FOLLOW THE ANTEATERS
Alaska Anchorage at UC Irvine
Thursday, Nov. 3 | 7:00 p.m.
Bren Events Center (5,000) | Irvine, Calif.
Exhibition Game
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UC Irvine begins its 2022-23 schedule Thursday night, hosting DII Alaska Anchorage in an exhibition game at the Bren Events Center at 7:00 p.m.
 
Before the season commences, head coach Russell Turner wants to give insight on what he is most looking forward to in this 2022-23 campaign.
 
CONFERENCE DOMINATION
Since 2012, the Anteaters have compiled a 138-47 record (0.746) record in conference play which is one of the best according to CBK Report. On the list of 25, Kansas and Virginia are the only two power five institutions that sit above UC Irvine. UCI ranks the highest out of the California teams that made the list, sitting above San Diego State and St. Mary's College.
 
DEFEND THE BREN
In the Turner era of Anteater basketball, UC Irvine holds a 131-42 (0.757) record inside the Bren Events Center with only one loss on their home court in each of the last two seasons. In similar fashion to their overall conference domination over the last decade, the 'Eaters have gone 64-12 (0.842) in Big West play on their home court.
 
CHAMPIONSHIP MENTALITY
In a ten year span, UC Irvine has won seven Big West championships whether it was a regular season or championship title. The Anteaters have won the Big West outright in 2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2018-19, 2019-20 seasons while earning Big West championship titles in 2014-15 and 2018-19. UCI has made six postseason appearances under the helm of Russell Turner with their last appearance in postseason play in 2019, playing in the NCAA tournament where the Anteaters advanced to the second round.
 
ALL ABOUT THE NET
The UC Irvine non-conference slate is difficult given the 'Eater's reputation, but was crafted strategically to help become a potential postseason favorite. The non-conference schedule comprises of teams out of Power 5 conferences like the Pac-12 while also competing against powerhouses in the Ivy League, Mountain West, Southland, Summit League, Western Athletic, and West Coast conferences.
 
"We know we have the chance to be good. We know we can be good. I am super excited to see what this team can do so it should be fun."
 
YOUNG AND HUNGRY
While the Anteaters boast a young squad, the 2022-23 season marks the third year in a row where there are no guys on the team who are playing through their last year of eligibility. Coach Turner prides himself on the fact that the whole outside perimeter returns this year.
 
"It is every coach's dream to get old and stay old. It is a good feeling knowing that there is no one on this team exhausting their eligibility."
 
FRONT COURT DIFFERENCES
With some changes to the UCI roster, there will be some different faces leading the Anteaters in the front court.
 
Dean Keeler will return for his senior season. Keeler will be looked at to have an increased roll this year as one of the senior members of the team. Having dealt with injuries over the last few seasons, Dean should have a special year.
 
A sophomore out of Germany, Bent Leuchten had his first true offseason where he underwent a physical transformation. Playing at a high level before in his home country, Leuchten got playing experience at the collegiate level during his freshman campaign to prepare for increased time on the floor.
 
Chazz Hutchison, a new face on the Anteater roster, is a local player who will bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to this 2022-23 squad. Despite coming late to the game, Hutchison has terrific basketball genetics that helps keep his and his team's intensity up.
 
BREAKOUT SUPPORTING ROLES
On a stacked UC Irvine roster, Coach Turner is looking forward seeing Devin Tillis, Ofure Ujadughele, Andre Henry, and Langston Redfield having breakout seasons.
 
Tillis, a transfer from UNLV after his freshman campaign, sat out last season after a season ending surgery. A talented three point shooter, Devin has a lot to prove after missing the past year.
 
"It is unquestionable that Devin Tillis is going to be an impact guy. He reminds me a lot of Michael Wilder…a difference maker in establishing the program."
 
Ofure is a big energy player for the 'Eater's. Ujadughele played in every game last season and every time he went in he was able to raise the energy on the court.
 
"Ofure is an emotional presence I can rely on day after day, night after night. I am truly excited about him and the contributions he has made and will continue to make."
 
Both Henry and Redfield have garnered added experience over the last year in order to support the momentum on the floor.
 
"Andre hasn't shown everyone the skill that he has and I would be shocked if he didn't have a breakout this season. Langston can get it done on the perimeter while also keeping his composure in high pressure situations."
 
NEW ERA
In addition to Hutchison, Turner added four more new faces to the 2022-23 roster.
 
Pierre Crockrell II, a senior transfer from Pacific, comes to Irvine as a proven player. In his three seasons with the Tiger's, Crockrell II led the team and was among the top of the West Coast Conference in assists.
 
Three years after announcing his commitment to the Anteater program, Hayden Welling has arrived in Irvine for his freshman campaign. The Utah product won his high school's state championship title in 2019 and was the runner up the previous season.
 
Emilis Butkus and Eli Chol round out the 16-man roster for UC Irvine. Chol hails from Cumming, Georgia while Butkus has traveled from Lithuania to compete at the collegiate level.
 
"I am super excited about these guys. I think they're hungry and they're motivated. We have a lot to prove."