Georgia State basketball is looking for a fresh start in 2011. That same fresh start that was promised four years ago with former National Coach of the Year Rod Barnes. That same fresh start after head lieutenant Michael Perry assumed Charles "Lefty" Driesell's post after the left hander retired.
Georgia State Athletics officially released the non-conference portion of the men's basketball schedule Monday, revealing the Panthers will head to the Great Northwest to begin the regular season facing likely Top 15 program Washington in a multiple-team tournament featuring Portland and Florida Atlantic. UW lost in the Sweet 16 to North Carolina in the 2011 NCAA Tournament and returns six of their top 10 players, including two starters. One glaring loss was PG Isaiah Thomas, who was drafted by the NBA's Sacramento Kings in April.
Speaking of Isiah Thomas -- the other Isiah Thomas -- he and the rest of the Florida International men's team visits the Georgia State Sports Arena on December 1st.
In-state rival Georgia Southern also makes a stop in Atlanta, facing the Panthers three days prior to Christmas.
Georgia State begins practice on October 15th.
Oct. 31 Southern Poly (Exhibition)
Nov. 5 Oglethorpe (Exhibition)
Nov. 12 - 14 BTI Tournament featuring Washington, Portland and Florida Atlantic
Nov. 18 McNeese State
Nov. 22 at Samford
Nov. 26 Liberty
Nov. 29 at South Carolina State
Dec. 1 Florida International
Dec. 10 Rhode Island
Dec. 17 at Utah Valley State
Dec. 22 Georgia Southern