If the Dayton Flyers don’t make the NCAA Tournament this coming season, it won’t be due to their Strength of Schedule.

UD will be facing three of the top-nine teams in the ratings published by Fox Sports — Pittsburgh, North Carolina and Creighton — as well as perennial stalwart Louisville.

When someone pointed out that the killer lineup should generate enthusiasm among the players, Gregory cracked, “But it’s not always fun for the coach.”

Actually, Gregory welcomes the challenge. “It’s exciting to have an opportunity to play that competition,” he said. “We want to get to the point where … when we play every one of those teams, it’s a toss-up. We’re moving forward in that direction.”

The entire non-conference schedule won’t be released for at least a couple of weeks, but the Flyers are tentatively set to open the season Nov. 11 at home against Austin Peay (17-14 last season).

They’ll face Louisville (21-13) at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati on Nov. 24 and host Creighton (20-10) on Dec. 6 before going to Pitt (25-8) on Dec. 23 and North Carolina (23-8) on New Year’s Eve.

That will definitely offset the hit they will take when they get to the A-10 schedule — not a team to be found in any early top-25 previews.

If you really want to start planning ahead, the NCAA has released the sites for 2009 and 2010. Pittsburgh isn’t hosting anything, but Philly will host 1st and 2nd round games in 2009.