As if DC's return wasn't a reason enough to smile, this is probably the most blockbuster comment from yesterday's developments (emphasis added):

With Collison returning and the college game driven by backcourt play, the Bruins could challenge for a fourth straight Pacific-10 Conference regular season title.

"This will give us an opportunity and with the freshman class coming in, to be able to really extend our defense, really be able to force the tempo of the game," Howland said. "You do that with your defense. We're going to create a lot of opportunities with our quickness and our length." Anyone who doubts whether Howland has the ability to coach an up tempo game should look up the statistics of his teams at Northern Arizona (and find out what he almost did to Olson's team in the Big Dance even being severely undermanned in terms of talent).

That comment might be sending shivers up the coaches spines in rest of the conference. For us - simply music to our ears.

GO BRUINS.