USF Senior Writer

TAMPA - Holiday season arrived early for the Bulls' basketball teams.

The USF coaches, players, administration and special guests helped celebrate the opening of the new on-campus Pam and Les Muma Basketball Center with a ribbon cutting event Friday afternoon.

The 51,000-square foot practice facility opened its doors for a grand tour that allowed visitors to get a good glimpse of spacious locker rooms, two beautiful players' lounges and two large practice courts that will help the Bulls improve with each season.

"It almost feels like Christmas," men's head coach Stan Heath said. "You have a nice, big toy that's something we can use a lot to elevate our program."

The most important part of Friday's construction party was the Bulls showing their appreciation for the Mumas, whose lead gift got the project going four years ago.

"Les and Pam have been so important," USF President Judy Genshaft said. "They've actually given to so many places throughout the campus and really have transformed this whole campus around us."

The Mumas, whose portrait is hanging in the lobby for all to see, were happy to help and were pleasantly surprised by the nearly finished product.

"I can assure you that this place is exponentially more than we ever thought it would be," Les Muma said.

Muma, who has a great love for basketball, noted the USF players more than appreciate the facility.

"I had one of the players come up to me. I won't mention his name but it was Gus (Gilchrist)," he said. "About three weeks ago he said to me, 'If I could get out of my apartment lease, I would move in here.' "

Head women's coach Jose Fernandez said the facility is important for the future of USF basketball as well. He's already seen instant results when it comes to recruiting for his 2012 class.

"We have three commitments now. We've never had that before in the time frame before November signing period," Fernandez said.

USF didn't have that luxury before the facility was constructed. The Bulls practiced in different locations around campus and didn't have a shiny, new toy to show recruits.

"It's almost like we've been in the ring fighting Mike Tyson with one hand behind our back and trying to win a fight," Heath said. "We needed something to give us equal footing with everybody else.

"This isn't equal footing," Heath added. "This is a whole other level beyond what anybody ever thought we'd have."

USF certainly did its homework in the planning stages of the facility. Coaches and administration toured the country to places like Duke, Michigan State, Florida and Louisville checking out ideas before construction began.

"We took the best of each of those and I think we have the best practice facility in the United States of America here at USF," USF Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Doug Woolard said.

Now USF is becoming a go-to place for schools to visit when they want to get construction ideas. Heath noted Notre Dame recently visited campus to check out the Bulls' new digs.

"This building right here is a game-changer," Heath said.