Seattle U. men's basketball team will scrimmage Thursday at KeyArena

The public will get its opening look tonight at the first Seattle University men's basketball team in 29 years to play a full Division I schedule during an open scrimmage at KeyArena.

The scrimmage, scheduled for 8 p.m., caps a Select-a-Seat event that begins at 10 a.m. in which fans are encouraged to check out their potential seats at KeyArena.

The school reports it has sold roughly 1,000 season tickets.

First-year coach Cameron Dollar says he thinks fans might be surprised by the size and strength of the team the Red Hawks will put on the floor.

The team is practicing in town again after going to Whatcom Community College in Bellingham for a three-day training camp to begin the season.

"We are actually a little bigger and stronger than I thought we'd be," said Dollar, who was an assistant at Washington the past seven years before taking over at Seattle U. last spring following the departure of Joe Callero to Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. "When you see us all together, we are a little tougher and a little more physical than I thought we'd be. That's a good sign."

Dollar said he thinks fans who attend the scrimmage tonight will agree.

"I think people will be pleasantly surprised at our kids, that we've got a little better player than what people may think," he said.

The Red Hawks went 21-8 last season under Callero, 13-8 against Division I opponents. This year, the team will play solely D-I foes, all the home games at KeyArena, highlights including Fresno State in the Elgin Baylor Classic on Nov. 19, Idaho on Jan. 30 and Eastern Washington on Feb. 1.

Seattle U will play Washington at Edmundson Pavilion on Jan. 26 and will play at Oklahoma State — the season opener on Nov. 14 — and at Oregon State (Jan. 6). Seattle U. is playing as an independent and is not eligible for the NCAA tournament but could get invited to another postseason tournament, such as the NIT, which Dollar has set as a goal.

The team has two starters returning: Chris Gweth, a 6-foot-1 guard, and Mike Boxley, a 6-5 forward.

"We have a really good base to start from as far as quality players, and we were able to bring some kids in even at a late point that are real solid," Dollar said.

The late additions include Charles Garcia, a 6-10, 230-pound power forward who initially signed with Washington but was denied admission.

"He is extremely versatile," Dollar said. "He can handle the ball like a guard."

Another late addition was 6-foot guard Garrett Lever, son of longtime NBA standout Lafayette Lever.

"He's big and strong and can really defend," Dollar said. "He can defend the one, the two, some threes. He's one of those guys that just figures out a way to help you win."

Dollar said he has been impressed by 6-8, 200-pound Gavin Gilmore of Pasco, who redshirted last season.

"He's probably our truest inside guy," Dollar said. "Energy-wise, he reminds me of Jon Brockman."

All of Seattle U.'s games this season will be broadcast on 710 ESPN Seattle, and at least three games will be televised on FSN Northwest: at Denver on Dec. 22, at Oregon State and at Washington.

Bob Condotta: 206-515-5699 or bcondotta@seattletimes.com