by Sports Xchange

KEY RETURNEES: All-Sun Belt Conference first-team selection Nate Rohnert was the only player to finish amongst the league's top 15 in scoring (15.3), rebounding (5.4) and assists (4.7). He also finished in the top 10 in field goal percentage (.493), steals (1.29) and minutes played (37.0).

Forward Rob Lewis is also back after averaging 13 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Sophomore guard Brian Stafford added over 11 points and 2.0 boards per contest.

Redshirt sophomore Andrew Hooper shot a sizzling 46.6% off the bench from beyond the arc, best in the conference.

Guard Kyle Lewis and forward Justin Coughlin complete the returning starting lineup.

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: Coach Joe Scott added four newcomers to this year's squad. Coming on board are athletic forwards Blake Foreman (6-foot-7) and Jeff Powers (6-8) as well as guards with better length in Chase Hallam (6-5), and Tyler Thalken (6-4).

KEY EARLY SEASON GAMES: The Pioneers have the opportunity to get off to a good start with the first four games inside Maness Arena. Northern Iowa, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Montana and Wyoming all visit before Thanksgiving. Northern Iowa is expected to be the class of the Missouri Valley Conference, making a home game against the Panthers a critical chance. The first road trip isn't until November 28 when Denver travels to Brookings, South Dakota to take on the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. Conference play begins with home dates on Dec. 17 and 19 against Florida International and Louisiana-Monroe.

PROGRAM DIRECTION: While every starter returns -- as well as three key reserves -- this is still a young Pioneer basketball team. Nate Rohnert is the lone starting senior with Rob Lewis and Kyle Lewis the only two seniors. The program has improved each year under Scott and with the amount of young talent on board, it's reasonable to expect the trend will continue.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: G/F Nate Rohnert, G Brian Stafford, F Rob Lewis, G Kyle Lewis, F Justin Coughlin.