The good news is that the expectations will be low!

If the returning players make the necessary commitments in the off-season, and play hard during the season, who knows? Look at what some other MAC schools accomplished this season with less "talent".

It will be a challenge. Most of the MAC returns more contributing pieces than we do.

Who will be the leader of this team?

Boothe's contributions have been largely with other talent around him that can benefit from his style of play. It will be interesting to see how his role changes next season. I'm guessing we see him more in the low post unless we sign someone before then.

Jon Jon had what we called in my day a "sophomore slump". He looked more tentative on offense than he did as a freshman, but he was also on the floor more often than not with other offensive threats, so he may not have seen the ball as much. Next season, he'll likely be the "go to" guy on a pretty inexperienced squad. Will his offensive production outweigh any defensive lapses?

Lauf is generally a high-energy guy. Could make his mark next season as our all-out defensive stopper if he works at it, someone who can lock down the opposing team's top gun. His offense may take a back seat as a result.

Garber is Wonnell. But will he get better? Can he become a low post presence? Will he become an intentional part of the offense instead of simply someone to throw an outlet pass to when you get stuck? His play may be a big key to next season.

Mosely & Hall had moments--good & bad. Typical of most freshmen. They will need to step up their games if they don't want to see more of their playing time taken by incoming freshmen.

Speaking of the incoming class: I would be very surprised if 2 of them don't start from day one. Some of it is we don't have many options, especially if we don't want the bench to be all freshmen. And I, for one, am excited about seeing what a bunch of new faces might do. In fact, since it looks like we have 1 more scholly to give, if we can't get a JUCO low-post player than I'd like to see us get another freshman low-post player to give us a class of 5--and then play them all together as a unit. Build a team from the ground up that may meet expectations a few seasons later.