by Sports Xchange

--G Chauncey Gilliam was declared academically ineligible for the first semester. "Obviously, we're disappointed that we'll be without Chauncey during the first semester," said UMBC coach Randy Monroe. "He's such a fierce competitor who brings that swagger to our team. We'll miss him, but he will certainly have our support during this difficult time."

--F Justin Fry underwent knee surgery and was hoping to be back in time for the America East schedule.

LAST YEAR: 15-17 overall, 7-9 in America East, sixth place

HEAD COACH: Randy Monroe (career 72-83); seventh year at UMBC (72-83).

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'm excited about this group. They're excited to get started. It's also new blood, too, and I think that's always a refreshing thing. New guys are coming in, and they kind of rejuvenate the coach, too. It makes both he and his staff look forward to getting started as well. Don't get me wrong, (I'll miss the departed players). But it happens to everyone across the country, where players move on to future basketball careers or get started with their futures in other careers. So I'm totally excited about this group." -- UMBC coach Randy Monroe, on his new-look team.