Rasheem Barrett has plenty of reasons for optimism.

Heading into his junior season at Auburn, Barrett sees a basketball program on the rise with nearly $100 million committed to building a new arena and a team that returns its top eight scorers.

While the arena won't be ready until the 2010-11 season, well after Barrett uses up his eligibility, he still takes a lot pride in being part of a team that he feels is putting AU basketball back on the map.

"I saw a layout of it and it's real nice," said Barrett. "It makes me feel great to be a part of something like that even though I'm not going to be playing in it."

For now, Barrett and his teammates will continue to practice and play at Beard-Eaves. But this summer's workouts and pickup games in the 40-year old facility have been anything but ordinary.


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