For half of the Kansas University women’s basketball roster, today’s 1 p.m. exhibition against Pittsburg State will not be a return home.

Rather, it will be an introduction to a new home.

Six Jayhawks will play in their first game at Allen Fieldhouse today, coming from either the junior-college or high school ranks.

Kansas coach Bonnie Henrickson said she saw the preseason game as an opportunity for her players to become accustomed to their new surroundings, and also as an experience to help her learn more about her young team.

“It will be a chance to see what we need to improve on,” Henrickson said. “I like our energy and like our enthusiasm and excitement right now.”

Among the new faces will be guard Shaquina Mosley, national junior-college player of the year after leading Central Arizona College to a 34-1 record last season.

Freshman point guard Ivana Catic will be inserted immediately into the starting lineup, joining seniors Crystal Kemp, Erica Hallman, Kaylee Brown and sophomore Taylor McIntosh.

Guards Sophronia Sallard and Katie Smith and forwards Jen Orgas and Marija Zinic also will make their debuts for the Jayhawks.

Henrickson knows her team will receive a challenge in both of its exhibition games against Division II schools. She originally played at a D-2 school herself – graduating from St. Cloud State in 1986.

The Gorillas return four letterwinners from an 18-10 squad a year ago.

“I think Pittsburg State will give us some fits,” Henrickson said, “and hopefully show us what we need to get better at.”