NCAA DIVISION II

CALIFORNIA

Conference: PSAC West

Last season: 17-11, 7-5

Key players: G James Petty, 6-4, Sr. (14.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg); G John Owens, 6-0, Sr. (8.8 ppg, 3.8 apg), F Osborne Gardner, 6-6, Sr. (11.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg ), G/F, 6-6 Kelvin Green, Sr. (8.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg).

The skinny: With four returning senior starters and the influx of junior-college transfers -- 6-6, 240-pound Ron Banks, 6-3 James Hairston and 6-3 Theron Colao -- the Vulcans are looking to return to the NCAA tournament after a two-year absence. Colao, a transfer from Community College of Beaver County, is a 3-point specialist who should make an immediate impact.

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CLARION

Conference: PSAC West

Last season: 13-13, 5-7

Key players: G Bobby Franklin, 5-11, Sr. (11 ppg, 4.5 apg, 2.1 spg), F Ricky Henderson, 6-6, Sr. (16.1 ppg, 9.4 rpg), F Leon Kennedy, 6-4, Sr. (15.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg), C Chris Buchanan, 6-5, Sr. (8.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg).

The skinny: If the Golden Eagles can stay healthy, they should return to the league playoffs after missing them last season for the first time in 10 years. They will be bolstered by the return of 6-6 Brent Nelson, who missed last year with a knee injury, and junior-college transfer 5-5 Demetrius Graham.

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EDINBORO

Conference: PSAC West

Last season: 21-10, 9-3

Key players: F Daren Tielsch, 6-8, Sr. (18.7 ppg, 5.9 rpg), G Curtis Ingram, 6-3, Sr. (13.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg), G Devon Knight, 5-9, Jr. (5.0 ppg), G Joseph Jones, 6-2, Jr. (transfer Roberts Wesleyan), G Kyree Brown, 6-3, So. (transfer Eastern Illinois).

The skinny: Tielsch, who was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA this summer, is the cornerstone of the Fighting Scots who have won back-to-back league championships and reached the NCAA tournament the past two seasons. Tielsch and Ingram are the only returning starters. Transfers Jones and Brown will have an opportunity to contribute right away.

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GANNON

Conference: GLIAC

Last season: 12-15, 6-11

Key players: F Aurimas Truskauskas, 6-9, Jr. (14.5 ppg, 11.6 rpg), G Ron Hollis, 6-0, So. (8.9 ppg, 51 3-pointers).

The skinny: The Golden Knights have a prolific inside-outside combo in Truskauskas and Hollis, but they will miss 6-9 Shelby Chaney who transferred to Mercyhurst. Although they outrebounded opponents by nearly 10 a game, the Golden Knights were hurt by turnovers and didn't reach the NCAA tournament for the first time in seven seasons.

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IUP

Conference: PSAC West

Last season: 19-9, 7-5

Key players: C Piotr Warawko, 6-8, Sr. (4.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg), F Avery Oliver, 6-4, Sr. (10.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg ).

The skinny: This could be a long first season for former Pitt assistant Joe Lombardi, who must rebuild with only part-time starter Warawko returning. Oliver will be eligible in the second semester after playing just four games last season before a season-ending knee injury.

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LOCK HAVEN

Conference: PSAC West

Last season: 4-23, 2-10

Key players: F Billy Arre, 6-5, So. (18.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg), G James Chappell, 5-10, Sr. (15.6 ppg), G Bruce Kennedy, 5-10, So. (8.8 ppg), F Rodney Armstrong (6-4, Jr. (4.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg).

The skinny: It's not a stretch to say the Bald Eagles will be improved, but don't look for them to post their first winning season since 1992-93 because they still lack size and strength under the boards. Arre (Thomas Jefferson) was the PSAC rookie of the year.

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MERCYHURST

Conference: GLIAC

Last season: 19-9, 9-8

Key players: G Avi Fogel, 6-2, Sr. (17.4 ppg, 4.1 apg), G Terry Smit h, 6-1, jr. (13.6 ppg), G T.J. Mathis, 5-9, Jr. (9.9 ppg, Morgan State), F Richard Field, 6-5, Sr. (8.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg), C Shelby Chaney, 6-9, Sr. (12.0 ppg, 9.4 rpg).

The skinny: The big news is the arrival of Chaney, a wide-body who moved across town after playing three seasons at Gannon. Mathis, a transfer from Division I Morgan State, also will help. Fogel had a rare triple-double with 30 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists against Lake Superior State.

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PITT-JOHNSTOWN

Conference: WVIAC

Last season: 21-6

Key players: F Chris Gilliam, 6-7, Jr. (18.6 ppg, 6.3 rpg), C Kyle Goldcamp, 6-10, So. (11.5 ppg, 7.3 rpg), F Marcus Tullis, 6-6, So. (9.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg), G J.J.. Schumacher, 6-3, Sr. (6.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg), G Dwight Hines, 6-1, Sr. (13.2 ppg, 3.8 apg, 3.5 rpg, in 04-05).

The skinny: Bob Rukavina's Mountain Cats, who are members of the WVIAC but aren't eligible for the championship, need to find shooters to complement the big guys underneath. Gilliam's .68 6 field-goal percentage led the country and Goldcamp's 2.7 blocks per game was seventh. Hines returns after being redshirted last season.

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SHIPPENSBURG

Conference: PSAC West

Last season: 24-7, 11-1

Key players: G Chuck Davis, 6-3, Sr. (19.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg), F Todd Johnson, 6-3, Sr. (8.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg), G Jamal Williams, 6-4, Sr. (8.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg), G Ryan Kraft, 6-5, Jr. (7.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg).

The skinny: Davis, the PSAC West player of the year, heads a veteran cast that won a school-record 24 games and finished 18th in the NABC Coaches' poll. Davis was the team's high scorer in 26 of 31 games, including a career-high 39 against Ohio Valley and 30 against Division I Ohio University. With a little more support from his teammates, Davis could lead the Red Raiders deep into NCAA tournament.

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SLIPPERY ROCK

Conference: PSAC West

Last season: 2-25, 1-11

Key players: F Jamar Scales, 6-3, Jr. (12.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg), F Brandon Thompson, 6-4, Jr. (10.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg), F Glenn Reepmeyer, 6-7, Sr. (14.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg in 04-05), G Erroll Robinson, 6-3, So. (8.8 ppg).

The skinny: The Rock will be bigger than in recent years, with the return of Reepmeyer, a second-team All-PSAC selection in 2004-05 who decided not to play basketball last year, and 6-8, 250-pound Troy Younkers, a transfer from California, Pa. Newcomers 6-3 David White and 6-2 Kenny Smith will help.

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WEST LIBERTY STATE

Conference: WVIAC

Last season: 20-8, 10-7

Key players: F Shane Maynard, 6-4, Jr. (21.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 55 3-pointers), G Corey McDuffie, 6-0, Sr. (18.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg), G Dan Binggeli, 6-2, Jr. (13.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg), F Chris Blair, 6-5, Sr. (11.3 ppg, 7.8 rpg), F Chris Banal, 6-4, jr. (10.6 ppg).

The skinny: The Hilltoppers have almost everybody back from a team that averaged 98.1 points and loved the 3-pointer, led by preseason All-America Shane Maynard and McDuffie. Five players made 40 or more 3-pointers last season. To move up in the standings, the Hilltoppers must shore up a defense that allowed 84.5 points per game.

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NCAA DIVISION III

ALLEGHENY

Conference: NCAC

Last season: 11-14, 7-9

Key players: G Casey McCloskey, 6-1, Sr. (14.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.1 apg), F Ben Torsney, 6-6, Jr. (10.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg), F Ryan Hollihan, 6-8, So. (9.9 ppg, 7.1 rpg), G Bill Babe, 6-0, Jr. (8.9 ppg). G/F Jimmy Savage, 6-2, Sr. (7.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg).

The skinny: The Gators have a nice mix of talent and experience that should help them turn around last year's record and make some noise in the conference. But they have to cut down on the 78.4 points they allowed per game if they're going to move up in the standings. Savage will help once he gets into basketball mode after playing quarterback this fall.

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CARNEGIE MELLON

Conference: University Athletic Association

Last season: 20-6, 10-4

Key players: G Geoff Kozak, 6-0, Jr. (5.8 ppg, 2.8 apg, 39 steals), F/C Greg Gonzalez, 6-8, Sr. (5.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 29 blocks), G Corey O'Rourke, 6-2, So. (2.0 ppg), G Brad Matta, 6-1, Sr. (3.4 ppg).

The skinny: Kozak is the only returning starter from a team that won the school's first UAA championship and reached the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1977. Tony Wingen faces a major rebuilding job in the 100th year of CMU basketball. Freshmen 6-3 Jack Anderson (Beaver Falls) and 6-6 Dan Sawl (Greensburg Central Catholic) are being counted on to provide some scoring punch.

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GROVE CITY

Conference: PAC

Last season: 9-17, 5-7

Key players: G Shawn Carr, 6-1, Jr. (11.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg ), G Ryan Gerber, 6-1, Jr. (8.2 ppg), F Mark Smith, 6-3, Sr. (7.5 ppg), G Joe Capotosta, 6-1, Jr. (6.1 ppg).

The skinny: The Wolverines are long on experience and short on height, a combination that will keep them competitive but will probably keep them from challenging for a championship. They need someone to have a breakout season to carry the scoring load. Carr, a second-team All-PAC selection, led them in scoring, rebounding and 3-pointers.

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LA ROCHE

Conference: AMCC

Last season: 10-16, 8-10

Key players: G Stacy Grady, 6-1, Sr. (12.5 ppg, 4 apg), F Adam Kostewicz, 6-6, Sr. (9.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg), G Josh Rulnick, 5-7, So. (7 ppg), G Zack Kostorick, 6-2, So. (10.0 ppg), G Steve Lucas, 6-1, So. (6.0 ppg).

The skinny: Three freshmen between 6-6 and 6-9 could see quality playing time and complement a solid corps of guards. Rulnick shot 51 percent from beyond the arc to lead the conference and Lucas is a tenacious defender.

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PENN STATE BEHREND

Conference: AMCC

Last season: 20-8, 13-5

Key players: C Kevin Buczynski, 6-6, Jr. (18.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg), F David Grahan, 6-3, Jr. (11.6 ppg, 6.9 rpg), G Ben Gasbarre, 5-9, Jr. (4.5 ppg).

The skinny: Everything will revolve around Buczynski, the conference player of the year last season. Buczynski and Grahan are a strong inside combination who could propel the Lions to a postseason tournament for the 10th time in 11 years. Coach Dave Niland has produced winning teams in each of his first 12 seasons.

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BETHANY

Conference: PAC

Last season: 23-5, 12-0

Key players: G Chris Stephens, 6-2, Sr. (7.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg), G Brody Jackson, 6-0, Jr. (7.1 ppg), G Marc Palermo, 5-8, Sr. (6.2 ppg), F James Wallace, 6-4, Sr. (6.2 ppg).

The skinny: There's no way the Bison can overcome the loss of the Drahos twins, Mike and Matt, and Scott Mezyk, a prolific trio who led the team to the PAC championship and NCAA appearances the past two seasons. Coach Aaron Huffman will be asking a lot from last year's role players.

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PITT-GREENSBURG

Conference: AMCC

Last season: 18-11, 14-4

Key players: F Bill Scavincky, 6-5, Sr. (14.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg ), F Ed Montgomery, 6-3, Jr. (9.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg), F Daniel Waajid, 6-6, Jr. (8.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg), G Chris Streett, 5-11, Sr. (8.1 ppg ).

The skinny: The Bobcats will be hard-pressed to replace Duke Cooper, but they have a number of players who can pick up the scoring slack. Matt Rowland (7.1 ppg) and Rashad Davison (6.8 ppg), both 6-3 sophomore swingmen, could boost their numbers with a year's experience.

SAINT VINCENT

Conference: PAC

Last season: 18-12, 9-5

Key players: G Tre'sor Kalambay, 6-3, So. (8.8 ppg, 2.4 apg), G Roscoe Biggs, 6-0, Sr. 3.4 ppg, 2.5 apg), G Ian McCollough, 6-3, Sr. (8.8 ppg, 2.4 apg).

The skinny: There will be a huge hole in the middle of the lineup with the loss of 7-0 Jeff Mallory, but the three returning starters will help pick up the slack. The Bearcats will compete in the PAC for the first time this season but won't be eligible for the conference championship.

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THIEL

Conference: PAC

Last season: 5-22, 1-11

Key players: F Joe Herrman, 6-5, Jr. (15.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg), G Gary Gates, 6-2, Jr. (5.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg), F Geno Bianco, 6-5, Sr. (8.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg), G Brandon Mirizio, 5-9, So. (Juniata transfer), F Sharron Summerville, 6-2, So. (CCBC transfer).

The skinny: The Tomcats will have a new look with new coach Tim Loomis installing a patient, patterned offense and a physical brand of defense. The idea is to keep the score down and stay close as long as possible and hope to steal a win at the end. The goal is to cut down the team's 20 turnovers and 89 points allowed per game.

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WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON

Last season: 10-16, 8-4

Key players: G Jon Koch, 6-2, Sr. (19.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg), G Brandon Studer, 5-11, Sr. (12.6 ppg), C Josip Lucic-Jozak, 6-8, So. (12.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg). G Nathan Burton, 6-1, So. (3.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg). C Tony Lewis, 6-6, jr. (8.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg).

The skinny: Koch is on pace to become the school's all-time scorer and Studer most likely will finish third. First-year coach Glenn Gutierrez steps into a good situation with five starters back and could produce the first winning season since 1997-98.

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WAYNESBURG

Conference: PAC

Last season: 16-11, 7-5

Key players: G Beau Wilson, 6-0, Sr. (17.0 ppg, 3.7 apg), F Jeff Nero, 6-1, Sr. (14.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg), G Marc Lodovico, 6-1, Sr. (9.6 ppg), F Josh Parisi, 6-5, Jr. (6.7 ppg, 5.9 rpg), G Jeff Linden, 6-1, Sr. (9.3 ppg).

The skinny: Wilson led the league with 2.31 steals per game and was fourth with 0.77 blocks. With four starters back plus top reserves, the Yellow jackets are the team to beat in the PAC. A healthy F Shawn Coleman will be a huge plus.

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WESTMINSTER

Conference: PAC

Last season: 11-16, 7-5

Key players: G Craig Hannon, 6-2, Jr. (19.9 ppg), G Greg Rosatelli, 5-10, Jr. (9.3 ppg), F Jake Zatchok, 6-6, Jr. (2.8 ppg), F Steve Bielich, 6-8, So. (12.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg), F Dom Joseph, 6-2, Sr. (12.1 ppg).

The skinny: The Titans will continue to run-and-gun and fire 3-pointers at the drop of a basketball, but they will have to stiffen somewhat on defense if they're going to make a move in the standings. They averaged 102 points and allowed 105. Teams shot 56.5 percent from the field.

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NAIA DIVISION II

GENEVA

Conference: AMC North

Last season: 14-16, 6-8

Key players: The Golden Tornadoes have a veteran nucleus, which could make the team's final season in NAIA enjoyable. They're moving to the PAC next season. The key to their success might depend on how quickly sharp-shooting freshman Bryan hill adjusts to college basketball.

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POINT PARK

Conference: American Mideast

Last season: 17-8, 10-4

Key players: G Chivas Whipple, 6-1, Jr. (24 ppg, 11.1 rpg), G Gavin Prosser, 6-0, Sr. (16.4 ppg, 4.5 apg), G Denny DiPasquale, 5-11, Sr. (14.8 ppg), F Mark Ferguson, 6-3, Sr. (12.7 ppg, 7.5 rpg), G Ryne Liggins, 6-1, Sr. (13.5 ppg).

The skinny: The Pioneers, who return all their starters, are picked to repeat as North Division I champion. They will rely on Whipple's jumper and the fastbreak to overcome a lack of size and inside offensive presence. Bob Rager's teams always play an entertaining style.

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SETON HILL

Conference: American Mideast

Last season: 17-7, 10-4

Key players: G/F Zarko Kostic, 6-4, Sr. (16.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg), G/F Bojan Nikolovski, 6-4, Sr. (9.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.9 apg), G/F Marcus Thompson, 6-4, Sr. (16.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg ), F Mateja Dicic, 6-6, Jr. (10.65 ppg, 5.6 rpg).

The skinny: The Griffins will continue to rely on their versatility to create favorable matchups against taller opponents. They will be a threat in the North Division with proven scorers and a solid system that requires everyone to be active at both ends of the court.