"It's better and more modern than what I had in college, and I played at a top ACC school (Virginia Tech)," Collin said. "It's better than Duke. It's better than the different big-name schools, especially with the way it's designed."

Of course, Duke and its fellow Atlantic Coast Conference schools have a little bit on the coliseum in atmosphere.

That's where Collins and the rest of the 2008-09 Mad Ants come in.

If they can generate some early wins, starting tonight, and become a contender in the NBA D-League, maybe some of the beauty of the coliseum can be translated into a home-court advantage in crowd size and noise. The Mad Ants led the D-League in attendance last season, but there's still room for growth.

"We definitely need to get off to a good start," swingman Shawn Hawkins said. "It's Indiana. Everybody will come out and see you play if you get the wins. If it's good, high-level Basketball, everybody will want to see this."

Mad Ants coach Jaren Jackson took over at midseason last year when Kent Davison left to become the national coach in Qatar. The team Jackson inherited was not necessarily the style of team he prefers.

This year, he has full control, and with it comes a more physical, more experienced group of pro players. He has only one rookie: guard DeWitt Scott from IPFW. The rest of the roster includes players with extensive overseas experience, such as No. 1 draft pick Collins, and veterans of the Ants' first season in Walker Russell Jr., Ron Howard and Eric Smith.

Size is in, too, with Collins (6-9, 240), Chris Hunter (6-11, 225), Toree Morris (6-10, 282) and Sean Sonderleiter (6-9, 235).

There's a depth of talent to the roster, at least on paper, that was lacking at times during the Ants' 17-33 inaugural season.

"We have to find a way to manage these guys' minutes and teach them the game," said Jackson, who will be assisted by former IPFW coach Doug Noll. "We have size, but we don't have guys who are skilled in the post. This is the beginning of their development."

Russell returns after a somewhat disappointing first season with the Ants a year ago. He was the starting point guard, suffered some minor injuries and lost his job to Earl Calloway. Calloway seized the opening and became the team's Most Valuable Player. Russell, who averaged 14.5 points per game for the Ants last year, eventually left to play in Spain.

When the chance came for Russell to return this year, he didn't hesitate and he has taken the leadership role with a visible positive attitude, along with second-year player Howard.

"Last year, I think I shot the gun a little early on the (overseas) opportunity," Russell said. "I think if I would have stayed here, the opportunity could have come for me to be called up (to the NBA )."

An NBA call-up, of course, is the goal of every player in the D-League.

"I think if we come out and win, all of us will get a look," Russell said. "The ultimate goal here is to win. If we win, everything will happen for everybody the right way. I'm definitely glad to be back in Fort Wayne. They showed me love here, and I definitely appreciate it."

Jackson said the early part of the season will determine who the team's "go-to guy" is on offense. He sees Collins as a major possibility, since he combines strength with finesse and a nice mid-range jump shot. Russell and Howard can create their own shots, and Scott, the surprise rookie sensation, is a great long-range shooter off screens and cuts. D-League veteran guard Brian Morrison is also capable of nailing big shots.

"The guys are hungry and eager to get playing," Howard said. "The entire organization has a year under its belt. Everyone knows what to expect now. Everybody is happy to start playing Basketball again."

If the Mad Ants contend, the coliseum could start to feel as good as it looks.

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