Tyler Wilkerson remembers the last time Marshall played in a three-day basketball "classic" in late November.

It was his freshman year, two seasons ago, and the Thundering Herd played in the Great Alaskan Shootout. And not terribly well, as it turned out - after a game effort against California, the Herd lost its next two to finish in eighth place.

They all were close games, but losses nonetheless.

"It was crazy. Everybody was all depressed on the airplane," said Wilkerson, the 6-foot-8 big man. "That's not the look we want this time. We want to come back happy and enjoy some wins."

The coach and most of the players around Wilkerson have changed as the Herd gets set for another three-day basketball excursion. The trip is shorter, to Daytona Beach, Fla., and the Glenn Wilkes Classic is not a tournament in the strict sense. Marshall's three opponents are predetermined, beginning with a 2 p.m. game today against Morgan State.

Games against Green Bay and Mississippi follow the next two days at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively.

While this serves as an early team-bonding experience, this weekend could have postseason ramifications a few months from now.

Ask Alabama-Birmingham. The Blazers played in the inaugural Wilkes Classic and lost their three games at the 5,000-seat Ocean Center. With a 21-10 record after the conference tournament, the Blazers were sent to the National Invitation Tournament.

But Herd coach Donnie Jones points out that UAB's trip wasn't necessarily wasted.

"Maybe that helped them grow later on," Jones said. "We've just got to make sure we keep together, stay humble and make sure we go out there and take care of business."

Tyler Wilkerson remembers the last time Marshall played in a three-day basketball "classic" in late November.

It was his freshman year, two seasons ago, and the Thundering Herd played in the Great Alaskan Shootout. And not terribly well, as it turned out - after a game effort against California, the Herd lost its next two to finish in eighth place.

They all were close games, but losses nonetheless.

"It was crazy. Everybody was all depressed on the airplane," said Wilkerson, the 6-foot-8 big man. "That's not the look we want this time. We want to come back happy and enjoy some wins."

The coach and most of the players around Wilkerson have changed as the Herd gets set for another three-day basketball excursion. The trip is shorter, to Daytona Beach, Fla., and the Glenn Wilkes Classic is not a tournament in the strict sense. Marshall's three opponents are predetermined, beginning with a 2 p.m. game today against Morgan State.

Games against Green Bay and Mississippi follow the next two days at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively.

While this serves as an early team-bonding experience, this weekend could have postseason ramifications a few months from now.

Ask Alabama-Birmingham. The Blazers played in the inaugural Wilkes Classic and lost their three games at the 5,000-seat Ocean Center. With a 21-10 record after the conference tournament, the Blazers were sent to the National Invitation Tournament.

But Herd coach Donnie Jones points out that UAB's trip wasn't necessarily wasted.

"Maybe that helped them grow later on," Jones said. "We've just got to make sure we keep together, stay humble and make sure we go out there and take care of business."

The Herd (1-0) begins play against Morgan State, preseason favorite in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The Bears are 1-2, losing close games to La Salle and Manhattan while beating Maryland-Baltimore County.

Both the Bears and Mississippi went to the NIT last season, with the Rebels advancing to that tournament's semifinals. Ole Miss is 2-0, having defeated Arkansas State and South Alabama.

Green Bay opened its season with a 79-60 loss to Utah, a Wilkes Classic participant the Herd will not face. Rollins College of nearby Orlando fills out the field, playing a single game today against Green Bay. Marshall's season-opening home victory over WVU Tech was also counted as part of the Classic.

Marshall is playing a nonconference game in the state of Florida for the first time since December 1991, when it lost to Penn State and Miami (Fla.) in the Palm Beach Classic. The Herd is 4-14 over the last five seasons on a neutral floor.

Eight newcomers will be making their first road trip. With the tournament hotel sandwiched neatly between the beach and the arena, it won't be one of the more difficult journeys they'll experience.

But still, it's a strange city, strange bed, etc. Plus it's three games in three days.

"You feel pretty good after the first two games because you haven't gotten into the season where you hit that 'wall,'" Wilkerson said. "But it's going to be tough. Coach always says it's in the mind, not in the body. If you think you're tired, you'll be tired, but if you think you're good, you'll be ready to play."

Reach Doug Smock at 348-5130

or dougsm...@wvgazette.com.