THE GOOD NEWS
Kevin Nickelberry can expect a step forward by Vincent Simpson in the scoring department to help replace the departed Rashad West. Also back are fellow juniors-to-be Matthew Pilgram and Michael Freeman, giving Nickelberry three of his top four scorers from the 2007-08 campaign.

THE BAD NEWS
Rashad West's impact will likely be felt in more than just his scoring numbers. West was a leader on the team who set an example of playing hard. Adrian Woodard is another player who will be missed for more than his on-court play.

KEY RETURNEES
Vincent Simpson will need to play up to the expectations he'll have put on him after a breakout season. Theo Smalling was big on the glass for the Pirates, who hope he can develop more of an offensive repertoire in the offseason.

ROSTER REPORT

--F Theo Smalling ranked ninth in the MEAC in rebounding this year with 6.0 per game.

--G Rashad West was a great scorer but he also set up his teammates for baskets as well, finishing eighth in the league with an average of 2.87 assists per game.

--F Michael Freeman was one of the clutch shooters at the charity stripe in the MEAC, hitting 78.4 percent.

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