Here's all you need to know about the direction of the CU men's basketball program:
Last season under Ricardo Patton, the Buffs finished with a 7-20 record.

This year, just one game into conference play, they have already eclipsed last season's win total. With still a month-and-a-half to play in the regular season, they are 8-7.

Patton, seemingly, was just good enough to keep saving his job. However, CU Athletic Director Mike Bohn wanted the program to thrive----not just survive---so Patton knew he was gone and seemingly launched a pre-emptive strike against a school who let him define basketball mediocrity. The day he introduced his 2006-07 team to the media, he also had another message for the press: After this season I'm gone.

It surprised those in attendance, especially Bohn. Patton had not even told his own boss that he was leaving. If that doesn't tell you how betrayed he felt at not being offered a contract extension prior to last season, nothing will.

So, Patton is gone and Jeff Bzdelik, who did far more with a lot less talent at the Air Force Academy, made the drive from Colorado Springs to Boulder. Speaking of drive, whether it's getting a car or driving to the basket, nothing will come easy to CU's opponents.

Bzdelik is known for his "Princeton offense," but defense is where he feels this team can make its biggest strides, at least for now.

The talent level in this program will have to be significantly upgraded, but until then, you have to play with what you have. In that regard, Bzdelik can't do much with his roster, but defense isn't about talent, it's more about effort---and Coach Bzdelik will not settle for anything less than maximum effort.

The numbers bear it out. Last season, CU's opposition gave up 80.1 points per game. This year, through 15 games, they have surrendered an average of 60.1 points per game.

Fun basketball to watch? Not really, they move slowly on offense--but at least they are slowly moving in a direction, and this time, it's actually forward.

-"Z"