We're baaaaack. The greatest of all regions in Ultimate Hoops returns, as Tempe tips off the first games in UH Arizona in nearly 14 months. Many of the greats are back, from prolific trash talker (and Danny Berg hater) Steve Bertrand, taking his talents to the stat table, to photographer extraordinaire Feeferlump Anderson to the GOAT himself Christian Bower, in this Tempe return. Plan on more than a few interviews tonight, but let's take a quick look at some of what's in store:

The Good

Terry L Riley Spring Chicken: Terry's shed his dad weight & is ready to go from posterized to poster child. He & PIC Ronny Gardner have been hitting the road during lockdown and Terry at least (Ronny's letting his 6-pack do the talking) promises a revenge tour.

**The Bad **

Adam Bickerstaff got his guy again: without the slightest of scams (other than, possibly, some whispers of injuries) or backroom deals, Draft legends Adam & Christian found their way back together, adding a 3rd HOF candidate to the mix in Brandon Walker, along with a grip of other talented guards and the short shorts legend Casey Day, who may well show up to this UH return in a speedo. Size is a glaring question mark (is Adam legitimately playing Center?), but we know by now this duo (and the whole squad) is trouble.

The Ugly

This writer fully expects the dad bod to be in full effect tonight, with more than a few rumored to be carrying some extra lbs. That could mean a few extra clanks and more than a couple frustration fouls. After 14 quiet months, I'll take it though, along with the long missing tension in the air only a night of UH can deliver.

Don't Call It a Comeback

While this is technically a comeback for all, two big comebacks stand tall: Tempe Draft original DJ Keene and life original Gary Kilcup. DJ's back with us after some time away to rehab his shoulder, while G took some time away to clear his head. Add to that the return of Branden J Holmes along with UH Arizona originals Kristopher Hennen & Edmond Norman, who were literally in the original UH Tempe league, and nostalgia is cranked to the max. Oh, don't forget Jason Scott Tollefson protege Baby Phelps (Kevin Krupitzer).

Sleeper Status

Tim Taylor: Don't let Tim's grumpy player photo or laid back vibe fool you. The guy can shoot. Less than two years ago, he averaged 20+ as a wing assassin in the Vet League. While this crowd's no doubt faster, if he gets a clean look, bank on a bucket.

Lorenzo Jirau: speaking of shooters, Zo's hit a bucket (or hundred) in his day. The last few years might've pulled him away from the day-to-day hooping, but expect Donald Didlake's longtime wing to find his own rhythm soon.

LaRon Sutton: Landing right before Zo in the 3rd Round, LaRon made some real noise in his one UH season to date, dropping a cold 21, 6, 6 on 60% from the field. He'll look to build on that as a (now not so secret) weapon for KJ Davis & Will Sorensen.

Rookie to Watch:

David Whitaker Jr & Charlie Tomlin: landing on opposite ends of the draft board, DJ & Charlie both have something to prove. DJ has lofty expectations of captain Maxicys Platon to live up to, while Charlie can defy the odds as a fresh face and make some real noise this season. This writer has high hopes for both rookies.