Posted: Thursday, November 5, 2009 5:26 pm

MARTIN, Tenn. – A new era in basketball begins Monday, Nov. 9 at The University of Tennessee at Martin when the Skyhawk men host Rhodes College in an exhibition game. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. in the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center.
Both the Skyhawk men’s and women’s teams are under the direction of first-year head coaches. The men’s team is led by Jason James, a former UT Martin assistant coach. The women’s team is under the direction of former Gibson County High School head coach Kevin McMillan.
“We are at the start of the building process that will put UTM women at the next level,” McMillan said. “Come join us for every step of the journey.”
The two teams will play three exhibition games in the Elam Center before opening their respective regular seasons. Tickets are not required for the exhibition games.
The nucleus from last year’s men’s Ohio Valley Conference championship team is still in place and going strong. 
“I cannot guarantee a victory every night but I will guarantee you three things for this upcoming basketball season,” James said. “First I guarantee you we will play harder than any of our opponents. Second I promise that we will play defense every game, and third I guarantee you we will be fun to watch.”
After the men’s first exhibition game on Monday night, the Skyhawk women will make their debut against Tougaloo on Friday, Nov. 13. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. The UTM women have a second exhibition set against Brescia on Monday, Nov. 16. Tipoff for that contest is scheduled for 7 that evening.
Basketball season tickets are on sale now. For more information call the Skyhawk Ticket Office at (731) 881-7207.