DAVIS, Calif. - It's hard to find a UC Davis student who is not in a good mood on a Friday since that means a two-day respite from the educational grind is on the verge of taking place. For a select group of students, however, it was something else that created an ear-to-ear smile and generated some extra pep in their steps since another important event took place on Friday, Sept. 30.

For the student-athletes, coaches, staff members and fans of UC Davis basketball, the first official practice took place -- another subtle reminder that the start of basketball season is just around the corner. Six weeks from now, the Aggies will face Tennessee State, one of five non-conference opponents that advanced to postseason play last year, in its season opener at the Cable Car Classic.

"Everyone is really excited to get things underway, there was a different level of energy that everyone brought to the court today," said senior guard Darius Graham.

"This team knows that it has the chance to create something special, it was just difficult waiting for this day to take place. From here on, each day is going to give us another opportunity to work hard and reach our potential."

Perhaps players were smiling because they know what is in store for the team throughout its non-conference schedule. In addition to facing postseason-caliber opposition until league play begins in January, a rivalry matchup in the Golden 1 Center's first-ever college basketball game, and the program's inaugural appearance at the GCI Great Alaska Shootout highlight a historic month of November for the program.

Since only two players from last year's team graduated, an experienced 2016-17 squad is ready to bring the Big West championship trophy back to Davis for the second time in the last three seasons. Including its five seniors, 12 players from last year's roster return for sixth-year head coach Jim Les.

Even the Aggies' group of seven underclassmen possess a higher level of collective experience compared to their peers. Two players will step on the court this season having used their redshirt year to become more comfortable, and confident, with the team's schemes, plays and tactics; another three sophomores earned significant minutes and competed in 20 or more games last season.

"All the returners know how important it is to trust the process. We have some really good freshman that are eager to improve and step up when their names are called. Last year, the new guys wanted to learn as much as possible and understood that they did not know everything. They played with intensity during practice, and were ready to play once they earned an opportunity to do so," Graham added.

'Ready to play' is an accurate phrase that described the entire team, not just the newcomers, because by the time Big West Conference play began last January, UC Davis already built a well-deserved reputation as one of the toughest defenses to face in the nation.

Throughout the year, UC Davis' defense limited opponents to 66.0 point per game -- the lowest average among all Big West schools and the 40th-lowest among all 346 Division I teams. During conference competition, that figure dropped to 63.6 ppg, another league low.

Rarely were opponents bailed out and given opportunities to score easy points at the free throw line. By moving their feet instead of their hands, the Aggies committed 532 fouls last season, the 16th-lowest total in the country. Since trips to the stripe were few and far between each and every game, opponents were forced to find ways to crack in UC Davis' suffocating defense. This is why UC Davis basketball fans saw their team set another two program records for the lowest opponent field goal and three-point field goal percentage defenses by posting respective shooting clips of .413 and .310 respectively.

Perhaps those rankings and statistics are why the first set of drills that took place on Friday focused on the team's defense.

"I woke up excited to come to practice today. Since this is my last season, it's a bittersweet day as well. I just want to work hard, give it my all, and enjoy every minute. Everyone cannot wait for the season to start."

As is the case with Graham and his teammates, the next six weeks may be the toughest ones to endure for UC Davis basketball fans as well.

After the 2016-17 season tips-off vs. Tennessee State, the Aggies will face Santa Clara and Northern Arizona before competing in its first home game of the year on Nov. 17. Purchasing season tickets is the easiest way to secure the best seats for every UC Davis basketball home game, reserve yours today by clicking here, visiting the Athletics Ticket Office at Aggie Stadium Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., or by calling (530) 752-AGS1 (2471).