THE GOOD NEWS
The whole roster, save G Adonis Gray, is coming back. G Michael Czepil, who has had an injury-riddled run, also will return, giving Nicholls three dominant scoring options. G Anatoly Bose really could blossom into a top player with continued development.

THE BAD NEWS
Better beef up that inside game. Teams pounded on Nicholls. Last season, it didn't matter, as the Colonels were an up-tempo team that just ran with opponents. This season, the offense was bogged down and Nicholls took a physical beating. Czepil's health will be a concern after his second serious knee injury. If he does not round back into form, it would be a serious blow. Piper's teams have failed to qualify for the conference tournament for four seasons now. He has the tools for a successful fifth shot, but will he get to use them?

KEY RETURNEES
Most of the major players are back. Wing Ryan Bathie and G Anatoly Bose provide the scoring touch. If G Michael Czepil can return from injury, he would be a welcome addition. Czepil was the team's leading scorer when he went down in 2007-08.

ROSTER REPORT

--Senior G Adonis Gray finished with 1,221 career points, placing him 15th all time at the school.

--Junior wing Ryan Bathie closed the season as fifth all time in the Southland Conference with 204 3-pointers made.

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