1. Nike has special camouflage jerseys for the eight teams participating in the military-themed games on Nov. 9 just like it did last year for Michigan State and North Carolina in the Carrier Classic in San Diego. Michigan State's Draymond Green made an impressive gesture when he led the team to give their jerseys to the troops on the USS Carl Vinson. The camouflage jerseys were a big hit with the players. All eight schools participating in the games are Nike-sponsored schools: Michigan State-Connecticut in Ramstein Air Base in Germany; Syracuse-San Diego State in San Diego; Florida-Georgetown in Jacksonville; Ohio State-Marquette in Charleston, S.C.

2. Oregon State coach Craig Robinson said he has seen the potential for a breakout season from Roberto Nelson during the first two weeks of practice. The Beavers desperately need Nelson to live up to his hype and take over a leadership position after Jared Cunningham opted to leave for the NBA. Meanwhile, Robinson said Angus Brandt has been a surprise in practice with his scoring and rebounding ability. The Beavers have a few chances early in the season to prove if they are a contender or pretender in the Pac-12 by winning the 2K Sports Classic (vs. Alabama and Purdue/Villanova) before a game against Kansas in Kansas City.

3. Missouri may have the best chance to have the most impact of any team joining a new league. The Tigers certainly are being treated with the kind of respect given to a contender. The Tigers were picked third in the SEC with Phil Pressey tabbed as the preseason player of the year. That's a credit to Pressey, but also speaks volumes about the returning talent in the SEC. The league was gutted like no other by the NBA draft last June.