Entering the 2007-08 season, Howard coach Gil Jackson knew he had a very young team that needed experience to grow.

The Bison had just one senior, Jeron Smith, among the seven lettermen returning. That youth was shown throughout the year, as Howard finished with a 6-26 mark, including 3-13 in the MEAC.

Was the year a disappointment? Well, no one goes into a season assuming they'll only win six of 32 games. But overall, the Bison learned a lot, and the results of the lessons should be evident in 2008-09.

Jackson has averaged just over seven wins a season in his three years as coach, but he's gone through a lot, and all of the hardships should pay off next year. There's no word that Howard wants to replace Jackson, so he should be able to see the fruits of his labor next season.

But the maturation of a team doesn't just come from age. The Bison are going to have to work hard together during the offseason to make sure that they are able to apply the hard lessons they were taught in 2007-08.

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