playoffs.

To kick off the exhibition season, Howard University, from Washington, D.C., defeated the Huskies, 82-36. It was a polished squad that jumped all over a George Brown squad that had many first year players.

"Every day you learn, you get better and work harder," said Smith. "As a player, you have to take that approach. Against Howard University, our younger guys were nervous, we made mistakes, but there were also good signs. One thing we know as a team, we have to improve."

Smith, who doesn't know what to expect from Fairmont, is using the pre-season to formulate a team for the Huskies OCAA opener, set for Oct. 22 against Seneca at the St. James Campus.

"The exhibition season is a chance for players to improve, get serious about their performance and earn a spot on the roster, " said Smith. "The mental approach should be on winning every game."

Smith said more than 25 players are trying out for the team, with the possibility of new players adding to the total once classes start in September. He expects as many as 16 will make the roster. - DG