PROVO — Ready or not, the BYU Cougars are about to begin playing basketball for keeps.

One thing's certain, though, as they prepare to host Bradley tonight in the 2009-10 season-opener at the Marriott Center. They're not as ready as the Braves, who enjoyed two weeks of practice in August in preparation for a two-week tour in Brazil.

"I know from coaching in those kinds of experiences that your team, early in the season, is way ahead," BYU coach Dave Rose said. "So that's going to be a challenge for us. We've got to make sure that we're ready for whatever they bring in here."

Tonight's game is not only the first official game this season for both teams but the first meeting in the new Missouri Valley Conference/Mountain West Conference Challenge, where nine MWC teams will face nine MVC teams in preseason battles.

Last season, Bradley was 21-15 and lost in the championship game of the CollegeInsider.com postseason tournament. The Braves are led by returning starters Sam Maniscalco (12.6 ppg), Dodie Dunson (10.1 ppg) and Chris Roberts (8.7 pgg). Also back is guard Andrew Warren, who missed all of last season with an injury after averaging 13.2 ppg in 2007-08.

"It's an older and experienced team, so it should be a good test for us," Rose said.

However, the Braves don't have the same depth as BYU. The Cougars have four starters back — Jackson Emery, Chris Miles, Jonathan Tavernari and Jimmer Fredette — and a bench loaded with players fighting for the fifth starting spot and plenty of reserve minutes.

"We feel like there are eight or nine guys that we can start, and hopefully we can go that deep," Rose said.

Most likely, sophomore forward Charles Abouo will get that fifth starting spot tonight.

"Charles made some real improvement in his game over the summer, and we need to find the best way to get him involved with this group," Rose said.

Freshmen Tyler Haws (guard) and Brandon Davies (center) should be the first ones off the bench. Sophomore forward Noah Hartsock and senior reserve point guard Lamont Morgan Jr. should also see plenty of action as Rose promises to use a variety of lineups.

"Some players are better coming off the bench, some players are better starting, but you've got to make sure that's the best combination for your team," Rose said.

On the air

Bradley (0-0) at BYU (0-0)

Friday, 7:30 p.m.

TV: The mtn.

Radio: 1160 AM 102.7 FM

e-mail: jimr@desnews.com