THE GOOD NEWS
The Chippewas lose only one starter and return the nucleus of a team that appeared to be gaining traction as the season progressed. Freshman F Jeremy Allen was a fixture in Ziegler's frequently changing starting lineup, starting 23 of 30 games this past season. Allen was named to the MAC All-Freshman squad this season and recorded double-digit scoring in eleven contests. The frontcourt will have good size with the return of 6-8 Chris Kellerman and 6-7 Marcus Van for their senior seasons, while returning Gs Jordan Bitzer and Robbie Harman, both sophomores, showed a nice scoring touch and will battle for starting time.

THE BAD NEWS
Who will run the point? That will be the big question heading into next season following the departure of senior PG Giordan Watson. All Watson did this season was finish his career as CMU's all-time leader in assists, steals and 3-pointers. Watson also led the Chips this season in scoring and was named second-team All-MAC.

The Chips also lost a couple of key contributors late in the season. G Chase Simon left the team with three games remaining in the season while regular contributor Nate Minnoy was suspended from the team at the end of the regular season. His status is unclear heading into next season, leaving little depth in the Chippewas' backcourt heading into next season. With the likely departure of Minnoy and Watson leaving after his senior season, the Chips lose their top two scorers.

KEY RETURNEES
Freshman F Jeremy Allen will be the Chippewas' leading returning frountcourt scorer entering the 2008-2009 campaign. The MAC All-Freshman team performer finished fifth among MAC freshmen in scoring, averaging 7.2 points per game.

G Robbie Harman should contend for a starting role in the backcourt with his long-range shooting abilities. Harman shot nearly 45 percent from 3-point range this past season.

C Marcus Van led the team in rebounding and shooting percentage and ranked fifth in the MAC in blocked shots.

G Jordan Bitzer, a sophomore, was the team's second-leading scorer in conference games, averaging 7.9 points per game, and his 25.4 minutes per game were second on the team.

ROSTER REPORT

--G Giordan Watson was the team leader in scoring (16.4 points per game), assists (4.6 per game), steals (58) and minutes played (33.2 per game) this past season. His departure leaves a significant void that will likely be filled by a committee of players of next season.

--C Marko Spica had a disappointing sophomore season coming off an All-Freshman campaign last year. Spica, who had several defensive lapses during the season, saw his playing time significantly reduced, averaging only 13.6 minutes per game, but at 6-9, Spica has enough size to be a factor in the guard-dominated MAC and will get an opportunity to claim a starting role next season.

--F Nate Minnoy was second on the team in scoring, averaging 8.9 points per game, but was suspended prior to the MAC tournament and his future status is uncertain.

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