Another season, another large recruiting class, more hope for coach Brooks Thompson that his team -- filled with personnel turnover -- can stay intact for more than a season.

Transfers and graduation again have stripped the Roadrunners of many of their bodies. But three of the four players who return -- Devin Gibson, Travis Gabbidon and Joey Shank -- provide much optimism for a return to the Southland Tournament and perhaps a little climb up the standings.

UTSA made it to the Southland field of eight last season despite losing Gabbidon, the leading-scorer at the time, early in the conference season to a broken leg. Gibson, a freshman last season, stepped in with a phenomenal season, with 14.1 points, 5 assists and 3.4 assists a game, while leading the nation with 3.3 steals a game.

Shank provided outside shooting, and the return of Gabbidon gives the team a strong player underneath the basket and a third scoring threat to go with Shank and Gibson.

But the newcomers will have a say in just how far this team goes. A heralded group of newcomers helped last season, but not all are around this year. JohnMark Ludwick and Russ Permenter were highly regarded and, Ludwick in particular, earned key minutes. But they are not back.

Instead it is another class rated near the top of the Southland, once again filling in depth and filling out the starting lineup, that will determine the Roadrunners postseason possibilities.

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