Coach Mike Rice has signed six players to letters of intent in an effort to replenish a Robert Morris basketball roster devoid of four players who helped the Colonials finish 26-8 last season.

However, two of the six recruits won't be of help next season.

Guard Jason Burns, whose signing was announced in November, will enroll at South Kent Prep School in Connecticut and join Robert Morris in 2009-10.

"He just physically needs to get better," Rice said.

Also, 6-foot-6 freshman forward Brandon Greene, a cousin of Syracuse forward Donte Greene, will sit out next season to concentrate on academics. He should be eligible to play in the 2009-10 season.

Robert Morris loses three starters from last season's team -- seniors Tony Lee, A.J. Jackson and Freddie Harris. Reserve Bas Rozendaal will transfer.

The Colonials should get help up front from newcomers Rob Robinson, Russell Johnson and Josiah Whitehead, while freshman guard Velton Jones, whose signing also was announced in November, could provide depth in the backcourt.

Robinson, a 6-8 junior, comes to Robert Morris from Globe Institute in New York City, where he averaged 17.4 points and 11 rebounds a game last season.

"He's an athletic forward who will allow us to pressure the ball more," Rice said. "He has an uncanny ability to block shots."

Whitehead, 6-6, will be a junior next season. Last season, he averaged 11.5 points and 5.5 rebounds a game for Cecil Community College in Maryland, helping a team that averaged 100.9 points a game finish 33-1.

"Another versatile athlete who will benefit us greatly," Rice said. "He's won at every level he's played."

Johnson, also 6-6, helped Chester (33-1) win the PIAA Class AAAA championship in March. Johnson, who averaged 11.2 points and 7.3 rebounds a game, scored 18 points and had 12 rebounds in the championship game win against Norristown.

"An extremely gifted athlete who should make an immediate impact on our program," Rice said. "His biggest strength is his versatility. He can play four positions. It's going to be exciting to watch him develop."

All the players in this recruiting class seem to fit the mold Rice wants.

"I want interchangeable parts," the coach said. "I want someone who can rebound and bring the ball down the court. I want somebody who can shoot a three when he's not necessarily one of my guards. I want an interchangeable, diverse player -- someone who is athletic and aggressive."