Along the way to what was predicted to be a last-place finish, a remarkable thing happened to the UAB Blazers.

When it mattered the most, the light finally clicked on. The Blazers began playing like first-year coach Mike Anderson dreamed they could. They were fearless. They were fiery. Their defense was beyond pesky -- it was frightening.

Deep into March, there was the revival of an old phenomenon. UAB basketball fever. Blazer-mania.

The Blazers went on a four-game run through the Conference USA tournament, beating Marquette and Saint Louis along the way before barely succumbing to home-standing Louisville in the championship game. That showing earned them an NIT bid, and the Blazers fell just short of an appearance at Madison Square Garden, losing a road game to St. John's -- played on the SJU campus, not MSG -- in the tournament quarterfinals.

"I was so impressed with what they did at UAB," Charlotte coach Bobby Lutz said. "You know what? They're going to be good again."

FRONTCOURT

UAB's success was offset by a startling statistic. Despite winning 21 games, the Blazers were outrebounded in all but six games. Part of the problem revolves around UAB's style that often employs a smallish three-guard lineup. But Anderson would like to see more toughness and a renewed commitment to controlling the boards.

At just 6-foot-6, senior Sidney Ball was the Blazers' leading rebounder (5.4) by utilizing his quickness and aggressiveness. Senior Gabe Kennedy, who came to UAB as a junior college transfer last season, was the closest thing to a true pivot player, and he provided consistent inside offense. He'll get some help from junior college transfer Marques Lewis, another big body.

On the wing, the Blazers have an ace in Demario Eddins, one of C-USA's top freshmen last season. Eddins had 18 points and 12 rebounds in the C-USA finals loss to Louisville, then added 19 points against Siena during NIT play. His strengths are running the floor and his overall tenacity, qualities that serve him well under Anderson's leadership.

Sophomore Brandon Tobias, who became more of a factor as the season progressed, will figure more prominently in UAB's rotation.

BACKCOURT

If you want the real story on UAB's season, just listen to Louisville coach Rick Pitino, shortly after his team topped the Blazers for the C-USA tournament title: "They are extremely gutsy. We couldn't defend them off the dribble because they are so tough."

Paced by a dynamic backcourt, the Blazers led the nation in steals (11.6). UAB will miss Eric Bush, who was fourth nationally (3.1 per game), but all indications are the thievery will continue.

Anderson, the former Arkansas assistant who learned the "40 Minutes of Hell" concept from Nolan Richardson, believes in emphasizing defense. Ultimately, he figured, it would lead to improved scoring by taking advantage of every opportunity. He was right.

It also helps that UAB has one of C-USA's top pure shooters in senior Morris Finley, the league's leading returning scorer. He was in double-figures 32 times, with his most notable efforts being a pair of 31-point games and a road win against South Florida in which he scored 25 second-half points. Finley shot 41.2 percent from 3-point range and 81.9 percent from the free-throw line. "Mo is a real offensive weapon," Anderson said.

UAB is hoping for additional firepower from a pair of junior college transfers, twins Donell and Ronell Taylor. They bring size, shooting and athleticism, along with attention to defense. Donell could replace Bush at the point, while Ronell figures to be active off the bench.

The Blazers also return Richard Jones, a scorer who had 16 points against Memphis last season.

FINAL ANALYSIS

For the first time, the UAB program was not coached by a man named Bartow -- Gene Bartow founded the program, and his son Murry replaced him. But Anderson, the newcomer, restored the traditionally tough image of the program, which had grown stale.

The Blazers won't sneak up on anyone this season. They won't need to. Anderson has them playing at one speed -- frantic -- and it didn't take long for fans or opponents to notice the infusion of energy. With Finley and Eddins, the Blazers have two of C-USA's most skilled offensive players. You know they'll have a commitment to defense. If there's significant improvement in rebounding, the Blazers could be flat-out dangerous.

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