CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. --- The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men's basketball program is hard at work preparing for the 2010-11 season.  As they do, former Mocs are continuing their playing careers as professionals in the U.S. and overseas.

Several former UTC student-athletes are either currently on rosters or are at work for opportunities to come.  In fact, the last eight scholarship Mocs to complete eligibility have played professionally.

"It's a dream," said head coach John Shulman, who is entering his seventh season on the Mocs' bench.  "Each one has a desire to continue playing whether overseas or one day in the league (NBA).  Every basketball player dreams of playing at the highest level.  I'm proud of our guys for living their dreams.

"Whether on the court or off, that's what makes life special."

The program's lone NBA first round draft pick is still playing.  Johnny Taylor, the 17th selection in the 1997 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, continued his career in Bahrain last year.  Including the NBA, he has played all over the world and is expected to play in the United Arab Emirates this year for Al Ahli.

Stephen McDowell (2008-09) is slated to sign with an NBA Development League team.  McDowell played with Bakersfield a year ago as well as in Switzerland.

Mindaugas Katelynas (2004-05) has forged a nice professional career since leading the Mocs to the 2005 Southern Conference Championship and NCAA Tournament.  Katelynas, after years in the Italian Premier League, is playing in another top league for Cajasol Sevilla in Spain.

Kevin Goffney (2008-09) is in Poland playing for Siarka T.  Nicchaeus Doaks (2006-09) recently signed to play in Finland.  He played last season in Bordeaux, France.

After a year in Poland, Keddric Mays is hitting his patented long-range jumpers in the Ukraine in 2010-11.  He is playing for Ferro-Zntu Zaporozhye in the Superleague.  Last year's lone senior, Ty Patterson (2009-10) is expected to play in Greece this year, while there are a few players sorting out details.

Khalil Hartwell (2006-09) and Keyron Sheard (2008-09) are still working on contracts for this season.  Sheard helped lead BC Mures to the playoffs in Romania last year, while Hartwell signed with a team in Iceland.

Ashley Champion (2003-04) played in Finland in 2009-10 for Koripojat.  Jerice Crouch (2005-06) played in Slovakia to begin last season, but he ended it on the roster of the Rochester RazorSharks in the Premier Basketball League.

Recent Mocs in the pros include:  Kevin Bridgewaters (Ukraine), Chris Brown (Germany), Steve Cherry (Lithuania), Oliver Morton (Ecuador), Alphonso Pugh (Israel), Jason Rogan (KIBA), Michael Townsend (New Zealand), Jamal Ward (Romania), Marcus Watts (Finland), Toot Young (Germany) and Willie Young (Germany).

The current Mocs open practice on Friday, October 15.  Chattanooga returns three starters and 11 letterwinners from the 2010 squad.  In 33 seasons in the Southern Conference, UTC has won 17 regular-season/division titles and a record-tying 10 tournament crowns.