AMHERST - Following an offseason where University of Massachusetts men's basketball coach Derek Kellogg put heavy emphasis on conditioning, the Minutemen are going to put that stamina to good use.

Kellogg plans to change his offense into one that will run and press more.

"We have a roster of guys that can play that way. It's something I've always wanted to do," Kellogg said. "We have to use our length, our athleticism and our speed. We finally have a fast team of longer, more athletic guys that need to get out and run."

That new style won't truly be on display Saturday when the team holds its Bash at Southwest Beach fan event from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the horseshoe courts at the Southwest residential area to mark the official start of practice. But that will be a big focus once regular practice starts.

At times last year, the Minutemen struggled to score in half-court sets. Kellogg hoped that increasing the tempo would create open shots.

"I don't think they're great, great half-court players, but we're capable," he said. "I think if we can speed the tempo up and use our depth and our length by going it people, that's going to add a few more wins during the season."

Saturday's event will give fans their first look at some new Minutemen. Hofstra transfer Chaz Williams assumes the starting point guard role right away. Williams is the only natural point guard on the roster. His speed is expected to play a big role in UMass' ability to run.

Freshmen big men Cady Lalanne and Maxie Esho will also make their debuts. Both sat out last year but could get an opportunity to contribute right away. Lalanne was named to the Atlantic 10's preseason All-Rookie team on Thursday.

"I can't wait. I feel good about the kids, their bodies and where they are mentally," Kellogg said. "I'm 100 percent confident in how we're going to win with this team and how we're going to play."

Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Follow UMass coverage on Twitter at twitter.com/GazetteUMass. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at http://www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage.